Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Working Life

Carpenters/joiners use their skills to make structures and fittings such as windows, doors, stairs, furniture and shop fittings from wood and wood materials. The carpenter/joiner cuts, shapes and joins wood, using a wide range of tools including hammers, planes, chisels, screwdrivers and measuring tapes. Also, they often use power tools and cutting machines.  
 
The carpenter/joiner has to study drawings, make calculations and select suitable materials to meet design requirements.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
• Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
• Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
• Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
• Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
• Select and order lumber or other required materials.
• Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
• Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
• Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.

Further Information

• Carpenter-Joiner- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Shopfitter- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

How to become a Carpentry / Joinery Apprentice

You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.

The employer must be approved to train apprentices. The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.

In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,  OR
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course, OR
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designate

Before seeking the apprenticeship you should:

Further Education (FET)  Carpentry & Joinery / Built environment NFQ level Search for FET courses

PLC Courses (FET) Carpentry & Joinery / Built environment  NFQ level 5 Search for PLC courses

To get an apprenticeship you should:

• Investigate apprentice job opportunities with local employers
• Look for apprentice job advertisements in local media, and national newspapers as many large organisations advertise their apprentice vacancies.

Women Apprentices
To promote the entry of women into the designated apprenticeships, Solas offers a bursary to employers to encourage an increased level of recruitment of women apprentices.  

 
Structure of Carpentry/ Joinery Apprenticeship Training
 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €48k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role shift pattern, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
REA Rates / PayScale/ Indeed/ Talent/ Jobs.ie/ WRC-CIF

Last Updated: March, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Carpenters and joiners.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment has fluctuated over the five-year period for carpenters and joiners; employment declined by 1,700 persons in 2024, returning to 2019 levels. Despite this, demand is evident. There was a large volume of vacancy posts notified through DSP Jobs Ireland with shuttering carpenters accounting for a significant share.

The number of employment permits (for carpenters including shuttering) has been increasing annually since 2021 and carpenters (including shuttering) also appeared in the Recruitment Agency Survey as being difficult-to-source. In 2024, at 771, the number of new carpentry and joinery apprentice registrations was 8% higher than in 2023 and 29% higher than 2019 pre-COVID levels (at 597).The number of carpentry/joinery level 6 awards has also increased, from 148 in 2019 to 397 in 2023.

The lack of employment growth may suggest that employers have been unable to find suitable candidates in the available labour market. MMC adoption may see a dampening of demand for these occupations in the long-term.

Skills shortage:

Carpenters

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• SOLAS

  • Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 533 2500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here