Hey everyone
I am 15 in year 10 i want to be a carpentar when i leave at the end of this year what do u think would be a good idea to make in my wood work class this year as my big project to impres the people i want to get a job with? Please send anything you can that you might think will help.
So you're 15 years old in the tenth grade and this is your last year of school? You actually aspire to be a carpenter? You must build a 2 holer in order to graduate and become a carpenter! LOL
Jacob
What impresses employers is a good attitude and willingness to work hard. But some nice photos of impressive projects can't hurt. I would say look at projects listed under projects and pick one that you think you can build with what you you know now and the tools you have available and go for it. You know everyone here is willing to help even the grumpy ones.
Jacob,
Do you want to specialize in finish carpentry or rough construction. There is a big difference, so the project you choose should reflect your future plans. If you plan on rough construction, you could build mock-ups of stairs and rafters- both of these show your ability to understand the more complex knowledge of building construction. If you plan to take the finish carpentry route, a small desk or table with a drawer would probable work nicely. Make something with the best finish you can produce, to show off the highlights.
Jacob You're in NSW-that's Australia, right? Try the apprenticeship programs. They most likely have standards you'll have to meet but so does a real job.
Jacob, when I first started in shop class I was 13. We made a small bench and a shelf, then we were allowed a project of our own, mine was a chess board that I still have.
What ever you chose to do consider doing handyman repair projects around your Mom's house and friends. Take before and after pictures even if it was simple as fixing a fence or screen door. Ask for little notes of reccommendation from whoever you work for.
Just remember always do your best at whatever you do. That doesn't mean what you do may look perfect or be right. It just means your did your best at that given point in time. I often come across something I did many years ago like that chess board. Sure I could do much better now than I did 44 years ago. But you know at that point in time what I built was perfect and the best I could have done as everything I have ever done since.
Come back often, you know where we all are, we'll be glad to help.
1) use proper spelling and grammar on this site don't talk like some teenage punk
2) stand proud for who you are and what you're getting into
3) to learn this trade its takes criticism so if someone sounds like they're insulting you, they're just making you stronger
4) you're always learning no matter how experienced you get even from the inexperienced
5) theres no such thing as a stupid question so ask away
as for my first tip for you: design your project before you build it as a guideline
My advice is to pick something at your current skill level, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself! Try making a few smaller projects at first and then move to a bigger item. If you build something, post it on Lj's in your projects section, you can add a link on your resume to your page on Lj's and use it as a personal portfolio. If you are going to attach a link on your resume I would correct any spelling and grammatical errors, potential employers look for this kind of thing. If there is anything else don't be afraid to ask, we are all here to help. Welcome to Lj's.
Have you talked to your teacher? Most wood shop teachers have a pretty good idea of projects that you can complete at your skill level, and would likely know locally how you can get into your desired career,whether that is an apprenticeship, tech school or whatever.
You don't say what you have made in the past so it is hard to know what your interests may be. I tell many of my students to make something that parents will use. Knowing that whatever it is has a specific purpose, and a "client" in mind helps them focus on getting it done and getting it done well.
Put your best effort into your project, whatever you decide. And post project pictures when you are done, I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Mrs. N
First of all, I would say that you definitely need to identify what work you wish to accomplish. Either way, you are going to need to learn from a professional on how to do the job with efficiency. You need to show a strong work ethic. He who hires you will certainly want you to do it their way anyway.
As for making an impression, I suggest making something that certainly has multiple elements, such as drawers and casework if your skills allow. Also, it would be nice to add in some molding with some compound miters if that is in your skill set, as carpenters need to fit complex angles into their work.
About the grammar and spelling. This is not a job interview, a spelling test or a college thesis. I am appalled that you guys are chastising a young kid for mistakes that you most certainly have made yourself. At least he has taken the initiative to ask for help in starting a hard working career.
By the way, this text entry field has spell check, but no grammar check.
There are a lot of grammar errors, spelling errors and typos on here. I do them. I don't see the "English Police" monitoring this site. We have been asked about forwarding this youngster's career. Communication skills will be a very important part of it. Especially after he is established and trying to make presentations to win contracts.
Study you math too, YOU WILL NEED IT!!!!!!!
Make sure you know how to read an rule and a tape measure down to 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths. Learn to read a micrometer and vernier caliper. Make sure you can read blueprints and plans!
And do some work on reading and writing, handwriting, and verbal skills you will need all three of these communication skills in you work.
And as someone else said above "have a great work attitude".
Geez, give the guy a break! He didn't say, "I'm interested in becoming addicted to Meth because everyone is doing it." Nor did he say,"I want to join a gang and commit a few crimes to prove that I'm a tough guy." He ask for support from people who love working with wood. We were all "Jacob" at some point-try to remember…...
Speaking as a mother and an artist, this is my advice to you:it doesn't matter what you make; what matters is what you make of yourself. This is a tough line of work. You will get hurt. You will be criticized - maybe not fairly. You will struggle to make ends me. You will work overtime to create pieces that you don't care for. You will go it alone, because with the all the headgear and noise, you can't carry on a conversation with anyone. You will slowly loose your hearing. Your lungs will load up dust. You will find woods that you're allergic to, which will send you off to the emergency room. In the end, none of that matters, creating art from wood is a gift and it will change you. Forget about trying to impress people that is a fools game. Best of luck to you…....
Pay attention to details. Spelling, diction, punctuation, how you dress and present yourself are all details you need to take in account to help you give a good impression to people you meet, in person, on the phone or online. If you are rushing through without taking in account the details of presentation and workmanship, you will not go far. If you show that you have the patience to attend to the details of how to do something right, people will notice this and be more impressed with your diligence and patience than a big project or flashy presentation.
Start small, do excellent work. This will make people stop and admire you and your work. Start big, do shabby work, this will not get a second glance. You end up looking small and remember that your first impression is a lasting one.
It is nice to hear that you have already chosen a profession.
You must really love working the wood.
For your first big project I would suggest a project that incorporates
a few separate skills. Like something you could cut curves w/bandsaw, maybe a bit of
router use, and some type of simple joint skill.
This would show multi task shop skills.
Good luck, and remember in life there are always a few who will try to bring you down.
Be strong and stand tall : )
Lisa
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