Thinking about pursuing an apprenticeship in joinery? Here’s what you need to know:

Why become a joiner?

If you enjoy making things, there’s no better career choice than being a joiner. At the end of a working day, nothing beats being able to look at what you’ve done and think, “I made that!”

Joiners work with wood to create features for a wide variety of tasks and projects. They make anything including floorboards, doors, window frames, staircases and roof timbers. Joiners can be used to build shop displays and kitchen units, and some even get involved in building sets for TV and film productions.

What skills do I need as a joiner?

Joiners specialise in precise manual work with wood. You should be physically fit and it’s good to have a head for heights, as some jobs may involve climbing onto roofs or scaffolding. Good problem-solving skills are important, and you will need basic maths skills to work out measurements. Lastly, you will typically be working as a team, so good communication skills are important.

What qualifications do I need to become a joiner?

You don’t need any formal qualifications to become a joiner. The most important thing is to get some on-the-job experience under your belt, and the best way to do this is through a joinery apprenticeship.

Many employers offer intermediate and advanced apprenticeships that will lead to a level 2 or 3 diploma in carpentry and joinery.

How do I get a joinery apprenticeship?

There are a few different routes you can follow to get an apprenticeship as a joiner:

  • Register with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) on their website. The CITB are the chief provider of apprenticeships in the construction sector which includes joinery. Most employers in the joinery field will be registered with the CITB and will use their website to announce apprenticeship vacancies. The CITB will help you to find a suitable employer who’s looking for an apprentice.
  • Register with the government Apprenticeship Service (England only). The government also offer an apprenticeship service which you can find on their website. While it’s not as focused on construction and joinery as the CITB, some employers who are not with the CITB will use the government site when looking for an apprentice.
  • Contact local woodworking companies. Find companies in your area and ask them if they’re taking on apprentices. Just do an online search for ‘joiners’ or ‘joinery manufacturers’ in your area. Making enquiries to local carpentry companies can work too.
  • Contact local colleges or training providers. Do an online search for colleges and training providers that offer courses carpentry, bench joinery or wood machining. Get in touch, let them know you’re looking for an apprenticeship, and they may help you find a prospective employer.

How should I prepare my apprenticeship application?

Make sure your CV is up-to-date and write a short covering letter. In your letter, say why you want to work in the joinery industry, what you feel you have to offer, and why you’ve chosen this career. Carefully check your CV and letter for typos and spelling mistakes, get a friend to check it too, then send your application off to the companies you’ve found in your searches and enquiries.

Interested in finding out more about joinery? At Parsons Joinery we make all kinds of custom-made joinery, including wooden windows, wooden doors, wardrobes, bespoke timber furniture and kitchens. Give as a call on 01273 814870 or at enquiries@parsonsjoinery.com.