Any Carpenters On Here?

[Neocubes]

So I'm getting to the point in my life where I really need to be deciding what I want to do career wise. I've been studying manufacturing engineering but just don't see myself doing that. Ive been looking into carpentry as I love anything that involves building and using your hands. I have a few questions though:

Is it physically demanding? Im a 6ft 4 18 year old with a pretty painful back, would this be a problem?

Secondly, what's the wage like? I know I shouldn't go into a job for the money but of course it's one of the main things to look at before deciding what you want to do.

Any advise would be great.

[bert_h]

Our church partners a local community centre which offers woodwork activities to all sorts of marginalised people (ethnic, disabled, prison record, mental health problems, former addicts) and it seems that with modern tools, materials and techniques there are no special physical demands made on those who take part. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[The Builder]

I have to say that carpentry is my favourite of all the trades that I work in. The obvious route is of course a trade apprenticeship, but these aren't always easy to find.
I never did one though. I simply drifted into labouring for a small local builder. You may not want that spread of trades. In your case, you might go for a local carpentry specialist. You may have to ask several before you find one that needs a helping hand. In time, experienced gained can easily equal the formal apprenticeship route.

If you can afford the fees, an introductory course at your nearest college or training centre would certainly put you in a good position to have something to offer a tradesman.

Physically, it need not be too demanding. Sitework would give you no problems. Benchwork may take a little getting used to with your height and back problem though. I'm 6ft, and I can find that stooping over a bench for long periods can be tiring. All in all, it's a minor point. There's always a way around everything.

For wages ... not a lot when you start of course. Subcontract sitework can earn you a lot, but you have to be fast these days. If you can progress to being self-employed eventually, there's a very good wage to be made from building up a list of happy customers. That's especially true working on older, period property. The kind of specialist thing that the subcontract "fliers" just don't want to do......... because you have to think"

Very best of luck if you do find a way to go ahead.