Carpenters are multitasking, manual tradespeople whose most potent instruments are their hands and creativity. They create and repair structures with raw wooden materials using hand and power tools. Carpenters' ability to calibrate, control, and operate a wide variety of machinery allows them to build or modify any wooden object, from critical architectural components, like bearing walls, doors, or windows, to more decorative ones, like moldings and trims.

Some Carpenters specialize in specific work areas, such as framing or finishing, while others prefer to maintain a more general approach. You will see which type of approach is more suited to your personality as you continue to advance in the field. 

Because of the housing/financial crisis of 2008, many construction workers retrained into other careers. During that time, young people also focused their studies on more lucrative fields, leaving a shortage of skilled labor in construction. As of 2021, the housing demand outstrips supply, making the job market for new Carpenters very attractive. 

Personality of a Carpenter
Carpenters are generally detail-oriented, and they like working as a part of a team. They generally enjoy working outdoors and applying their skills to hands-on projects. Other personality traits that can help you on your career path as a Carpenter are:

• Business Skills

Carpenters are often self-employed, going from one contract to the next. You will need the skills to track inventory, costs and bid on new jobs. Good business skills and maintaining good business contacts will set you apart from the competition. 

• Dexterity

Good hand-eye coordination is critical in carpentry to maintain the safety of workers.

• Math Skills

Carpenters often need to call on math skills to calculate the area, size, and number of materials required. 

• Problem-solving skills.

The engineers or designers may not always be on-site to answer questions you have about the project. You will need to show initiative and think on your feet to find the best solution for the problem at hand. Carpenters also need to think about the people who will be following their work on a job site, such as plumbers and electricians, and work in such a way as not to hinder other tradespeople.