Learning Carpentry

Are carpenters getting any work these days?

Just wondering with the recession and layoffs and all, are the carpenters getting to work? I was thinking about going in to that field but maybe this isnt the best time?

Public Comments

1. There are still people who have money to spend and they will still want custom cabinets and things. It really depends on the area and the company you would work for. If you can find one that is established, has a great reputation for artisan work, and has established clientele, then you might have a chance of really good career. Choose one with a diversified product so you have a better chance of not only learning and mastering crafts, but also a better chance of getting customers. Shops that are in areas where multi-million dollar houses are will still get business. Areas where the income level is low are going to be struggling.
2. No, now is not really a good time. A lot of carpentry businesses are pretty slow, in addition to being in the winter season. There are still jobs for them out there, but mostly small and odd jobs that one would not take if they had a choice. But since times are tough, they are pretty much taking on anything they can get.
3. I'm a carpenter and I've had to supplement my income to make ends meet because there isn't much work out there. The only guys working have been with the company a long time or work for themselves. Or they are non-union low paid fake carpenters. http://sites.google.com/site/holidaydebt/