Trainee Carpenters are the junior members of the construction team.  It is likely that they already have some basic carpentry qualifications.  Most of the Trainees' carpentry education takes place during film production, where the trainees work closely with experienced craftsmen/women to gain a greater understanding of all that the role entails.  Trainee Carpenters must have good carpentry skills, be hard working, punctual and good team players.

Responsibilities
During film production, as well as carrying out basic carpentry tasks, and supporting other experienced Carpenters in the workshop, Trainees learn how:  to interpret technical literature, and oral and written instructions; to organise suitable resources, such as timber and tools; to ensure a safe working environment; to assemble joinery such as doors, frames and stairs; and to hone such skills as measuring, sawing, planing, chiselling, drilling, finishing, boring, fitting and securing. 

The work is varied, and may include producing a variety of structures, ranging from onscreen props such as window frames and staircases, through to replica spacecraft or medieval ships. Trainees are also required to help to create support structures such as the raised platforms that may be required by the crew during filming.  At the end of the shoot, Trainees help to 'strike' (dismantle and remove) the wooden structures, ensuring that they are safely and securely disposed of, stored, or returned to the appropriate place.

Skills
Trainee Carpenters must have very good carpentry and joinery skills. They must be literate and have good communication skills. They must also be numerate; the ability to understand complex drawings, specifications and technical literature is important, as are mathematical skills to calculate angles and dimensions.  They must also be team players, have physical strength, stamina, a good sense of balance, and be comfortable working at heights.

Qualifications/Experience
Trainee Carpenters may move into the film industry from the construction industry, after achieving a CITB-Construction Skills S/NVQ at Level 1 and/or 2. Alternatively, film employers may recruit new entrants at 16 years of age, and offer full training on the job and, in some cases, day release to support the achievement of S/NVQs.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.