Carpenter (Timmerman)
Information on this skill...
A carpenter is usually an all-round craftsman who can be responsible for performing various jobs depending on the specialization. Think, for example, of making roof constructions, setting frames, making stairs, making frames and setting profiles for the bricklayer. The profession of carpenter can be called a versatile profession, in which various specializations exist. As a carpenter you can work for different companies, which will also determine what work you perform. The work of a carpenter working for a contractor will be different from the work of a carpenter working for a maintenance company. Within the profession of carpenter, experience and knowledge play an important role, because the field of a carpenter is broad. For example, it is not the case that all carpenters can make frames or stairs, because these are usually made by carpenters who work in a carpentry workshop. The work of a carpenter usually consists of carpentry of floor, wall and roof structures, carpentry and maintenance work. Setting frames, such as door frames and window frames, and then hanging doors and windows is also part of the work of a carpenter. Another important part of the work is the execution of construction work. The profession of carpenter should therefore be seen as fairly general, because a carpenter can be responsible for various activities. In most cases, a carpenter can only be regarded as an all-round carpenter after years of work. In that case, a carpenter can, for example, make concrete formwork but also independently make a frame or staircase. This generally requires years of experience. It is not the case that a carpenter can automatically be classified as an all-round carpenter.
A carpenter can therefore be responsible for various activities. As a carpenter, it is important that you can read a good drawing, because as a carpenter you will often work from a working drawing. On this technical construction drawing all sizes are indicated that are relevant. Think of the dimensions with regard to the foundation of a building, the size of a building, the height of a building and where all frames must be placed exactly. In addition, as a carpenter you usually work with a cutlery book. The specifications book, which is part of the technical construction drawing, describes exactly which materials must be used and other relevant information, such as how these materials must be used. As a carpenter, you do not always have to work on construction sites, because a carpenter can also work within a carpentry factory. Within a carpentry factory, for example, window frames and stairs are made, which are eventually applied to a construction site. Making window frames and stairs is not easy, and therefore requires a lot of craftsmanship. Also getting to know all the woodworking machines in a carpentry workshop and being able to safely operate woodworking machines requires professionalism from a carpenter. Most woodworking machines work with sharp chisels or cutters, which rotate very quickly and can therefore be potentially dangerous if handled incorrectly.
WORKING AS A CARPENTER
Working neatly and precisely is very important as a carpenter. Think, for example, of a carpenter who is responsible for setting profiles for the masons. If a carpenter does not set the profiles correctly, this will be immediately visible, because the masons then start painting crookedly. The setting of frames must also be done carefully, because frames that are not level can ensure that doors or windows always fall open or close. Another example is making ceilings. Ceilings should be level and flat, otherwise it is not a face. Even if ceilings are plastered, it is still important that a ceiling is level and flat. As described earlier, a carpenter is also responsible for making load-bearing constructions. The making of load-bearing structures can only be left to the right professionals, because the installation or modification of load-bearing structures can be potentially dangerous. A carpenter will in most cases work from a construction drawing, which states exactly how the construction should be made. This construction drawing is an important part of the building permit.
MAINTENANCE
A carpenter can also work as a maintenance carpenter. In that case, a carpenter will often work with painters, who are also responsible for performing maintenance. For example, if a painter encounters wood rot during work, it is the carpenter who will remove and repair the wood rot. A carpenter can do this by applying a wood filler or by replacing the affected wood for new wood. A specialized carpenter in wood rot can be seen as a wood rot specialist. As a maintenance carpenter, you can also work for housing associations, which have a lot to do with maintenance. Think, for example, of remedying clamping doors or renewing kitchen units.
WHAT DOES A CARPENTER DO
What exactly a carpenter does should be seen broadly, because a carpenter is usually responsible for all common work. For example, a carpenter may be responsible for insulating an attic, but may also be responsible for making a dormer window. Other activities of a carpenter can be the placement of glass or, for example, the carpentry of certain interiors as an interior builder. Exactly what work a carpenter performs depends on the employer. It is not the case that a carpenter will only work with wood. The work of a carpenter should be seen much more broadly. For example, a carpenter can also be a safe living advisor who specializes in hinges and locks. Depending on the knowledge and work, a carpenter can also be regarded as a craftsman.
