Question about being a qualified joiner.

[LFS19]

Hi,

I’ve been woodworking for nearly three years now, though everything I’ve learned has been from books and advice I’ve recived on here.
I’ve built a lot of my own furniture and built a couple of pieces for friends and family but that’s where my skills end.
I’m currently 21 and at university, but wondering whether there’s was anyway I can train and become qualified as a joiner?

I’m not sure how it works, but presumably it’s through some sort of full time course or apprentership.
If I could go back, I probably would’ve done some sort of apprentership rather than go to uni. Not that I regret it; I’ve had and am having a great time, but In all honesty I think my prospects are better if I had a trade under my belt instead.

I know it’s a long shot, but is there anything I can do so far as joinery qualifications that doesn’t involve me sacking in university?

Thanks :wink:

 

[thetyreman]

finish the degree first that is my advice, not saying you can't become a joiner, but why not try approaching some companies whilst still studying, and then really go for it once the degree is over, you are still young enough.

 

[LFS19]

Thanks for the advice. So in terms of approaching “companies”, what does that entail?

Cheers

 

[Sawdust=manglitter]

There are various city and guilds night classes which you could be doing. When I was at uni I did both a woodworking and a woodturning night class. I did them predominantly for the use of the facilities, but I still had those qualifications and the knowledge that I gained from an experienced teacher at the end of it. Not sure how improtant C&G qualifications would be considered by prospective employers though, but while you’re still finishing off your degree (which I think you should do) it’s both an enjoyable and productive use of time.

 

[Droogs]

Definately finish the degree, if you leave uni early for any reason, you will be regarded by Student Finance as having had an over payment on your loans and the full amount becomes due IMMEDIADTELY AS DO PAYMENTS. The earnings thresholds DO NOT APPLY. So you will have to start making payments regardless of your annual income. I know this as I do the quality control feed back on the services provided by the collections department and speak to ex-students who are having a horrendeous time quite a lot as they weren't aware of this. At least if you stick it out you get a degree and the thresholds apply to the repayment terms. This will allow you to get an apprentiship with its asscociated low pay and not have to worry about repayments.
The other plus is that you will have shown a proven ability and determination to learn , this is a big plus for prospective employers.
good luck

 

[Geoff_S]

I always wanted to be a carpenter when I left school, but had to stay on to do A-levels as they were then. When I eventually left I drifted into IT and made a decent career from it.

But, I never gave up on woodwork and oh boy did it pay dividends, not just in the money that it saved me for our own projects, but also when I was made redundant a couple of times. And when I was eventually put out to grass from IT, was I glad that I still had a modicum of woodworking (dare I say joinery) skills.

So you don't say what degree course you're doing but finish it for sure. Then go looking for that apprenticeship.

What I would say is don't leave it too long, like years, because as I found out, the older you get the more you have to pay for any course you want to do.

More than one string to your bow is a huge bonus, so degree and apprenticeship, brilliant!

Do you have a local technical college nearby? That would be a good place to start. For example:

https://www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/cou ... nd-joinery

 

[Jacob]

City & Guilds https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifica ... nformation
or a University course https://www.whatuni.com/degree-courses/ ... ure-design

NB Design is king - far more important than craft skills.

I'd avoid the many "fine furniture" private courses on offer - they tend to be very narrow in outlook and cater more for well off amateurs, excellent thought they no doubt are!

 

[thetyreman]

Thanks for the advice. So in terms of approaching “companies”, what does that entail?

Cheers

to be honest you'll have to work that out yourself, but try contacting some professionals who are already doing it and making a living, how you do it is up to you.

 

[MatthewRedStars]

+1 for finishing your degree

In the early days after University I earned way more as a cabinet maker than my friends. Stayed true into my early 30s. But now I've plateaued, it's still very decent money but my friends are all accelarating past me, and will continue to climb the ladder.... and I'll be still earning the same amount I'll earn till I retire.

So go for it after your degree. But have an exit plan - starting your own business / moving into something niche etc