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Joiner vs carpenter

We're commonly asked this question: what is the difference between a joiner and a carpenter? When you need something built from wood and you are thinking about who is the right person for the job, do you hire a joiner, or do you hire a carpenter? What makes them different? Or do they perform the same job under two different names? Well, it's time to put all these questions to rest and take a look at some facts!

 

The difference between a joiner and a carpenter

In a nutshell, a joiner is a professional who produces the timber products that a carpenter fixes on-site. A joiner, for example, may be hired to make the frame, windows and doors for a new building; here, a joiner would traditionally 'join' wood in a workshop, whereas carpenters would erect the building elements on-site.

A carpenter installs the products made by joiners and produces features like joisted floors, roof trusses and stud-work for partitioning the building. Some people think that the difference between a joiner and a carpenter is that one uses nails and the other doesn't - this is a common assumption, but it's completely untrue!

In a sense, joinery and carpentry can be understood as separate specialities within the same industry or craft. In reality, there is some crossover between the two disciplines, with many of the fundamentals of the same woodworking techniques and skills being taught. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, it is always worth enquiring about an individual's expertise, especially when it comes to specialised tasks. A carpenter may skillfully hang and balance a door, but a joiner may produce far better replicas. Similarly, a joiner may create a stunning staircase, but a carpenter may be better equipped to fit it.

Interested in becoming a carpenter? We have carpentry courses for beginners & professionals! Check them out below.

Our Carpentry Courses >

 

When to choose between a joiner or carpenter

When it comes to choosing between a joiner or carpenter for a job, we recommend picking craftspeople according to their experience in relation to the project that you're trying to complete. An extension to a historic building, for example, would require specific experience and knowledge in building conservation. If both a carpenter and a joiner are required, it's advantageous to employ a business or individual who offers both services, as it will become much easier to manage your project when you do not have to deal with several different tradespeople totally avoiding divided responsibility if and when issues arise!

So, there you have it! Your joiner vs carpenter questions answered. We hope things are a little bit clearer to you now when it comes to these two professions.

If you have a project that requires some of the essential wood-working techniques mentioned above and you'd prefer to DIY it instead of employing additional personnel, why not learn the basics yourself? Here at Access Training Academies, we offer a fantastic range of carpentry courses that will teach you the vital skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a carpenter. Simply click below to learn more!

Browse Our Carpentry Courses >

For more information on the carpentry courses we offer - as well as our facilities, tutors, payment plans and training centres - be sure to contact our customer service team today! We are more than happy to help.

UPDATE (01/10/20): During the coronavirus crisis, we are helping people from all over the UK to learn new skills and switch careers. If you'd like to become a professional carpenter and help to fill Britain's skills gap, we can help - see Changing Careers During COVID-19 for details.

 
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Joiner vs carpenter

We're commonly asked this question: what is the difference between a joiner and a carpenter? When you need something built from wood and you are thinking about who is the right person for the job, do you hire a joiner, or do you hire a carpenter? What makes them different? Or do they perform the same job under two different names? Well, it's time to put all these questions to rest and take a look at some facts!

 

The difference between a joiner and a carpenter

In a nutshell, a joiner is a professional who produces the timber products that a carpenter fixes on-site. A joiner, for example, may be hired to make the frame, windows and doors for a new building; here, a joiner would traditionally 'join' wood in a workshop, whereas carpenters would erect the building elements on-site.

A carpenter installs the products made by joiners and produces features like joisted floors, roof trusses and stud-work for partitioning the building. Some people think that the difference between a joiner and a carpenter is that one uses nails and the other doesn't - this is a common assumption, but it's completely untrue!

In a sense, joinery and carpentry can be understood as separate specialities within the same industry or craft. In reality, there is some crossover between the two disciplines, with many of the fundamentals of the same woodworking techniques and skills being taught. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, it is always worth enquiring about an individual's expertise, especially when it comes to specialised tasks. A carpenter may skillfully hang and balance a door, but a joiner may produce far better replicas. Similarly, a joiner may create a stunning staircase, but a carpenter may be better equipped to fit it.

Interested in becoming a carpenter? We have carpentry courses for beginners & professionals! Check them out below.

