snekkerfaget

Snekkerfaget, or carpentry, is the woodworking trade involved in constructing, installing and finishing wooden components for buildings and interiors. The work covers structural elements such as framing and roof components, as well as interior joinery like stairs, doors, windows, cabinetry and decorative trim. Carpenters may work in a workshop producing components for on-site installation, or directly on construction sites assembling and finishing elements.

Typical tasks include measuring, cutting, shaping and joining timber using joints, fasteners and adhesives; reading drawings and specifications; planning work sequences, and coordinating with other trades. Work is performed in varied environments, from fabrication shops to construction sites, and requires attention to alignment, level and tolerances, as well as safety and quality standards.

In Norway, snekkerfaget is a regulated vocational trade. The usual path combines upper-secondary vocational schooling with an apprenticeship that includes on-the-job training. Upon successful completion and passing the svenneprøve, candidates receive the fagbrev i snekkerfaget (the journeyman’s certificate). Training typically spans a few years, balancing classroom study with practical work.

Tools and methods range from traditional hand tools—like saws, chisels and planes—to power tools such as circular saws, drills, routers and nail guns. Carpenters use measuring instruments, levels and electronics for planning, and increasingly work with engineered wood, prefabricated components and digital planning tools.

Carpentry work is carried out by small workshops and larger construction companies. The field requires physical fitness, precision and an ability to read plans and adapt to changing site conditions. The profession continues to evolve with new materials, sustainability considerations and advanced manufacturing techniques.