Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Glenn Lucas, Woodturner
Glen Lucas is a professional Woodturner. Following his Leaving Certificate he did some classes with professional woodturners. He also undertook a FÁS cabinet making course. Following a Business Skills Course which he took with the Craft Council of Ireland he set up his own workshop in 1997.
Videos on the Web
- Woodturner / Woodmachinist- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
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Working as a wood manufacturer and finisher, you will be involved in cutting, shaping and joining wood and wood-based products using wood working machines, power tools and hand tools. You will manufacture household furniture like tables, chairs, doors and stairs.
The areas of work covered are modern, traditional, reproduction and restoration; stairs, windows, doors and wood mouldings; and stains, polishes and finishes.
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Set out, produce and assemble furniture and construction components
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Work with metals, plastics and other manufactured materials
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Use CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing) software for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming
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Perform craft calculations and select materials to meet design requirements
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Interpret technical drawings and specifications
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Perform routine maintenance and repairs on machines
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Work with a variety of specialised hand and power tools.
Further Information
- Wood Machinist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Woodturner / Woodmachinist
As a Wood Manufacturer and Finisher you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.
An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic.
The Wood Manufacturer and Finisher must have the ability to:
• Plan and organise
• Communicate effectively
• Solve problems
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Show a positive attitude
• Recognise the need for good customer relations
• Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awarenes
Interests - Woodturner / Woodmachinist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Entry / Progression - Woodturner / Woodmachinist
There are many pathways to develop skills, experience, and qualifications to progress to a career in wood manufacturing & machining.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering, precision manufacturing operations.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: woodworking, design.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Woodworking, Manufacturing Finish.
Search for Apprenticeships
How to become an Apprentice:
- You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
- The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
- In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.
Entry Requirements
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
- Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, or
- The successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship course, or
- Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.
It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Mathematics, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Materials Technology and Construction Studies.
Pay & Salary - Woodturner / Woodmachinist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €50k
Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Salaryexpert/ WRC/ Morgan McKinley/ Clark/ Osborne
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Woodturner / Woodmachinist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paper and wood machine operatives; Coal mine operatives; Quarry workers and related operatives; Energy plant operatives; Metal working machine operatives; Water and sewerage plant operatives; Printing machine assistants; Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite the strong employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment only returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2022.
Although the green transition may result in an increased demand for elementary workers in energy and sewerage plant operations, the small numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation do not allow for detailed demand analysis.
Useful Contacts - Woodturner / Woodmachinist
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Design & Craft Council of Ireland
- Castle Yard, Kilkenny
- (056) 77 61804
- Click Here
