It also can be a tough job. For the most part, it is outdoor work. Rain, snow and wind may slow construction, but the weather seldom stops it. The opportunity to work outdoors does, in fact, attract some people to this work. Others like it for the chance to handle wood, while some just like to build things.
Carpenters generally are in demand.
Job opportunities are greater in spring, summer and fall, but skilled workers are sought even in the winter. For instance, Joe Zinski, who teaches carpentry at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, has 20 students in his class. Bob Walsh, who handles employment and safety issues for Charter Construction, tracks help-wanted advertisements seeking carpenters. Last June, he counted 84 classified ads for carpenters in The Seattle Times. Earlier this month, the count had dropped to 14, he said.