Trades

Carpenter

Make and fit things that last — structures, staircases, kitchens, sets and furniture.

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Typical pay: €30k–€55k
Usual education: Apprenticeship
Outlook: Steady, with strong self-employment and specialist joinery routes.

A day in the life

Reading drawings, measuring twice, cutting once, and solving the fact that no building is ever quite square.

Ways in

Carpentry apprenticeship
College level 2 and 3
Site labourer then training

What to study at 16

The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.

Spain

FP de Grado Medio

France

Bac professionnel

Germany

Ausbildung (duale Ausbildung)

Poland

Technikum

Ireland

PLC and apprenticeships

Switzerland

EFZ apprenticeship (Lehre)

See related careers

Skills that matter

Safety Awareness Creativity Manual Dexterity Time Management

Best courses to take

The study routes that lead most directly into this career.

Apprenticeship

Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Site and bench joinery skills built on real projects.

Paid on-site training.

Helpful school subjects: Design technology, Maths

FP Grado Medio

Carpentry and Furniture (Grado Medio)

Wood machining, joinery and furniture fitting in a workshop setting.

Workshop-heavy ciclo with real joinery projects.

Helpful school subjects: Woodwork, Technical drawing, Finishing