what is a carpenter?
As a carpenter, you are an expert in working with wood. You build wooden structures both indoors and outdoors. In the workshop, you plan and sometimes pre fabricate your wooden components. On the construction site, you handle the assembly of everything. Your work is quite diverse. For example, you lay floors, panel ceilings and walls, and renovate attics. Additionally, you construct carports and wooden houses. Besides your traditional tools, you also use computer-controlled machines. Under your watch and hands, functional and visually appealing wooden structures come to life. Natural and sustainable raw material is very much in vogue. No wonder your profession offers numerous opportunities for application. The secure job as a carpenter provides excellent prospects. Interested? Then read on quickly to find out what awaits you.
carpenter jobsworking as a carpenter.
What you specifically do as a carpenter varies from company to company. But you always work with wood. Broadly speaking, your tasks are divided between the workshop and the construction site. You contribute to ensuring that buildings are completed on time. Therefore, there are fundamental activities that all carpenters share. Read more here about your responsibilities as a carpenter.
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your area of responsibility
As a carpenter, your main tasks are:
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Consulting: As a carpenter, you have expertise in wood. Therefore, you advise clients on custom wooden constructions. In doing so, you take into account the specified budget.
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Planning: The wishes and requirements of the clients are clearly defined. As a carpenter, you take the measurements, draw plans and sketches. You do this either traditionally by hand or using a CAD program. Additionally, you calculate the amount of wood needed.
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Preparation: You order the necessary wood, mark it, and get it ready for processing. Then you shape it accordingly. You drill, mill, plane, and saw until everything fits perfectly. If needed, you seal the surface. The finished wooden parts are then transported to the construction site along with the required tools.
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Build: This is all about the finishing touches. You assemble the wooden parts and make any necessary adjustments. You install window frames or supporting structures. You also construct the attic and carport. If desired, you can even install a solar system. The connection, however, is left to other professionals.
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Renovating: It doesn’t always have to be a new build. Some clients want to restore or refurbish a historic building. As a carpenter, you’re there to lend a hand. You repair or replace existing wooden structures. Sometimes, with old wood, just the right care is enough.
- Follow the rules: As a carpenter, you are familiar with the safety standards. To protect your colleagues and yourself, you adhere to them. Additionally, you take environmental protection rules into account. Renovation waste is disposed of in accordance with regulations.
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who are your colleagues?
As a carpenter, you get things done properly. Primarily, this concerns your wood. Tools and computer controlled machines are your aids. However, you can't do without contact with other trades. Carpenters encounter all kinds of trades on construction sites. These include electricians, masons, and roofers. You also coordinate with architects, civil engineers, and interior decorators. Who your colleagues are mainly depends on your specific areas of focus.
types of carpenters.
Carpentry is a versatile profession in timber construction. You create functional and attractive wooden structures. In your field, there are also other specialists. These include:
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Carpenter: In this field, you design and craft custom furniture such as tables, chairs, and cabinets. You also restore antique pieces. As a carpenter, you can even specialise in wooden wheels or skis.
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Floor installer: You’re passionate about flooring as a floor installer. You find the perfect decors for every interior style. Whether it's wood, laminate, or cork, you install the substructures, including for underfloor heating. Then, you lay the flooring and finish the surface to create a cozy living atmosphere.
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Woodworker: You craft various items from wood, but the block must be solid wood. As a turner, you create hollow and relief decorations. In cooperage, you produce round or oval, curved wooden parts (staves) for buckets and barrels.
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Wood industry Specialist: As a wood industry specialist, you're right in your element with logs. You plane, saw, and mill to your heart's content. From these, you produce planks, battens, or beams. You make full use of wood waste by turning it into pellets or chipboard, for example.
- Cooper: In this field, it's mainly about barrels for winemaking. You cut staves and assemble them with metal hoops. It's important to also check their measurements so the winery knows how much liquid the barrel can hold. Besides barrels, you also make hot tubs and plant containers.
salary as a carpenter.
