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Carpenter

Carpenters build roof structures, timber houses and wooden constructions, often prefabricated in a hall and then put up on the building site. Building with wood is considered climate-friendly.

Typical tasks

  • reading plans and marking out timber parts precisely
  • cutting and working timber with machines and hand tools
  • prefabricating wall and roof elements in the hall
  • putting up roof structures and timber buildings on site
  • installing insulation and cladding

Where people work

Carpenters work for timber construction and carpentry companies, in the hall and on building sites, often at height on roofs.

A good fit if

  • you like working with wood and with your hands
  • you are physically fit and have a head for heights
  • you work well in a team
  • you can think in three dimensions and are not put off by maths

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria the usual path is a Lehre (apprenticeship) in carpentry; there is also a longer apprenticeship in carpentry technology. If you want the Matura (school-leaving exam), you can attend an HTL (higher technical college) specialising in wood or building technology. In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung or the Fachoberschule Technik, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ) or the Berufsmaturität Technik.

Lehre
Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years

Matching schools in Austria

A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.

  • HTL Pinkafeld
    HTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, Burgenland
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Mössingerstraße
    HTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, Kärnten
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Mödling
    HTL, 2340 Mödling, Niederösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Leonding
    HTL, 4060 Leonding, Oberösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Salzburg
    HTL, 5020 Salzburg, Salzburg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL BULME Graz-Gösting
    HTL, 8051 Graz, Steiermark
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Anichstraße
    HTL, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Dornbirn
    HTL, 6850 Dornbirn, Vorarlberg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026

Frequently asked questions

How long does the apprenticeship take?

The carpentry apprenticeship usually takes three years, longer for carpentry technology.

Do I only work outdoors?

No. Much is prefabricated in the hall today. On site, though, you work in all weathers.

Can I become a master craftsperson later?

Yes. With work experience you can take the master craftsperson exam and run a business.

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