What Are the Duties of an Apprentice Carpenter?

An apprentice carpenter's job is to assist the carpenter with anything needed on the job. Carpenters are one of the largest trade careers and there is work for an apprentice carpenter in almost every part of the country. Apprentice carpenters work under a licensed carpenter until they have learned enough to become licensed themselves. 

An apprentice carpenter's main job is to simply provide the carpenter with assistance. An apprentice may also work with a group of licensed carpenters and assist the entire group. Most of the work is made up of simple tasks such as locating tools or cleaning up the work site. Much of an apprentice carpenter's time is spent watching what experienced carpenters do in order to learn as much as possible. Starting out with basic jobs such as sweeping or laying tools out is all part of the learning process. 

Another duty of the apprentice carpenter is to learn all areas of construction. Construction is made up of many areas, from the foundation to installing the doors. An apprentice is required to learn all areas that they may be required to work in once they are licensed. This allows them to both assist the licensed carpenters as well as develop the skills that they need. Apprentices are encouraged to ask questions and do hands-on work. 

Part of the apprentice's job is to learn all the tools of the trade. In assisting the carpenters, an apprentice may be required to select the right tools and put them in the order needed, fill up a tool bag and retrieve tools that might have been left out. This allows the apprentice to learn about the tools while still helping the carpenters. They will also learn how each tool works and receive hands-on practice.  

There are many documents that are part of construction work. Carpenters often read blueprints, construction layouts and architectural drawings. The apprentice carpenter has to learn how to read these documents. In order to get some practice they may also be required to plan some areas of the construction project. They may be given a basic task like reading blueprints and then installing a window. More difficult assignments are assigned as the apprentice develops skills and they are able to take on more of the work. 

Carpenters have to know and follow state, federal and local regulations. Permits and inspectors are often needed by local governments and an inspector can be sent out at any time to certify that work is being done properly. Apprentice carpenters have to learn these regulations and follow them. They can also help ensure that other carpenters, even those who are licensed, are following regulations.