Carpentry & Construction

Frame, finish and read plans like a working carpenter.

Start with How to Use a Level and What is Next for EC (14 min, Essential Craftsman), then Pickup Framing Ep.101 (13 min, Essential Craftsman). All 28 lessons in Carpentry & Construction are free. No degree. Start as a helper or apprentice. A starter kit costs about $210. About $59k a year (US median, carpenters).

To start: No degree. Start as a helper or apprentice. Earning: About $59k a year (US median, carpenters).

1. Carpentry and framing

   Walls, roofs, stairs.

   • How to Use a Level and What is Next for EC (14 min, Essential Craftsman, Beginner)
   • Pickup Framing Ep.101 (13 min, Essential Craftsman, Beginner)
   • The Fundamentals of Wall Framing with Steve Baczek Architect (9 min, Build Show Network, Beginner)
   • Rafter Tails 101 - Designing and Planning (15 min, Build Show Network, Beginner)
   • MY BIGGEST DAMASCUS BILLET: PART 2 - For Samurai Carpenter Box Hinges (8 min, Alec Steele, Intermediate)
   • Where Nathan Learned Carpentry (6 min, This Old House, Intermediate)

2. Masonry and concrete

   Slabs and blocks.

   • ASK This Old House | Easier Plumbing, Roofing 101 (S20 E6) FULL EPISODE (24 min, This Old House, Beginner)
   • How to Replace your Entire Driveway (Complete Tear Out and Repave) (15 min, ChrisFix, Intermediate)
   • Pouring Concrete on a Budget (That Still Looks Amazing) (24 min, Essential Craftsman, Intermediate)
   • Installing Asphalt Shingles the Right Way: Shop Build #19 (23 min, Essential Craftsman, Intermediate)
   • How to Install Shingles on a Shed (12 min, This Old House, Intermediate)
   • How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete (5 min, Lowe's Home Improvement, Advanced)

3. Run the job

   Plans, bids, safety.

   • Step by Step - How to Build a House (22 min, Electrician U, Beginner)
   • What is the Queen Anne Victorian Architectural Style? (13 min, Build Show Network, Beginner)
   • Learn These Skills Before Day 1 on a Construction Site [Part 1] (27 min, Essential Craftsman, Intermediate)
   • 7 Construction Math Hacks: Estimating & More (11 min, Essential Craftsman, Intermediate)
   • Blueprints Deciphered: How to Read Commercial Plans (For Electricians) (22 min, Electrician U, Intermediate)
   • How to Build a Door that LASTS and looks Great? (24 min, Build Show Network, Intermediate)

4. Get hired

   A CV that gets read, interviews you are ready for, and the first offer negotiated.

   • Career Change to Code - The Complete Guide [Full Course for Aspiring Developers] (203 min, freeCodeCamp.org, Beginner)
   • If Your Job Interviewer Asks You THIS, BEWARE! (11 min, A Life After Layoff, Intermediate)
   • Write an Incredible Resume: 5 Golden Rules! (9 min, Jeff Su, Intermediate)
   • Can't Get A Job? You May Be On The "Do Not Hire" List! (18 min, A Life After Layoff, Intermediate)
   • Top 5 LinkedIn Profile Tips! (10 min, Jeff Su, Intermediate)
   • A Job Recruiter Critiques 5 Real Audience Resumes (23 min, The Financial Diet, Intermediate)

5. Money basics for your first pay

   Budget it, save it, and start investing early.

   • Investing 101 (20 min, Ben Felix, Beginner)
   • Using Your Money To Be Happier (21 min, Ben Felix, Intermediate)
   • 5 Things You Need To Do If You Make Less Than $100k (21 min, The Financial Diet, Intermediate)
   • 9 Things To Stop Spending On By 30 (26 min, The Financial Diet, Intermediate)