Our Carpentry Courses >

 

When to choose between a joiner or carpenter

When it comes to choosing between a joiner or carpenter for a job, we recommend picking craftspeople according to their experience in relation to the project that you're trying to complete. An extension to a historic building, for example, would require specific experience and knowledge in building conservation. If both a carpenter and a joiner are required, it's advantageous to employ a business or individual who offers both services, as it will become much easier to manage your project when you do not have to deal with several different tradespeople totally avoiding divided responsibility if and when issues arise!

So, there you have it! Your joiner vs carpenter questions answered. We hope things are a little bit clearer to you now when it comes to these two professions.

If you have a project that requires some of the essential wood-working techniques mentioned above and you'd prefer to DIY it instead of employing additional personnel, why not learn the basics yourself? Here at Access Training Academies, we offer a fantastic range of carpentry courses that will teach you the vital skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a carpenter. Simply click below to learn more!

Browse Our Carpentry Courses >

For more information on the carpentry courses we offer - as well as our facilities, tutors, payment plans and training centres - be sure to contact our customer service team today! We are more than happy to help.

UPDATE (01/10/20): During the coronavirus crisis, we are helping people from all over the UK to learn new skills and switch careers. If you'd like to become a professional carpenter and help to fill Britain's skills gap, we can help - see Changing Careers During COVID-19 for details.

 

18th edition

If you weren't already aware, a revised version of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations became mandatory on 1st January 2019. These changes including, new and revised regulations, additional chapters and reorganised sections, have been made to improve the safety of installers and to tighten the focus on energy efficiency

Note: Electricians should obtain their own copy of the BS7671:2018 regulations and follow the requirements outlined in the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations - this blog is only a brief overview of the changes made.

  • An extra category (section 730 that caters for electrical shore connections and inland navigation vessels) has been added to cater for this specialised location.
  • Some new definitions have been added and certain existing definitions have been altered. For example, the word 'departure' has been added. This term can be used when an intentional decision is made not to comply with BS7671.
  • A new appendix (appendix 17) has been added that focuses on energy efficiency. This appendix makes recommendations so that designers can optimise the construction, assembly and installation of electrical components so they are energy efficient.
  • Arc fault detection devices have a more prominent place in chapter 42. They provide protection against electrical fires caused by faulty AC circuits.

Here at Access Training Academies, we know how important it is for all practising electricians to have an excellent understanding of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, that's why we have a course dedicated to teaching you the ins and outs of the 18th Edition!

Find out more about our 18th edition course by clicking the button below, get in contact if you think this course is the perfect next step in your electrical career!

18th Edition Course >

Female plumber

Pictured: Leah Carney, a woman who started her own plumbing business after completing a course with Access Training. Read Leah's story here.

 

30-year-old Carly Gayle from Crewe recently made headlines after being dubbed 'The UK's Sexiest Plumber'. Her story (which was picked up by The Sun, the Daily Star and the Daily Mail, among others) highlighted some of the challenges that female plumbers tend to face in this male-dominated trade.

 

"Where's the man?"

Gayle, a fifteen-year veteran of the plumbing trade, is often asked "where's the man?" when she arrives on-site for a job. Sadly, it's a line that lots of tradeswomen are familiar with, and it goes to show that many members of the public still hold very stereotypical views about what a plumber should be.

While Gayle did go on to mention that she has used that dismissive comment as fuel to help her success, her story does bring to light the prejudices commonly encountered by women in plumbing.

How many female plumbers are there in the UK?

According to industry experts, only 1-2% of all UK plumbers are female. When Carly Gayle was learning her trade, she was one of only two women on a plumbing course of 200.

In an effort to address this vast gender gap, WaterSafe launched their 'Get Girls Plumbing' campaign back in 2014, aiming to promote the trade to female school leavers and women looking for a career change.

While the campaign has barely moved the needle in terms of overall figures, there is undoubtedly a market for female plumbers in the UK. In fact, WaterSafe also reported that 31% of women would prefer a female plumber to carry out work in their homes.

A number of all-female plumbing companies have begun to spring up in recent years; in fact, for many of these businesses, it's become a unique and lucrative selling point.

Gender equality is a hot topic in 21st-century Britain, and there's never been a better time for women to dive into the world of plumbing.

 

Becoming a Female Plumber - Our Plumbing Courses

Regardless of your gender, plumbing is a great skill to have and an even better career to jump into. Careers in plumbing are well-paid, challenging and always in demand.

If you’re a woman looking to join the ever-growing force of highly-skilled female plumbers in the UK, or are any other gender looking to become a qualified plumber, Access Training has a wide range of plumbing courses available at different levels.

