Author Topic: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work  (Read 5720 times)

LastingDaze

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Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« on: May 06, 2019, 05:39:55 PM »
Good evening everyone! My name is Chris and I'm based in South Jersey (Cumberland County to be specific) and I'm wondering if there are any local contractors/journeymen (or people who know one) looking to show someone completely new to the trade the ropes of carpentry/remodeling work of houses.

I am 100% willing and committed to learning and developing the skills required to be successful in this area.

I have my own transportation, am serious about being on time, understand that the work can be demanding, and have some basic tools.

I'm also willing to invest in purchasing additional tools and equipment if need be.

Semi-recently graduated college (almost a year ago) and got a degree in something I was not interested in/passionate about. This was before I found MMM and became FI oriented. I have always had an interest in the carpentry/remodeling trade and was wondering if there was a local contractor/journeyman who is willing to teach someone completely new to the trade/work. I know its a stretch, but I figured I'd give it a shot anyway. I am determined to succeed.

Please don't hesitate to reply here or PM/email me personally. I am quite active online and normally answer within the hour.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting!

(Note: If this isn't the right place for this kind of posting I apologize in advance. Please feel free to delete/move the thread if so.)

doggyfizzle

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Re: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2019, 06:13:20 PM »
I’d suggest you look at local trade unions or community colleges.  Where I live, both offer entry level courses or apprenticeships that can be completed in 1-2 years.  In the case of the union apprenticeships, the work experience is also paid.

LastingDaze

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Re: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2019, 07:16:20 PM »
Hey fizzle,

I've taken these routes into consideration, but the only college around here that offers classes in the trade are quite expensive (about 3 grand for everything) while the local Carpenters Union dosen't seem to be very active. I've reached out to them a few times with no success. I might have to go there personally and see if I can get any information. In the meantime I'd like to get my feet wet with a local builder/contractor. I also have concerns on whether it's worth the 5 year commitment of joining the local union around here and whether they have a strong presence or not.

Thank you for the suggestions!

Edit: Some grammar mistakes.
« Last Edit: May 06, 2019, 08:16:10 PM by LastingDaze »

Dancin'Dog

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Re: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2019, 07:55:47 PM »
There's a shortage of construction labor now.  You shouldn't have any problem finding work.


What is your end goal?  Do you want to specialize in any particular trade, learn a bit of everything, or eventually becoming a general contractor? 


Most homes are built by a variety of tradesmen.  The grading, foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, painting, flooring, trim guys, etc.


Most general contractors cordinate & hire the various crews, scheduling them in the order needed. 


Framing is exciting because you're actually building the structure, but most guys quickly realize that most of the other crews get the luxury of working "indoors".  Insulation & drywall aren't very desirable jobs, and neither is roofing. 


Electrical, plumbing, and trim carpentry seem pay better than the other trades.  Stone masons seem to get paid well, but it is hard work. 


All the trades have plenty of beginner jobs.  You shouldn't have any trouble finding a crew to hire you. 




LastingDaze

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Re: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2019, 08:25:49 PM »
Hey GreenEggs, thanks for the response.

I do think I'd like to eventually dip my hands into a little bit of everything at some point, with the end goal of using what I've learned to rehab and rent out properties.

For some reason the only advertised jobs around my area seem to be looking for much more experienced tradesmen (several years of experience, multiple previous employers etc etc) rather than looking to take new people under their wing. Hence why I'm attempting to reach out instead on several different platforms.

Trim carpentry seems pretty desirable if I can find the opportunity to do it, but I'll take what I can get. I've already had someone reach out to me who owns a refinishing business for kitchens and bathrooms which is fantastic, if only they weren't almost an hour commute away, which is pretty disappointing considering I'd jump at the chance if it was closer. But we'll see =/

Dancin'Dog

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Re: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2019, 03:19:22 PM »
Don't overlook the wealth of knowledge that is available for free on YouTube.


I'm pretty handy with most construction skills, but I often like to brush up by watching a video or two before I begin a project.  You can learn to do almost anything there.  Many projects are relatively simple and a video and a few basic tools are all you need to do a fine job. 

MasterStache

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Re: Looking for Entry-Level Carpentry/Remodeling work
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2019, 01:20:01 PM »
I learned a shit ton by simply buying a fixer upper and doing most of the work myself over a period of several years. Of course I had a full time job at the same time. After I left my corporate gig a couple years ago I've had no problems finding side projects utilizing my carpentry skills. I guess I'm not much help except to say that you can try to find ways to teach yourself. I've mad mistakes on my own house, but that was part of the learning process. It has made me better when working on other houses.