- .Regular Army
- .Find a Role
- .Carpenter and Joiner
- engineering
- Soldier
- Regular
Carpenter and Joiner
Build skills and qualifications that can set you up for life, while enjoying travel, sports and challenges.
Royal Engineers
Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
16 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.
You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
2km run 11 min
Education
GCSE Grade A–D/9-3, or Scottish National 4, in Maths, English Language and one other subject.
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.
Construction is a big part of the Army's work at home and abroad. Become a highly skilled Carpenter and Joiner, and you'll help with all kinds of building projects. Our first-class training will teach you to work from drawings, plan tasks, use workshop machinery and scaffolding, and prepare timber for use. You'll also learn to make joints, windows, doorframes, partitions, floors and roofing. With this experience plus qualifications, you'll have a great CV if you ever decide to leave Army service.
Until then, there's plenty to enjoy: sports, Adventurous Training and fantastic friends.
Carpenter and Joiner is a Trade role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.
Key responsibilities
Plan carpentry and joinery tasks from sketches and working drawings
Learn the use and maintenance of workshop machinery
Prepare timber for use, manufacture joints, use adhesives, produce windows, door frames, door linings and internal joinery fitments
Carry out general construction work, first-fix timber frames, second-fix internal joinery fitments
Install partitions, floors, roofing, timber-framed buildings, formwork and shoring
Construct scaffolding, interpret scaffold terms, erect access scaffold and install access ladders
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a military training course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills, such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. The final stage of training is 21 weeks at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent. Here, you learn how to use machinery and hand tools to make timber building materials.
You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician Apprenticeship
(contains the following pathways: Heating and Plumbing, Carpenter and Joiner, Building & Structural Finisher, Plant Operator Mechanic)
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.
As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.
Rob Needham
Royal Engineers
Most days you finish work and can spend your evenings however you like, and you’re usually free to go away at weekends.
When you’re not on duty, your time is your own. Many people use evenings and weekends to relax, keep active, or spend time with friends on camp.
James M
Infantry
There truly is no job like being in the Army, where colleagues become your friends.
You’re living, training and working with the same people, so friendships build very quickly.
Yes. Everyone starts in the same position, learning together and supporting each other. That shared journey makes it easy to form friendships and feel like you belong.
Kelvin R
Infantry
The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.
You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.
Rob H
Royal Armoured Corps
There are varied periods where you’ll be extremely busy and also periods where you could be having downtime at home with family and friends.
Not at all. Some parts are intense, especially during training or when learning something new, but it’s not like that all the time. You’ll have structured periods where you’re focused and pushed to do your best, but there’s also downtime to reset, socialise and look after yourself. That balance helps you grow without feeling overwhelmed.
Jen C
Adjutant General's Corps
Your future starts here
Every Carpenter and Joiner started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
Not ready to apply? Get in touch
Contact us
Find a careers centre
More roles like this
Plumber
Plasterer and Painter