No matter what level of qualification you’re looking to achieve, we’ve got a course perfectly suited to you.

 

Essential Plumbing Course

Learn the basics needed to become a domestic plumber (no experience required).

 

Professional Plumbing Course

A comprehensive course to help you become a fully-qualified plumber (no experience required).

 

Premier Plumbing Course

Combined course allowing you to earn plumbing and gas qualifications simultaneously (no experience required).

 

Bathroom Fitting Course

This course will equip you with all the skills and knowledge needed to install bathrooms (no experience required).

 

Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems

If you're already a plumber or heating engineer, this course will teach you how to install and maintain unvented hot water storage systems

 

WRAS - Water Regulations Advisory Scheme

Completion of this course enables you to apply for 'approved contractor' status with your local water authority - a prerequisite for many employers.

 

NVQ Level 2 Certification – For Experienced Site Plumbers

This fast-track NVQ programme is designed for experienced plumbers looking to gain the NVQ Level 2 Diploma quickly and with minimal fuss.

 

Whether you're male or female, why not consider training to become a plumber with the help of Access Training UK? Our courses offer qualifications for a range of skill levels, allowing you to achieve your career aspirations within a relatively short time frame.

View Our Plumbing Courses >>

 

Last updated 5th July 2022

While many Brits can profess to getting plastered when the weekend rears its joyous head, actual plastering is a skill that far fewer people have mastered.

Luckily, if you're looking to boost your home maintenance expertise, the path to plastering proficiency can be as smooth as a freshly-skimmed ceiling.

Whether you’re actively thinking of pursuing a plastering career or your home is simply in need of a bit of TLC, a plastering course from Access Training is a great way to fill the holes in your knowledge and get to grips with this extremely handy skill set.

 

What qualifications do you need to be a plasterer

 

How do I become a plasterer?

According to UCAS, you don’t need to have any formal qualifications for this career path - but that doesn't mean you can just pick up a trowel and a tub of plastering mix and call yourself a plasterer.

In order to make a living from plastering, you will - of course - need to know what you’re doing. The two best routes to plastering nirvana are either a plastering apprenticeship or an accredited plastering training course.

 

What skills do I need to become a plasterer?

In addition to gaining the know-how of the ins and outs of plastering, it also helps to come equipped with a few key skills in your arsenal.

Plastering can be a physically demanding job, requiring considerable manual labour and long periods of strenuous activity. As such, a decent level of fitness can give you a strong advantage – the last thing you want is to 'hit the wall' when you’re mid-way through coating a ceiling.

In addition to physical fitness, skills such as attention to detail and efficient time management can also play a vital role in your job as a professional plasterer. An uneven finish or a prolonged job can lead to an unhappy customer and the potential for a diminished return.

Speaking of customers, good people skills can also be helpful as you will be dealing with customers face-to-face as part of your daily job. Good manners and a sociable demeanour can go a long way when it comes to customer service, and it can also make the whole process more enjoyable for all concerned.

For aspiring plasterers still in school, prior knowledge can be particularly advantageous, especially if you have studied Design Technology in some form. As such, DT is a helpful and worthwhile subject to pursue, providing a number of highly transferable skills.

 

Train to become a plasterer

At Access Training, we offer four primary options for those looking to take up plastering. Ranging from base-line knowledge of the trade for total newbies to NVQ certification for accomplished tradespeople, we have the course to suit your needs and skill level.

DIY Plastering Course

Perfect for those looking to learn the basics for home maintenance and household repairs, this course will provide you with the knowledge you need to independently carry out plastering jobs in your own home.

 

Essential Plastering Course

A more in-depth introduction than the DIY alternative, the Essential course offers a thorough introduction to the basics of plastering, providing a great foundation for those looking to pursue a career in the trade.

 

Professional Plastering Course

Offering a comprehensive induction to plastering, the Professional course provides extensive knowledge for those looking to make plastering their career, including everything from mixing and cutting to skimming and screeding.

 

NVQ Level 2 Certification

For the more accomplished pro looking to prove their existing skills, the NVQ Level 2 accreditation can be a great seal of approval to have, demonstrating competency and professionalism to potential employers and customers alike.

 

Thinking of becoming a plasterer? Make your transition as smooth as a finished wall with a plastering training course from Access Training.

Call 0800 345 7492 today or click the button below for more information.

View All Plastering Courses >

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