Carpenter

NOC #72310

  • Environment Primarily outdoor work
  • Education High school diploma
  • Average salary $34,000 to $82,000

Career profile

Carpenters build, shape and cut materials to specified measurements, assemble and fasten components, or install windows, frames and flooring. There is also the potential to specialize in areas such as cribbing and framing which requires heavy lifting of materials and equipment associated with oil and natural gas and other industrial construction.

Oil and gas services, Contracted and turnaround maintenance, Construction

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Studying specifications in blueprints, sketches and building plans to prepare a project layout and determine dimensions and the materials required
  • Selecting and ordering lumber and other required material
  • Building and repairing cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors and other wooden fixtures using woodworking machines, carpenter’s hand tools and power tools
  • Erecting scaffolding or ladders for assembling structures above ground level
  • Finishing surfaces of woodwork and wallboard using paint, hand tools and paneling
  • Installing structures and fixtures such as windows, frames, floorings, trim and hardware using carpenter’s hand or power tools

Education

  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
  • Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
  • H2S Alive®
  • Confined Space entry
  • Fall protection

Licensing

  • Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program is required to become a certified tradesperson. Another route to apprenticeship training is a pre-apprenticeship foundation program.
  • The Red Seal endorsement is the interprovincial standard of excellence, and is available to tradespersons upon successful completion of the Red Seal examination.

  • Minimal or no travel
  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily outdoor work
  • Physical work
  • Safety-sensitive environment
  • Work away from home/in camps

You’re on the level. Precise angles, measurements and efficient calculations rely on your solid math skills. This job appeals to those with good multitasking and observation skills.

  • Building and construction
  • Active listening
  • Selecting equipment
  • Installing equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Public safety and security
  • Document use
  • Maintaining equipment
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Planning and organizing