cks; and repair broken furniture. In a factory, carpenters may help move or install machinery. How stressful is your job? Carpentry work is sometimes stressful. It often involves standing for a long time, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Carpenters risk getting hurt from slipping or falling, or from working with sharp or rough tools. In relation to that, what are the working conditions like? As in other building trades, carpentry work is sometimes strenuous. Prolonged standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling are often necessary. Carpenters risk injury working with sharp or rough materials, using sharp tools and power equipment, and from slips or falls. Additionally, many carpenters work outdoors, which can be uncomfortable. Some carpenters change employers each time they finish a construction job. Others alternate between working for a contractor and working as contractors themselves on small jobs. Jobs Carpenters held about 1.1 million jobs in 1998. Most of them, about 80 percent, worked for contractors who build or repair buildings. Most others worked for private firms, government agencies, retail stores, and schools. Nearly one-third were self-employed. Carpenters get jobs in most parts of the country. Preparing for the job Carpenters learn their work mostly on the job and through training programs. Many carpenters learn their skills in school. High school courses in carpentry, shop, drawing, and math will help on the job. Some carpenters join a program called an apprenticeship. This program combines learning on the job and classroom work. Applicants for this program must be at least 17 years old and pass an exam to see if they have the skills to become a carpenter. The length of the program is usually 3 to 4 years. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Carpenters learn their trade through on-the-job training, as well as formal training programs. Most pick up skills informally by wo...
