Examples

• Level 2 read project specifications to understand project requirements.
• Level 2 read and interpret specifications already covered in item 5 below.
• Level 2 read specification books, details and notes on blueprints and codes specified by architectural and engineering drawings.
• Level 2 read newsletters to stay abreast of news from their union (e.g., training opportunities), management (e.g., policies, project facts and figures) and industry (e.g., trade shows).
• Level 2 may read collective agreements to identify agreements made between labour and management such as working conditions and housekeeping responsibilities.
• Level 2 read and interpret first aid and safety reports and minutes.
• Level 2 read and interpret safety inspection manuals.
• Level 3 read and interpret building codes, regulations and standards to comply with national, provincial and municipal regulations.
• Level 3 read and interpret Occupational Health and Safety Regulations as they apply to safe work practices.
• Level 3 read installation manuals to follow manufacturers' installation procedures.
• Level 3 read industry trade magazines to acquire information on technological advancements such as new construction materials and methods, computerized plan design and energy efficiency.
• Level 3 read material safety data sheets (MSDS) to identify the chemical composition of materials, how to use them safely and emergency first-aid procedures.
• Level 3 read and interpret specific job safety manuals.
• Level 3 read and interpret job legislation literature.

Examples

• Level 1 interpret labels (e.g., Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)), to follow safety guidelines.
• Level 1 interpret signs to obtain information about directions, cautions and safety.
• Level 1 use time cards to record work hours and times for payroll.
• Level 1 read packaging labels for specific points of information.
• Level 2 interpret specifications and shop drawings for size, location and types of material.
• Level 2 read job schedules to plan work tasks and co-ordinate with sub-trades.
• Level 2 refer to pictures or drawings of international hand signals in training documents and posters to refresh signalling skills.
• Level 2 prepare material lists in table format.
• Level 3 interpret electrical, mechanical and other trade drawings to co-ordinate work.
• Level 3 make sketches of drawings or plans to use on job sites.
• Level 3 refer to load charts to determine load bearing capacities when operating material handling equipment.
• Level 3 complete forms, for example, when applying for work permits.
• Level 4 interpret blueprints, with a high degree of accuracy, to verify measurements, determine the integrity of the plans and report mistakes or omissions.

Examples

• Level 1 maintain a job diary to record job information and the relevant details of their day's work such as problems encountered and resolved, hours of work, etc.
• Level 2 maintain a field book to record descriptions of surveyors' notes, elevation data, etc.
• Level 2 write document quantity take-offs.
• Level 2 write purchase orders to obtain materials.
• Level 2 write change orders to recommend blueprint modifications.
• Level 2 complete forms to obtain permits.
• Level 2 write scaffolding maintenance reports when changes are made by other workers (e.g., ironworker) to determine what needs to be put back.
• Level 2 complete exposure report forms to comply with safety regulations.
• Level 2 write construction safety reports.
• Level 2 write accident reports for occupational and safety.
• Level 3 write evaluation reports on apprentices who have been assigned to them on the job.
• Level 3 prepare written reports for construction project meetings in which they participate.

Examples

• Level 1 compare site data to data in span tables to determine sizes of joists, beams, rafters and lintels.
• Level 1 estimate how long it will take to complete part of a job.
• Level 1 estimate whether a wall is straight by eyeballing it.
• Level 2 verify the accuracy of their pay cheques.
• Level 2 make effective use of time and money by managing their own time and that of others (e.g., labourer) and reducing waste.
• Level 2 schedule material to meet project requirements.
• Level 2 convert between metric and imperial measurements systems (e.g., feet to meters, kilograms to pounds) as required by the job.
• Level 2 calculate and estimate the volume of concrete required for footings, etc.
• Level 3 verify bills when purchasing tools, calculating discounts for sale items and applicable taxes.
• Level 3 calculate slope to determine the placement of drainage tiles.
• Level 3 take precise measurements using survey instruments.
• Level 3 make scale drawings.
• Level 3 average geotechnical survey data for excavations to draw conclusions about safety.
• Level 4 calculate stringers, treads and risers to build stairs.
• Level 4 calculate the rafter line length using the measurements of rise and run.

