What is the difference between first fix and second fix carpentry?

First fix is the structural work done before plastering, such as floors, stud walls and roofs. Second fix comes after plastering and covers doors, skirting, stairs and fitted units.

Do I need an NVQ to get carpentry work?

Not always, but it helps, especially with larger firms. A CSCS card and proof of your work count too.

How do I show my skill if I am self-taught?

List the jobs you have done and include photos or a short reference from a customer or former employer.

Carpenter CV example

A strong carpenter CV shows the kind of carpentry you do, such as first fix, second fix, doors, kitchens or roofs, plus your qualifications and CSCS card. Employers want to see accurate measuring, neat finishes and safe use of power tools.

Idris Bello

Carpenter

01 — Profile

Skilled carpenter with NVQ Level 3 in site carpentry and experience in first fix, second fix and general joinery on new builds and renovations. Accurate with measuring and cutting, confident reading drawings and careful with finishes. Holds a CSCS card and a full UK driving licence.

02 — Experience

Carpenter

a small building and renovation company

Fitted internal doors, architraves, skirting boards and staircases to a neat, tight finish

Built timber stud walls and fitted floor joists and roof timbers on house extensions

Installed kitchens, worktops and fitted wardrobes, scribing units to uneven walls

Read drawings and measured on site, cutting timber accurately to keep waste down

Worked safely with saws, routers and nail guns, keeping the site tidy and dust under control

Joiner

a joinery workshop

Made doors, windows and frames from timber to customers' measurements

Set up and used a table saw, planer and router to cut and shape timber

Checked every item for square and finish before it left the workshop

Loaded and delivered finished joinery and fitted it on site when needed

03 — Key skills

NVQ Level 3 carpentry and joineryFirst fix: studwork, floors and roofsSecond fix: doors, skirting and stairsKitchen and wardrobe fittingReading drawings and setting outAccurate measuring and cuttingHand and power toolsWorking from ladders and towersCSCS cardFull UK driving licence

Example · fictional candidate · Blueprint design · Use this design

Tips for a carpenter CV

State whether your experience is first fix, second fix or workshop joinery, since employers usually hire for one
List NVQ Level 2 or 3 and your CSCS card clearly, plus any tickets such as working at height
Mention the tools and machines you use, such as nail guns, routers and saws, and any training you have for them
Add a link or a few photos of finished work, such as stairs, kitchens or decking
Say whether you own your tools and have a van and driving licence
Show accuracy with one short example, such as fitting a staircase into a wall that was not square

Applying with a cover letter? See our carpenter cover letter example.

Carpenter CV example

Idris Bello

01 — Profile

02 — Experience

Carpenter

Joiner

03 — Key skills

Tips for a carpenter CV

Questions about carpenter CVs