Role Overview

The Carpenter Apprentice will support the on-site carpentry team by assisting with construction, preparation, and finishing tasks while learning essential trade skills. This role is vital in contributing to efficient project completion and gaining hands-on experience in carpentry under the guidance of experienced tradespeople.

Personal Appearance and Conduct
● Maintain a tidy and professional appearance.
● Wear steel-capped boots in good condition, with no steel showing through or rips/tears.
● No smoking inside any building under the company’s control.
● Conduct yourself professionally: no swearing in front of clients, Project Managers, Architects, or Engineers.
● Be polite and courteous to all people, regardless of pressure or workload.

Work Hours and Breaks
● Start Time: 7:00 AM sharp.
● You must be on site and ready to work at this time.
● Finish Time: Not fixed — you will be advised daily based on job requirements.
● Breaks: Apprentice receives a paid lunch break as directed on site (typically 30 minutes).
● Do not deduct lunch from your daily hours on your timesheet or Buildxact app.

Key Responsibilities

Site Maintenance:
● Keep the carpentry work areas clean, organized, and safe.
● Assist with the setup and dismantling of scaffolding, workbenches, and site sheds.

Supporting Tradespeople:
● Provide assistance to carpenters with cutting, measuring, assembling, and installing timber and other materials.
● Transport tools and materials to the designated work areas. Material Handling:
● Unload, distribute, and organize carpentry materials.
● Ensure all materials are accounted for and stored appropriately.

Health and Safety Compliance:
● Wear high-vis clothing and correct PPE at all times.
● Sign in/out every time you enter or leave the site.
● Follow all site safety protocols and participate in toolbox talks.
● Report hazards, unsafe practices, or incidents immediately to the Site Manager.

General Carpentry Tasks:
● Assist with measuring, marking, cutting, and assembling timber structures.
● Operate basic carpentry tools under supervision.
● Perform physical tasks including lifting, carrying, and digging as required.

Health and Safety
● Understand Workplace Safety Management Practice audit standards.
● Ensure restricted areas are cordoned off.
● Report unsafe machinery use or conditions immediately.
● Ensure first aid kits are accessible and fully stocked.
● Participate in hazard identification and mitigation.
● Report all incidents, accidents, or near misses to the Site Manager.

Key Expectations of Apprentices
● Be proactive in assisting the carpentry team and maintaining site productivity.
● Address unsafe practices or conditions by informing the Site Manager.
● Be punctual and prepared for work at least 5-10 minutes before start time.
● Maintain a positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
● Seek opportunities to develop carpentry skills through practice and training.

Professional Development Opportunities
● Engage in formal and on-the-job training to build carpentry knowledge and skills.
● Obtain certifications such as:

• Site Safe Training
• Certificate III in Carpentry (Nationally Recognized Qualification)
• Construction Induction Card (White Card)
• First Aid Certification

● Express interest in higher-level carpentry roles when ready.

Growth Path
● Apprentices demonstrating skill, work ethic, and reliability may progress to qualified Carpenter roles, Leading Hand, or Foreman.
● Typical timeline from Apprentice to Carpenter: 3 to 4 years, depending on development, project exposure, and performance.
● Additional steps for advancement:

• Shadow experienced carpenters to learn advanced techniques.
• Attend workshops and courses to develop skills in framing, finishing, and specialized carpentry areas.
• Regularly seek feedback from supervisors to identify areas for improvement and set clear goals.

Apprentices showing exceptional progress may have opportunities to accelerate their development into qualified carpentry roles with additional support and training