Joiner

The information contained in this career of the week is kindly provided by Hobson & Porter, a local award-winning construction & maintenance firm operating across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region.

A Joiner works with timber to construct wooden components and structures integral to many buildings. These will include staircases, windows, doors, furniture and more. They are involved in the construction, alterations, repairs and extensions to domestic, commercial and industrial buildings. They may also be responsible for designing, creating and installation these components and structures to suit specific requirements. 

Day to day activities may include:

• Utilising different types of wood and using the correct material for a project
• Understanding technical drawings and specifications, to ensure the joinery work fits within the building
• Conducting site surveys
• Measuring and marking wood to suite the technical drawings and specifications
• Cutting wood by hand or by utilising power tools
• Producing cutting lists and estimating the materials require to complete the project
• Using a range of tools and equipment from traditional to state-of-the-art computerised cutting equipment and hi-tech drawing and design software
• Conducting quality checks 

Skills

• Interest required and knowledge of building and construction
• Thorough with a high attention to detail
• Good maths skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Pride in work
• Flexibility and open to change
• Patience and the ability to remain calm
• Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• Ambition to achieve
• Ability to work well with hands
• Basic IT ability  

Career path and progression

A Joiner can progress to the role of Site Supervisor or Foreman with progression to Site Management. Opportunity to start own business or work self-employed. 

Salaries for this role are dependent on experience. Examples are as follows:

• Newly trained Joiner £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained with experience Joiner £20,000 to £30,000
• Senior Joiner £30,000 to £40,000  

There are no formal qualifications to become a joiner, but you are likely to need 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including maths and English to study a Level 2 course.

There are various routes to become a Joiner these include:

• College - Full time courses available in Carpentry and Joinery including T-Skills
• Apprenticeship - Carpentry and Joinery
• Direct Employment with training 

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a joiner, visit our partner website www.logonmoveon.co.uk

Find out more about opportunities with Hobson & Porter

National Careers Service

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