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This site managed on behalf of the Institute of Carpenters by Central Office

  

WELCOME 
to the
INSTITUTE OF CARPENTERS
CARPENTERS CREST
 
The Institute of Carpenters was founded in 1890 by eleven craftsmen, each of whom had achieved first class passes in new exams set by The Worshipful Company of Carpenters. Its role was to oversee training for carpenters and joiners in an effort to maintain standards at a time when many people were worried that traditional skills were in danger of being lost forever. In fact so many people, from Prince Albert down, had been concerned about the changes brought about by industrialisation, that they forced the introduction into schools.
They realised that industry needed properly trained workers, with traditional bench skills plus the ability to set up and operate machines safely and productively.
 
Of course such people are still needed - but changes to the school curriculum mean few children are given a proper introduction to craft skills. The Institute of Carpenters has always adopted a positive and practical approach to change. Over the years its exam syllabuses and competition formats have changed as working practices/techniques have changed.
 
The IOC has initiated its own non-GCSE vocational craft course in schools and together with other national training organisations in the construction industry is supporting the new GNVQ (General national Vocational Qualification) for 16+ students. It has also built up close links with training boards, technical research bodies and the trading standards authorities. Organisations such as the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the British Standards Institute (BSI), the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the City and Guilds of London Institute, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) . . . Access to help or information from these or any other relevant institutions can be easily arranged through the IOC. The essential point has been to help each generation of carpenters and joiners to work efficiently with the machines, materials and legislation of the day. The Institute of Carpenters is committed now more than ever to keeping its members one step ahead of the rest.
 
The Worshipful Company of Carpenters received its Royal Charter from Edward IV in 1477, confirming it as a City Livery Company. The late medieval times really were the heyday of the craft guilds. Rich men and rich institutions (like the church) enjoyed spending their money on magnificent buildings. Masons and carpenters were in great demand and, after a 7 year-long apprenticeship, both could look forward to their own prosperous careers as journeymen or master craftsmen. 500 years on The Worshipful Company of Carpenters is still flourishing in its prestigious hall on Throgmorton Avenue in the City of London.

Visit the Worshipful Company's website at www.thecarpenterscompany.co.uk