ACTIVITIES OF A CARPENTER:
- Setting out construction projects
- Setting up construction sites
- Working according to the construction drawing
- Making concrete formwork
- Making extensions and dormers
- Performing maintenance work
- Making architectural constructions
- Carrying out carpentry work
- Possibly making frames, doors and windows
- Hanging on doors and windows
WHAT DOES A CARPENTER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A CARPENTER
Those who aspire to a career as a carpenter can best opt for the MBO training all-round carpenter at level three. The MBO training all-round carpenter will, depending on the preliminary training, take about three to four years. During this practical training, as an apprentice carpenter you will generally work four days a week for a training company and follow theory lessons at school one day a week. During the training, an apprentice carpenter will take various practical exams in practice. Think of making a concrete formwork, setting profiles and frames, hanging windows and doors and carpentry constructions. In most cases, an apprentice carpenter at the vocational school will also have to make frames and stairs independently. At school where the theory lesson is given, there will be a lot of attention for the general professional knowledge and names in construction. Making technical construction drawings is also common during the training. For the theory lessons, exams are also taken per component. In all cases, an apprentice carpenter will work as a journeyman during the training under the guidance of an experienced teacher. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an independent carpenter.
COMPANIES WHERE A CARPENTER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A carpenter can work for various companies within and outside the construction industry. In most cases, a carpenter will work for a contracting company or for a carpentry factory. In addition, a carpenter can work as a maintenance man for a housing foundation or other company that has a lot of real estate. As a carpenter you can also work for an interior construction company or for a stand construction company. Today, quite a lot of carpenters are also employed as entrepreneurs. In that case, a carpenter can in some cases also be classified as a handyman, depending on the work that a carpenter performs.
COMPETENCES CARPENTER
The most important competence of a carpenter is the all-round professional knowledge of the construction industry and all common carpentry work. As a carpenter, material knowledge can also be regarded as an important competence, because a carpenter generally has to deal with many different types of building materials. Another important competence as a carpenter is safety in general. As a carpenter, you generally work a lot with potentially dangerous machines and tools. In addition, a carpenter will regularly work on scaffolding. Safety should never be underestimated as a carpenter or any construction worker, because accidents can occur relatively easily. Because a carpenter will in most cases work a lot with various colleagues, communication can also be seen as an important competence. Generally important words as a carpenter are independence, cooperation, insight, knowledge, sense of responsibility, accuracy, performance, planning, organizing, flexibility and perseverance. If a carpenter works as an entrepreneur, networking can also be regarded as an important competence.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A CARPENTER
The labour market perspective as an all-round carpenter is generally very good. Most companies within the construction sector and also outside the construction sector are eager for good craftsmen, such as good carpenters. As a carpenter, it is therefore in most cases no problem to get a job. It is not the case that a carpenter can only work for contractors. A carpenter can work for many more different types of employers. The career opportunities as a carpenter can be seen in obtaining additional positions, such as the position of safety coordinator or the position of prevention officer. The positions of safety coordinator and prevention officer are important functions within the construction sector, because safety plays an important role within the construction sector. Another possible career opportunity as a carpenter could be becoming an assistant executor. Becoming an assistant executor is generally only possible by following additional training courses. Starting your own construction company can also be seen as growing within your career.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY CARPENTER
A carpenter will generally fall under the Collective Labour Agreement for the Construction Industry, in which the employment conditions are regulated depending on the type of employer. A carpenter who is employed will generally earn a salary between 2000 and 2600 euros gross per month depending on age, years of service and further responsibilities. What exactly a self-employed carpenter earns is not easy to indicate, because this depends entirely on the number of billable hours and further expenses that an entrepreneur has to incur. In general, a good carpenter can earn more as an entrepreneur.
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