As a carpenter or carpentry apprentice, your salary mainly depends on your training and work experience. Various job platforms show you the range of gross salaries that are possible. Your advantage is that the collective agreement for timber construction (GAV Holzbau) sets minimum wages for your profession. These are binding for the German speaking part of Switzerland and Ticino. With a basic apprenticeship as a certified carpenter (EFZ), you earn more than a woodworker with an EBA qualification. Further training definitely pays off. For example, as a master carpenter, you can expect a significantly higher salary in your account. Your starting salary after completing an EFZ apprenticeship is around CHF 4,539 per month or CHF 59,007 per year. Find out more here about your gross salary as a carpenter.
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how much do I earn as a carpenter in a permanent position?
The more work experience you have as a carpenter or carpenteress, the higher your salary will be. If your employer follows the collective labour agreement (GAV), with ten years of experience you earn around 5,614 CHF per month. That’s approximately 72,982 CHF per year. Theoretically, you work about 41 hours a week. Since timber construction often faces fluctuating order volumes, flexibility in working hours is important. Therefore, the GAV regulates an annual working time. When a large construction project is underway, you might sometimes work on weekends. In such cases, you receive additional pay. The company you work for also has a significant impact on your salary. Small furniture manufacturers tend to pay less than large residential construction companies. Continuing education is another factor that can increase your earnings. As a master in timber construction, you can earn a gross monthly salary of around 7,885 CHF or 102,505 CHF annually. You will also notice regional differences in salaries, with companies in Basel and Zurich paying better than those in Bern.
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how much do I earn as a carpenter in a permanent position?
The more work experience you have as a carpenter or carpenteress, the higher your salary will be. If your employer follows the collective labour agreement (GAV), with ten years of experience you earn around 5,614 CHF per month. That’s approximately 72,982 CHF per year. Theoretically, you work about 41 hours a week. Since timber construction often faces fluctuating order volumes, flexibility in working hours is important. Therefore, the GAV regulates an annual working time. When a large construction project is underway, you might sometimes work on weekends. In such cases, you receive additional pay. The company you work for also has a significant impact on your salary. Small furniture manufacturers tend to pay less than large residential construction companies. Continuing education is another factor that can increase your earnings. As a master in timber construction, you can earn a gross monthly salary of around 7,885 CHF or 102,505 CHF annually. You will also notice regional differences in salaries, with companies in Basel and Zurich paying better than those in Bern.
vocational training and further education as a carpenter.
To become a carpenter or carpenteress, you need to complete an apprenticeship. You gain practical experience working in a timber construction company or a carpentry workshop. After four years, you finish your apprenticeship with the federal diploma of competence and can call yourself a carpenter EFZ. If you're more of a hands-on person and your school results don't meet the expectations, you can complete a two year apprenticeship as a woodworker EBA. After your basic training, many further education options are available to you, whether specialisation or studies at a university of applied sciences.
positions as a carpenter.
As a carpenter or joiner, you are in demand in timber construction companies, carpentry workshops, and the wood industry. Even carpentry firms and commercial construction companies are looking for skilled professionals like you. Restorers can find appealing positions in specialized workshops. In times of climate change, sustainable and natural raw materials are more popular than ever. As a specialist in wood processing, you are well prepared for the future. Are you looking for an attractive position as a carpenter or joiner? On this page, you will find interesting opportunities with prospects.
positions for career changers as carpenters.
In your profession as a carpenter or joiner, you mainly work with wood. You create, restore, and renovate wooden structures. In addition to traditional tools, you also use computer controlled machines. During your basic training, you learn to combine craftsmanship with modern technology. You gain routine in your job through practical work. Even if you're switching from a different profession, you have good chances if you come from a related field. With several years of experience in timber construction, you have excellent prerequisites. Any missing skills can be acquired through further training.
career opportunities and development potential as a carpenter.
With your basic training as a carpenter or carpenteress, you have a solid profession with a future. Further education significantly contributes to your professional success. By acquiring additional skills, you stay attractive on the job market. For example, you can advance through courses such as wood construction foreman or wood construction master. Your path into management also goes through further training. Besides technical knowledge, you need leadership and social skills. If you enjoy planning and developing, you might consider studying as a certified technician HF or a Bachelor of Science in Wood Technology. Want to develop further as a carpenter or carpenteress? Take a look at our tests and tips.
skills as a carpenter.
