College Student considering an Apprenticeship in Carpentry

Hi all,

Lately I've been having doubts about where I am in college. I was in the boy scouts when I was younger and woodworking was one of my favorite activities. To be honest, I've frequently thought about dropping out to become a Carpenter. The only thing I worry about is my back. I injured my spine a couple of years ago doing martial arts (one of my vertebra is displaced 5mm), and given the physical nature of carpentry, do you think it would be prudent for me to enter into this profession? I'd ideally like to do rough carpentry. Any thoughts and anecdotal experience would be much appreciated.

I have been a Carpenter since I was 15. I was always a large fellow and maybe that is why I was given some "big things to work on. But even to set up a scaffold to work on say a ceiling the physical demands would be apparent if you are prone to back trouble. You say you want to be a "rough Carpenter". Standing a long wall frame is demanding until it gets stood vertical. Sheet goods are another awkward thing to wrestle with either on pickup but also on delivery/instalation.

Its a tricky one. Only you know your capabilities. A "crook" back now could be real trouble later on if you work it too hard. What about drafting or similar. You would have to have the theory studied to be able to do acceptable drawings. You could be "in the trade" without the strenuous side. (just a thought) :U

Thanks for the advice! :D

One of the great gifts in life is the ability to build your own home. One of the greatest PITA is a crook back.
Having worked as a chippy in my youth and then later in life flying a desk, it was interesting to note there seemed to be more back problems with the desk bound folk than on the building site. Sure, there were strained backs from time to time but the desk folk seemed to have ongoing problems. Being married to a physio has taught me that the best thing for a skeletal problem is strong supporting muscles and you dont get them behind a desk. Maybe the best thing would be to run it past your Doctor and see what his thoughts are. Two trades to avoid would be bricklaying and plumbing.

g'day, im a carpenter&joiner also have been since 16 im only a small bloke so i dont have the back issue, but having flown solo most of my career (heck i've even done whole house frames pitched roof and all by my self) but now its all taking its toll near everywhere else, shoulders neck knees etc. I too would think about your limitations ive found i spend a great deal of my down bent over. I'M now getting away from the construction and heading more towards joinery which i have always tinkered with along the way and I just love my timber. im not trying to discourage you in anyway, because having a qualification can open many doors and it does keep you fit, not too sure what a carpenter would earn there?:U

Hi ilostmysofa
i worked as a tradesman in another field for many years, and did a uni degree later in life. Many times during my study I wanted to quit when a subject got to be pointless for me. In the end it was the best thing I did career wise. Sometimes during those long nights struggling with a crappy essay and a bunch of kids demanding your attention, another simpler career seems to be the answer. I can tell you now your back will never forgive you. And your earning capacity is much better with a uni degree.

TT