Joiner
Introduction
Joiners work with the natural material that is wood, and with other timber-based materials, crafting staircases, windows, doors, conservatories, furniture, kitchens and bespoke (made to order) interior woodwork. In specialist joinery companies, the work can vary each day depending on the projects on hand: much of the woodwork is made-to-order. Some joinery companies also work on heritage projects, which requires additional skills. Large joinery factories mass-produce standard windows, doors or furniture.
Joiner
Typical Tasks
- Learning the uses of different types of wood and choosing the right material for the job
- Understanding technical drawings and how your work will fit within the building
- Conducting site surveys
- Creating design drawings, alongside sketches of the work needed and the specifications
- Measuring and marking wood according to technical designs
- Cutting wood on machines or by hand
- Working with suppliers and sub-contractors
- Producing cutting lists
- Estimating the materials needed for a job
- Drafting job briefs
- Using a range of equipment from traditional tools to state-of-the-art computerised cutting equipment and hi-tech drawing and design software
- Managing production schedules and budgets
- Conducting quality checks
- Producing progress reports for senior managers.
Joiner
Earning Potential
- Newly trained joiners can earn £17,000 - £20,000
- Trained joiners with some experience can earn £20,000 - £30,000
- Senior joiners can earn £30,000 - £40,000*
- Self-employed joiners set their own pay rates.
*Pay rates
Earnings typically depend on location, employer, the stage of your training, your hours worked and the opportunity to work overtime. Please also note that the pay rate figures have come from a variety of reliable sources including:
- National Home Builders
- Home Builder's Sub-Contractors
- CITB
- The Home Builders Federation
- Construction Recruitment Agencies
Joiner
Qualifications We Offer
- Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery
- Level 2 Award in Timber & Panel Products
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Wood Machining.
Joiner
Career Progression
An experienced joiner can further their careers and earn more money by becoming a supervisor, project manager, or team leader.
You may specialise in a field like heritage restoration or stage set building, or you could move into different areas within the construction industry like estimating or contract administration.
You might launch your own business or instruct others as a joiner.
Joiner
Job Roles
The type of job role can differ depending on the employer and the activities involved. Some roles such as trade roles have the opportunity to be self-employed. Often employers offer a variety of employment status and flexibility. The jobs outlined in this website are common across the home building industry, but the job titles may differ from one organisation to another.
Joiner
Earn While You Learn
All our featured job roles offer different entry-points for school leavers, college leavers, and graduates to commence a career in the industry. There are opportunities to enrol on apprenticeships and other career progression routes.
For most jobs, depending on your qualifications and experience there are also openings for those looking to change career.
Key job roles
A few (of many) jobs which we are looking to recruit in the home building industry.
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Dry liner
Engineer
Groundworker
Site Manager
Plasterer
Plumber
Quantity Surveyor
Roofer
Sales Advisor
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Dry liner
Engineer
Groundworker
Site Manager
Plasterer
Plumber
Quantity Surveyor
Roofer
Sales Advisor
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Dry liner
Engineer
Groundworker
Site Manager
Plasterer
Plumber
Quantity Surveyor
Roofer
Sales Advisor
Job locations
Find opportunities in your region
Job locations
Find opportunities in your region
To find opportunities available in your region, click a region to the left and then click one of the home builder logos below to be taken to their careers website.