As a carpenter, what sets you apart is especially your expertise. But that alone won't make you successful in your profession. Other important skills include:
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Craftsmanship skills: Carpentry is a manual trade. You drill, mill, plane, and saw. You assemble wooden components confidently, whether with hand tools or machines. Therefore, you bring craftsmanship skills to your work.
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Carefulness: In your craft, you need to work precisely. If the wooden components don’t fit together at the end, you have to start all over again. Not to mention the material waste and time delays, it also causes a lot of frustration. You also adhere to safety regulations to prevent injuries.
- Capacity for work: Your profession demands good health. You are physically active. On the construction site, you carry heavy building parts and materials. Sometimes, you work at dizzying heights. Additionally, dust, wind, and weather conditions take their toll. Thanks to your strength and agility, you really enjoy working on the construction site.
advantages of working as a carpenter with randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as a carpenter at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your training budget as a carpenter at randstad.
If you work as a carpenter for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad consultant is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job specific knowledge all during your working hours as a carpenter.
application tips for carpenters at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a carpenter? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
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1. find a carpenter position
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a carpenter
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email. Make sure your documents are complete:
✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomasDon’t have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Put together a new one using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a carpentry job interview
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the conversation as a carpenter.
Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you'll find frequently asked questions about a career as a carpenter.
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what does a carpenter do?
As a carpenter, everything revolves around wood. Your skilled hands craft functional and attractive wooden structures. You work with tools and computer controlled machines. Whether it's interior finishing, attic conversions, or carports, nothing happens on the construction site without you. From the sustainable, natural raw material, you create new pieces or restore historic ones. In your craft, many opportunities await. Read more here about your tasks as a carpenter.
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how much do I earn as a carpenter?
Your gross salary as a carpenter depends on your training and work experience. Thanks to the collective labour agreement (GAV), you benefit from a minimum wage in parts of Switzerland. Depending on your experience and responsibilities, your salary ranges between 5,614 CHF and 7,885 CHF per month. That amounts to between 72,982 CHF and 102,505 CHF annually. Shift allowances, further training, and specializations can increase your base salary. Additionally, there are regional differences. Here you can find out more about your gross salary as a carpenter.
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is carpentry a good profession?
In your profession as a carpenter, you are well prepared for the future. You work with a sustainable raw material that is very much in demand. From this, you create useful and attractive items. You’re often on the move and stay active. Plus, your basic training offers excellent career opportunities. Through further education, you can specialise or pursue a management career. Want to know what awaits you as a carpenter? Then read on here.
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is the carpenter difficult?
Your job as a carpenter requires a lot of physical effort. You’re exposed to wind and weather and work at dizzying heights. When there’s a tight deadline, you might not make it home on time. But your profession definitely offers variety. Plus, you get to admire your finished work. Your craftsmanship and physical resilience bring satisfaction to your work. Find out more about the carpenter’s profession on this page.
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do you need experience to become a carpenter?
During your apprenticeship as a carpenter, you will gain practical experience in a timber construction company or a carpentry workshop. You only acquire professional experience after completing your basic training. If you are switching from a related craft, your many years of experience give you a solid foundation. Any skills you lack can be developed through further training. At Randstad, you can find positions for career changers and experienced professionals. Read here to find out which skills are needed to become a carpenter.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a carpenter?
To kickstart your career as a carpenter or carpenteress, you complete a four year apprenticeship. With the Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ), all doors in timber construction are open to you. The foundation for your professional career is laid through several years of work experience and further training. Whether you choose to specialise or aim for a management position, the choice is yours. Numerous programmes offered by professional associations and technical colleges support you along the way. Thanks to your craftsmanship, attention to detail, and physical resilience, you will become a sought after expert. Discover our offerings for carpenters here.
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how do I apply for a job as a carpenter?
Your application as a carpenter is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job board for open positions in your area. Found an interesting offer? Then send us your cover letter along with your CV and certificates. Need help with your application? Our application tips will guide you to put together a clear and effective application with ease.
