Would you recommend carpentry as a good career choice?

Question

I worked as a union carpenter for 13 years. There were many things that I loved about the industry - like the pride I felt every time I walked by a building that I had helped put up.

And there were things I hated about the industry - the lack of job security and the high risk of injuries. I ended up having to leave the carpentry business due to a knee injury (I'm a middle school special ed teacher now)

Would you recommend carpentry as a good career choice?

And do you think a person coming into the carpentry field would be better off as a member of the Carpenters Union, or working as a non union carpenter?

Also, do you think the large number of immigrant carpenters coming into the trade and working at very low wages makes carpentry a bad career choice?

Answer 1

I worked as a sander on cabinet doors for 2 years. I also notched frames and put them together. Different line, but still carpentry. I don't think you get paid enough to do that work. Plus, it is dangerous. And yes, I think the immigrants are making it harder in the field. I know some that worked for half of what I did at different places. I think your new career is a much better choice.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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RE:
Would you recommend carpentry as a good career choice?
I worked as a union carpenter for 13 years. There were many things that I loved about the industry - like the pride I felt every time I walked by a building that I had helped put up.

And there were things I hated about the industry - the lack of job security and the high risk of injuries. I...

Answer 4

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well it kind of depends on what type of carpentry you are talking about. If you mean framing houses and businesses then i wouldn't recommend it. I work for a framing company in the office, and though many people here (and i don't live in Toronto) make good money, its a very physically demanding job, and with the current economy and housing crisis (in America anyway) it isn't as secure a job as it used to be. We just let go of two whole crews of men some of which have been with us for 5 years because the market is slow. Others are on hold, meaning they are at home without pay but as soon as work becomes available we will call them back to work. Its a job that depends a lot on the ecenomic situation in your area. Its also not a very easy job to transfer from city to city with. And many people who start off in carpentry or construction type fields end up having a hard time changing to other forms of work, because once you get experience in one thing its hard to break into something new, and they find a lot of office type companies and things wont hire them. hope i helped. TBP

Answer 5

My husband is a carpenter by trade. He currently works for himself as union jobs come & go and actally offer very little security. I think it is still a fine career choice for those who feel the same sense of accomplishment of a job well done as you once did and as my husband does. Some people just like to work with their hands & not be tied to a desk & I think that that career choice should be encouraged as much as any other. As for the immigrants.....I think the have affected the field somewhat, but in my neck of the woods (WI) they are more well known for shoddy work than anything. It hasn't affected the wages too bad here and I don't believe that it will in the near future. A good carpenter can do many things with his hands & I think that will always be in demand.

Answer 6

Is Carpentry A Good Job

Answer 7

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Answer 8

you may well recommend a trade to someone, but the person receiving the advice has the ultimate choice.

yes i would advise any person interested in wood work to pursue a career in the industry. i know many very successful carpenters.

as far as unions are concerned, no opinion.

the influx of immigrant carpenters will change the trade, but, quality work and communication will rule the marketplace.

Answer 9

I think you have given some very good answers to why one should not be a carpenter. However, becoming an activist to forcibly remove those illegals that are driving our standard of living down is a great choice!

Answer 10

Carpentry is a profession same like Army, both will toil for the others to enjoy their life. Both these professions are in line, when it comes to pay and also the security.................................both an army personel and a carpenter is getting peanuts as pay and their is absolutely no security...................