Manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, good physical condition, and a good sense of balance are important. The ability to solve arithmetic problems quickly and accurately is helpful. Working well with others is an important asset. Carpenters may advance to carpentry supervisors or general construction supervisors. Carpenters usually have greater opportunities than most other construction workers to become general construction supervisors because they are exposed to the entire construction process.
Some carpenters become independent contractors.
Job Outlook Employment of carpenters is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2000. Construction activity should increase in response to demand for new housing and industrial plants and the need to renovate and modernize existing structures. In addition to the jobs resulting from increased demand for carpenters, many openings will occur as carpenters transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. The total number of job openings for carpenters each year usually is greater than for other craft occupations because the occupation is large and turnover is high. Since there are no strict training requirements for entry, many people with limited skills take jobs as carpenters but eventually leave the occupation because they find they dislike the work or cannot find steady employment.