Any local carpenters on here?

[Nibble]

I am starting my level 1 carpentry course in September, all being well and I was wondering if there were any carpenters on here that would be able to give me some voluntary work experience? Obviously i wouldn't expect to be doing skilled stuff at the moment but maybe helping out a bit, lifting and carrying, getting a feel for the environment etc. Perhaps one day a week or whenever you needed.

Or if anyone has any advice it is all gratefuly received.

I'd be available to start as soon as pos.

Like I say I'd be working for free.

Cheers

 

[algie]

It's a tough long course.Certainly the best trade to get into.

 

[Nibble]

It's a tough long course.Certainly the best trade to get into.

It is a trade I have wanted to learn for ages but now have the time to give it my full commitment. I have heard it is tough but am looking forward to it.

 

[algie]

My old man is retired now but his course all those years ago was for 5 years.

He never stopped learning either.He has bulit many extentions etc in mid sussex.He also does his own plumming,elecrical stuff,brickwork,roofing etc.He wouldn't touch plastering as this is a trade in itself.
Certainly pays well when you can bulid up a good reputation like he did.He didn't have to advertise after a while.
Not sure if you can make the money like you use to now though.
Reputation is the key.

 

[Nibble]

Yeah, I know a guy in the trade but he lives miles away. It's a new direction for me, although I picked up some experience as a builders mate in my twenties. The level one lasts a year and then I believe it is another three to get fully qualified in all disciplines but as you say it is a trade you keep learning through the years.

 

[sydney]

can you get to perth for 5 am monday morning.....?? if you don't take to the hammer then sparkying is a VERY close second...!! actually better imho..!!! good luck.

 

[Nibble]

can you get to perth for 5 am monday morning.....?? if you don't take to the hammer then sparkying is a VERY close second...!! actually better imho..!!! good luck.

Ha! travel expenses up-front? I would obviously need to be in first class as I don't like the type of people in standard!

Thanks!

 

[hart's shirt]

There's one here. (Any excuse to post this picture)

 

[Beach Hut]

Better career than acting

 

[Nibble]

Better career than acting

Ha! Wondered how long it would be before that was bought up! Yes, you are right, it is certainly more stable. I will build you a new hut.

 

[scooter1]

I have a mate whos a very good carpenter and he said at the moment its shit, he gets squeezed for prices on every site he works on. 3 years ago it was £150 a day, now he's lucky its £120 - take out of that your expenses and tax etc and its very hard work for little reward.
However, if you have no ties then shopfitting is the way to go, its pays around £220 a day for a good chippy, but invaribly you're working wherever they send you and its generally 6-7 days a week.

I'm in no way trying to put you off here, my old mans a chippy and he's very good at what he does, and its a great trade - but at the moment and for the foreseeable future its not a great payer

 

[HAILSHAM SEAGULL]

Shuttering pays well if you build dogs heads:hammer:

 

[clapham_gull]

Ha! Wondered how long it would be before that was bought up! Yes, you are right, it is certainly more stable. I will build you a new hut.

.. but you could always get into set building.

Have you thought about contacting some of the studios for work experience.

 

[hitony]

I have a mate whos a very good carpenter and he said at the moment its shit, he gets squeezed for prices on every site he works on. 3 years ago it was £150 a day, now he's lucky its £120 - take out of that your expenses and tax etc and its very hard work for little reward.
However, if you have no ties then shopfitting is the way to go, its pays around £220 a day for a good chippy, but invaribly you're working wherever they send you and its generally 6-7 days a week.

I'm in no way trying to put you off here, my old mans a chippy and he's very good at what he does, and its a great trade - but at the moment and for the foreseeable future its not a great payer

Not to sure which world you live in, but £120 a day Gross is excellant money, not really to sure exactly what expenses you mean above and beyond tax and insurance, and if your talking on a self employed basis, the tax can be reduced with a half decent accountant.

And as for VERY hard work, I have been on building sites most of my life, and ive yet to meet a tired carpenter....(come to that never met a skint one either!!)

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

There are courses you can do mate some with apprenticeships check this site out

Carpentry & Joinery NVQ Level 2, Carpentry & Joinery NVQ Level II (subject to employment status)

I did NVQ in floorlaying (contract) about 18 years ago and have never looked back.

Good luck

 

[LA1972]

Dont listen to the bad vibes on the money..Im a carpenter on £800 a week right through the recession - still plenty of work out there. For a few years was on £1200+ a week till Jan 2009. The money will go up again later this year coz of the certain demand for new homes so dont give up.....oh I already have a lad sorry

 

[Nibble]

Thank you for advice and encouragement guys, and thanks for the link PsychoBilly. This is all stuff I appreciate and will follow up.

 

[Questions]

You`ll need to be able to keep a blackedge pencil behind your ear for up to 8 hours a day Nipple.
Oh and get a checked shirt if you want to be taken seriously.
It`s better than working in any office IMHO.

 

[vegster]

Nibble, you are in pole position for the contract for my new back gate.... the last one I had was a right bodge

 

[micheal64]

dont be put off , ive been a carp / joiner since i left school , its a great trade , any advice you need feel free to contact me , good luck