[3] It is also common that the skill can be learned by gaining work experience other than a formal training program, which may be the case in many places.

These include an oak and hazel structure dating from 5256 BC, found in Ostrov, Czech Republic,[10] and one built using split oak timbers with mortise and tenon and notched corners excavated in eastern Germany, dating from about 7,000 years ago in the early Neolithic period.

The oldest surviving complete architectural text is Vitruvius' ten books collectively titled De architectura, which discuss some carpentry.

The founding of America was partly based on a desire to extract resources from the new continent including wood for use in ships and buildings in Europe.

In the 20th century, portland cement came into common use and concrete foundations allowed carpenters to do away with heavy timber sills.

Today pre-apprenticeship training may be gained through non-union vocational programs such as high school shop classes and community colleges.

Informally a laborer may simply work alongside carpenters for years learning skills by observation and peripheral assistance.

While such an individual may obtain journeyperson status by paying the union entry fee and obtaining a journeyperson's card (which provides the right to work on a union carpentry crew) the carpenter foreperson will, by necessity, dismiss any worker who presents the card but does not demonstrate the expected skill level.

In the modern British construction industry, carpenters are trained through apprenticeship schemes where general certificates of secondary education (GCSE) in Mathematics, English, and Technology help but are not essential.

However, this is deemed the preferred route, as young people can earn and gain field experience whilst training towards a nationally recognized qualification.

Tradesmen in countries such as Germany and Australia are required to fulfill formal apprenticeships (usually three to four years) to work as professional carpenters.

Up through the 19th and even the early 20th century, the journeyperson traveled to another region of the country to learn the building styles and techniques of that area before (usually) returning home.

The average length of time is four years and includes a minimum number of hours of both on-the-job training and technical instruction at a college or other institution.

In some countries, such as Germany, Iceland and Japan, this is an arduous and expensive process, requiring extensive knowledge (including economic and legal knowledge) and skill to achieve master certification; these countries generally require master status for anyone employing and teaching apprentices in the craft.

Fully trained carpenters and joiners will often move into related trades such as shop fitting, scaffolding, bench joinery, maintenance and system installation.

Today natural and engineered lumber and many other building materials carpenters may use are typically prepared by others and delivered to the job site.

Tasks performed by union carpenters include installing "...flooring, windows, doors, interior trim, cabinetry, solid surface, roofing, framing, siding, flooring, insulation, ...acoustical ceilings, computer-access flooring, metal framing, wall partitions, office furniture systems, and both custom or factory-produced materials, ...trim and molding,... ceiling treatments, ... exposed columns and beams, displays, mantels, staircases...metal studs, metal lath, and drywall..."[15] Carpentry is often hazardous work.

In the United States the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tries to prevent illness, injury, and fire through regulations.