You could take a college course like:

• bench joinery
• site carpentry
• T Level in On Site Construction

Courses like these would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to find a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do a:

• Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Wood Machinist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You could also do a Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, producing goods used in the furniture making and construction industries.

These apprenticeships can take around 2 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a carpenter, you could:

• discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
• cut timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
• make and fit staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
• assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
• install kitchen units, cabinets and shelving
• construct wooden supports, called shuttering, which hold concrete in place while it sets
• fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants and offices
• build stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions

You could work in a workshop, on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.