Joiner
Help shape the world around you! You'll measure, cut and fit wood to create everything from furniture to film sets.
Also known as: carpenter
About the job
A day in the life – Joiner
What it's like
You'll install and repair wood in homes, shops, bars and offices. You could also build sets for film and TV.
Working with tools and machinery, you'll carefully measure and cut wood to the required size and shape to make things like doors, floors and fitted furniture. Then you'll need to put it together and fix it inside the building.
You should have an eye for detail, good maths skills for working out measurements and the ability to follow technical plans.
If you're organised, careful and like to get hands-on, you might be cut out for this career!
Your tasks might include:
sourcing, measuring, cutting, shaping and assembling timber
fitting wooden structures, like floor and roof joists, roof timbers, staircases, partition walls, and door and window frames (first fixings)
installing skirting boards, door surrounds, doors, cupboards and shelving, as well as door handles and locks (second fixings)
building temporary wooden supports to hold concrete in place while it sets, for example building foundations (formwork)
making and fitting interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
constructing stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
make homes more energy-efficient by fitting double glazed windows or solar panels
use wood from sustainably managed sources
recycle offcuts and other surplus materials from jobs
Hours
You'll normally work Monday to Friday.
Overtime at weekends or evenings may be necessary to meet construction deadlines.
Environment
You'll get to work in a variety of locations but this could mean braving harsh weather or working at heights, for example on scaffolding or roofs.
You'll also spend time in a workshop using tools and machinery where things can get a little dusty.
That might be your idea of fun but there's an element of danger too - so protective equipment is a must!
Travel
You'll travel between sites.
Some contracts will require you to work away from home.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- carpentry
- jointer
- wooden structures
- public liability
- power tool operation
- workmanship
- hand tools
- woodworking machines
- masonry
- door frames
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- designing
- creative
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Woodwork
H4: College
You can take an introductory course in Carpentry and Joinery at college to learn the basics of this career. You can earn Scottish Vocational Awards or National Qualifications.
H4: Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. MAs that may be relevant for this career include:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications that show an understanding of the industry and practical ability such as Skills for Work Construction (SCQF Level 4/5).
A driving licence can be useful.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
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