Top Tips to Become a Woodwork Apprentice

Applying for an apprenticeship in a hands-on, practical skill such as woodworking can teach you a wealth of skills for you to utilise both in work and at home. The woodwork industry itself is incredibly diverse, with a number of different roles to choose from.

For the most part, when you think of woodworking, you think of a carpenter or joiner. With that in mind, here are some of the main occupations within the woodworking industry, and a guide to help you kickstart your woodwork career!

The different types of woodworking occupations

A carpenter will usually work on a construction site or work with private housing, fitting the products that have been made by a joiner. This can include windows, doors, staircases and other types of joinery.

In some cases, carpenters may be required to construct products on-site, but most of the time all woodwork products are created and finished in a workshop.

A joiner will mostly work in a workshop, and makes products like windows, doors, stairs and other structures made from wood. Joiners often utilise a wide range of woodworking machinery to complete their tasks, and will also take part in the finishing of the product with materials like paint, coatings and sealants.

The third type of role in the woodwork industry is a wood machinist. They also work in a workshop, and usually produce the components for joinery products using woodwork machinery. This role could also include programming much more modern computerised machinery, as well as using some machines by hand.

Getting an apprenticeship in woodworking

The CITB are the main provider of apprenticeships in the construction sector, although you may also look to go into other industries such as TV and film production. It can help to have an idea before you begin applying.

Similarly, there is the government apprenticeship service that can provide a matching service for you. You could also contact any local woodworking companies or local colleges directly to see if they are taking on any apprentices.

Beginning a career in woodworking can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to look back at what you have made at the end of each day!