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How to become a carpenter or joiner

Carpenters and joiners make, fit and repair wooden structures and fittings — from roofs, floors and stud walls on site to doors, windows and stairs made in a workshop.

You could work for a builder, a house builder, a joinery workshop or a shopfitter, or for yourself in time.

There is no licence to work as a carpenter. Most principal contractors and major house builders ask for a CSCS card on their sites.

  • Apprenticeship route
  • No licence needed
  • Site card usually needed

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AApprenticeship

    Carpentry and joinery apprenticeship (Level 2, then Level 3)

    For those who want to learn site carpentry or joinery on the job, with a wage and training paid for.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own requirements
    • The National Careers Service says Level 2 apprenticeships usually ask for some GCSEs, usually including English and maths
    • You need a CSCS card or equivalent to work on site — the apprentice card is free

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Level 2 carpentry and joinery apprenticeship
    2. Train as a site carpenter or architectural joiner
    3. Complete the Level 2 end-point assessment
    4. You could continue to the Level 3 Craft carpentry and joinery apprenticeship
    Estimated duration
    About 24 months, or 39 with Level 3
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Carpentry and joinery (Level 2) at 24 months and Craft carpentry and joinery (Level 3) at 15 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £26,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BWork + study

    College course or T Level, then a trainee job

    For those who want to learn bench joinery or site carpentry at college before looking for work.

    Starting requirements

    • Entry requirements vary by course
    • For the T Level in On Site Construction, the National Careers Service suggests 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English and maths
    • You need a CSCS card or equivalent to work on most sites

    Pathway outline

    1. Take a bench joinery or site carpentry course, or the T Level in On Site Construction
    2. Pass the CITB health and safety test and get a CSCS card
    3. Apply for a trainee job or an apprenticeship
    4. Build experience on the job
    Estimated duration
    2 years at college, then on-the-job experience
    How we estimate this

    A T Level is a 2-year course. College courses teach some of the skills; you then need experience at work.

    Estimated direct study costs
    At least £60Plus: Set by each college; you may not pay tuition if you are under 24 and on your first GCSE- or A level-standard qualificationPaid up front by you: At least £60Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually after college, once you start a trainee job or apprenticeship.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CCareer change

    Career change: taster course, site card, then an adult apprenticeship or labouring job

    For adults who want to move into carpentry and are prepared to start at entry level.

    Starting requirements

    • No specific qualifications for a labouring role, but you need the right CSCS card for site work
    • A green CSCS labourer card needs the CITB test plus the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (or a recognised alternative)
    • Apprenticeships are open to adults

    Pathway outline

    1. Try a short or part-time taster course at a local college
    2. Pass the CITB Health, safety and environment test
    3. Get a CSCS card for site work
    4. Find an adult apprenticeship or a labouring job with a carpentry firm
    5. Build skills and experience on the job
    Estimated duration
    About 2 years through an adult apprenticeship
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Carpentry and joinery (Level 2) at 24 months. Learning informally on the job has no set length.

    Estimated direct study costs
    At least £60Plus: Set by each training provider; only needed for a labourer card, not if you go straight onto an apprenticeshipPaid up front by you: At least £60Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From your first labouring job or apprenticeship, though entry pay may be less than your current job.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do I need a CSCS card?

It is not a legal requirement, but most principal contractors and major house builders ask for one on their sites. Apprentice cards are free; other cards cost £36, and you usually need to pass the CITB Health, safety and environment test (£23.50) first.

What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

The Level 2 Carpentry and joinery apprenticeship covers both job titles: site carpenter and architectural joiner. College courses are also split into site carpentry and bench joinery.

Can I try carpentry before committing?

Yes. The National Careers Service suggests short or part-time taster courses at local colleges if you are considering a career change.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

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