Institute of Carpenters · Student Hub

Student Hub Start your mark

Careers advice, help finding work, competitions and more – for students of carpentry, joinery, shopfitting and furniture making, at IOC member colleges and beyond.

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42Member colleges

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Your first step on the pathway

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You are hereStudentFree while you study
NextApprenticeLearning on the job
ThenAssociateWorking towards Member
QualifiedMemberMIOC
ExperiencedFellowFIOC
Coming soonMasterMstIOC

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Where do you want to go?

The hub keeps growing. If you know someone who’d benefit from free student membership, share this page with them.

Career advice

One trade, many careers

Carpentry, joinery, shopfitting and furniture making open up a wide range of roles. Training and qualifications will help you get hired – or start your own business.

ConstructionSite carpentry, from first fix to finishing on homes and major projects

ShopfittingCommercial interiors for retail, hospitality, offices and leisure

Self-employmentRunning your own business and building your own reputation

Fine craftBespoke joinery, furniture making and heritage work

Plan your route

Find an apprenticeship →The Government’s apprenticeship service
Talentview Construction →Apprenticeship and job opportunities in construction
Go Construct →An overview of construction careers, qualifications and apprenticeships

People skills matter too

Being polite, friendly and a clear communicator counts for as much as your technical ability. Employers and clients notice how you treat people, not just the quality of your work.

Got a careers question that isn’t answered here? Ask Paul Preston FIOC.

Email a careers question →

Finding work after college

From college to your first job

What employers want varies with the local jobs and industries near you. Here’s where to get help.

Talk to your Liaison Officer

Every member college has a College Liaison Officer who can explain what local employers need, share employability tips and help you prepare for interviews.

Learn from others

Read how other students found their first job in My Story, and what employers say they look for.

Keep climbing

When you qualify, move up to full membership and use your letters to show clients and employers your standard. See the benefits.

Student membership

Join free while you study

Student membership of the Institute of Carpenters is free. It’s the first step towards the letters after your name. Questions? Email info@instituteofcarpenters.com.

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