Road Mates EnterHow to become a Carpenter, phase by phase: what you do in each one, how long it takes, and the proof that shows you're done.
5 phases4.5–8 years16 resources
Learning hand and power tool safety, measuring, and basic joinery by building small projects like shelves, sawhorses, and a workbench at home or in a community shop or intro course. By the end you can read a simple plan, cut accurately, and assemble square, sturdy pieces.
You're done when you can show
Photos of a completed workbench or set of shelves you built from a plan.
Resources
Assembling a portfolio of projects, getting any required safety cards (e.g. OSHA 10 in the US or CSCS in the UK), and applying to contractors, union halls, or pre-apprenticeship programs. You produce a signed offer as a helper, laborer, or indentured apprentice.
You're done when you can show
Signed apprenticeship agreement or job offer letter from a contractor.
Resources
Spending your days on job sites doing framing, formwork, hanging doors, and trim under a journeyman, while logging hours and attending required trade classes. You prove you can complete assigned tasks to spec, safely and at production speed.
You're done when you can show
Logged apprenticeship hours record signed by your supervisor or training provider.
Resources
Finishing the required hours and coursework, then preparing for and passing the trade assessment or journeyman exam required in your region (e.g. a state journeyman card in the US or NVQ Level 3 in the UK). You produce a recognized credential that lets you work unsupervised.
You're done when you can show
Journeyman card, trade certificate, or NVQ Level 3 certificate.
Resources
Running tasks or whole jobs on your own: reading full blueprints, laying out work, ordering materials, and directing apprentices or helpers. By the end you have a track record of completed jobs delivered on time and to quality without oversight.
You're done when you can show
Portfolio of photos of completed jobs you led, with client or employer references.
Resources
Walk this road with people on it.
Track each phase, post your proofs, and get matched with people in the same phase.