Carpentry is a rewarding field for those who
like to work with their hands and take pride in methodically building or
maintaining a variety of structures. Some carpenters are self-employed and like
to combine creative expression with precise calculations to create what their
clients need out of wood, wood-substitutes, and other materials. Others work
for construction companies and apply specifications laid out in drawings or by
a supervisor to construct or repair buildings and other structures.
A Red Seal certification is the national
standard for skilled trades in Canada and applies to many trades in
construction, including carpentry. While the certification isn’t mandatory, it
does provide a lot of benefits and Red Seal
carpenters are in high demand across the country.
A tradesperson currently pursuing an
apprenticeship in carpentry may find fulfillment and increased work prospects
through pursuing a Red Seal certification, with the help of the Red Seal
carpenter course.
What do
Red Seal Carpenters do?
Carpentry requires a number of technical skills
as well as knowledge of different building techniques and materials. It also
requires proficiency with various hand and power tools. That said, a
carpenter’s responsibilities will vary according to the requirements of the
job. Some carpenters prefer to specialize in specific types of work, such as
bench work, framing, or roofing in order to hone their skills and build up
recognized expertise in one or two areas.
Carpenters sometimes work alone but are
typically employed in construction and work within teams. This may involve
full-time employment or seasonal employment which consists of downtime where
there is no work and peak periods when overtime is routinely required.
Depending on the company and type of work, a carpenter may mostly work either
indoors, or outdoors, or both.
A few of the duties that are typically involved
in carpentry include:
- Interpreting information according to drawings
or other specifications to create a component or structure
- Designing layouts according to specifications
and using math to make sure different components fit together/within a space
- Choosing materials and calculating how much
would be needed for a job
- Keeping track of material usage and employing
different techniques to ensure resources are maximized and costly mistakes are
avoided
- Cutting and shaping various materials using
different hand and power tools
- Joining materials together using adhesives and
fasteners such as screws, nails, and staples
- Installing interior and exterior finishes and
making sure components are installed correctly as well as in the correct location
- Ensuring that work is completed accurately by
regularly checking level, size, and shape against the specifications.
Carpenters can strike out on their own or take
up employment with a wide range of employers, including construction firms,
government agencies, property managers or developers, renovation firms, and
manufacturing firms.
Essential
Skills and Proficiencies in Carpentry
Carpenters are great at creating with their
hands and know how to get the best out of the materials they work with. This is
not limited to lumber but may include concrete, steel, and wood substitutes.
Red Seal carpenters typically possess the
following skills:
- Being able to understand project
specifications and blueprints and to convert project specifications into the
physical structure/component
- Numeracy, including being able to calculate
the volume of materials needed, the appropriate size and placement of
structures, keep track of the cost of materials to fit a budget, determine the
amount of time needed for a project to be completed, and more.
- Being able to make accurate measurements and
keep them organized to avoid mistakes
- Can make scale drawings where needed and
critically assess site data
- Knowledge of hand and power tools and the
ability to handle them adeptly and for the appropriate functions
- Knowledge of proper work safety precautions
and regulations
The Red
Seal Carpenter Course
Carpentry is one of the 56 designated Red Seal
trades. Having a Red Seal carpenter endorsement signifies that a person has
achieved a nationally recognized standard of excellence in their respective
trade. Some trades require a Red Seal certification (also called compulsory trades), while others, like
carpentry, do not. Except for Quebec, where it is compulsory for carpenters in
order to be hired or employed. However, some employers may still require the
Red Seal certification before hiring an applicant regardless of the province.
After completing the Red Seal carpenter exam, a
tradesperson will receive a Certificate of Qualification with a Red Seal
Endorsement in the Carpenter trade. In order to be eligible for the Red Seal
exam, you need to live in Canada, have a provincial or territorial certificate
in your trade, and have the required documented hours of related work
experience. Additional requirements may differ from one province to another.
A Red Seal carpenter is intended for
those who wish to successfully pass the exam. A number of colleges across
Canada offer courses to help tradespeople pass the Red Seal exam. These courses
are intended to ensure that participants meet the practical and theoretical
knowledge to pass the exam through guides, preparation material, and
activities.
Why
Pursue a Red Seal Carpentry Exam preparation course?
Many companies seek out Red Seal carpenters
because they recognize the level of skill and training this certification
represents. Red Seal tradespeople enjoy the benefits of getting to work
anywhere in Canada, and to apply for international job opportunities. They
typically also enjoy better job and promotion opportunities, especially in construction,
as well as higher wages per project or full-time.
Challenging the Red Seal exam can be stressful,
and requires a lot of preparation and hard work, but it’s worth the effort to
open up the wealth of additional opportunities!