Examples

• Level 1 interact with personnel delivering materials to accept deliveries and direct the placement of materials for maximum efficiency.
• Level 1 interact with suppliers to order materials or compare prices.
• Level 2 interact with other carpenters to allocate work tasks, express safety concerns and share ideas.
• Level 2 interact with other trades to co-ordinate construction activities.
• Level 2 communicate with foremen to report on work progress and troubleshoot problems.
• Level 2 interact with management/supervisor to receive direction.
• Level 2 interact with government inspectors to discuss compliance with regulations and related issues.
• Level 2 interact with material testing agency personnel.
• Level 2 speak with manufacturer representatives, in person and by phone, to discuss problems with equipment (e.g., air nailers) and materials.
• Level 3 interact with apprentices to provide direction and monitor their work.
• Level 3 interact with owner to discuss new ideas and potential changes.
• Level 3 communicate with engineers, architects and design consultants to receive direction.

Examples

• Level 2 may find that the concrete vibrator has a power outage, putting the concrete work at risk. Carpenters immediately pull together other trades to assist with this time sensitive situation. They improvise in selecting and initiating interim measures, such as beating the forms with hammers, while interacting with the foreman to get the generator up and running. If the supervisor is not available in a timely manner and a replacement generator is required, carpenters may authorize the order.
• Level 2 may find that the work area has restricted access and the carpenter is working in a confined space. Performing routine tasks becomes complex because standard procedures must be adapted to accommodate the space limitations. A carpenter will often consult with another carpenter and the foreman to exchange ideas and select the best approach.
• Level 3 may find that by comparing measurements taken from blueprints to measurements taken on site, a carpenter concludes that there is a blueprint error or omission. Carpenters draw on expert-level blueprint interpretation and measurement skills to identify problems. Typically, they verify their findings with another carpenter. Carpenters draw on their technical expertise to recommend changes to the foreman and implement them accordingly.
• Level 3 may find that there is a form blow out which presents an immediate safety hazard with scheduling and budgeting implications. Carpenters work quickly to minimize the safety risks to themselves and other workers in the area. They then take measures to stop the damage from proceeding further. This type of problem requires carpenters to demonstrate leadership and collaborate with everyone in the area.

Examples

• Level 3 make decisions about assessing the efficient use of materials, considering factors such as the end-use.
• Level 3 make decisions about constructing and building structures such as decks, stairs and platforms.
• Level 3 make decisions about directing the work of apprentices.

Examples

• recall the way a scaffold was assembled to correctly disassemble it and vice versa.
• recall measurements taken from blueprints to verify them with site data.
• recall prior experiences with equipment failures to efficiently solve current job-site problems.
• memorize formulae to perform math calculations.
• memorize frequently used national, provincial and municipal codes, regulations and standards, as well as any related changes, to comply with requirements.
• memorize sequencing of trade and work procedures.

Examples

• Level 2 consult with other carpenters to share their knowledge and experience.
• Level 2 refer to blueprints and specifications to obtain detailed project information.
• Level 2 read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to obtain information on how to safely handle materials and supplies.
• Level 3 read installation manuals and, if necessary, phone manufacturer representatives to understand the manufacturers' installation procedures.

Examples

• Level 1 they may use computer-controlled equipment such as total stations, smart levels and workplace alarm systems.

Physical Aspects

Attitudes

Carpenters should be very safety conscious and capable of maintaining this attitude at all times. They should be reliable, responsible, productive and have pride in the quality of their work. Honesty and respect are essential as is the ability to co-operate with others. Carpenters are leaders at the construction site and an assertive style of communication is helpful in this regard.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

The construction industry is experiencing rapid changes due to technological advancements and a changing regulatory framework. Carpenters must incorporate new skills and knowledge with traditional methods of construction, placing a new emphasis on continuous learning. The industry is characterized by the ongoing introduction of new construction materials and methods and this trend is expected to continue with increasing frequency. Government regulations are revised more often than in the past and carpenters must maintain current knowledge of codes, regulations and standards. To promote the integration of under represented workers (e.g., women), there may also be more training related to enhanced communication and teamwork skills. It is expected that computer skills at a higher level of complexity will soon become an essential occupational skill, enabling carpenters to electronically reference plans and designs. Distance learning technologies may also provide carpenters with opportunities to participate in computer-mediated training activities. Due to insurance liability concerns, industry experts expect that Red Seal certification will be used more often and that written tests will be used to prove mastery. This increases the frequency of reading text and documents to acquire new information as well as applying learning-to-learn skills such as studying, note-taking and writing multiple-choice tests. There is an ongoing trend in the carpentry industry to promote and expand apprenticeship as well as to increase the awareness of such programs to K-12 students. This will require carpenters to enhance their communication skills.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills