Significant Points ·About 30 percent of all carpenters-the largest construction trade in 2002-were self-employed. ·Job opportunities should be excellent. ·Carpenters with all-round skills will have the best opportunities for steady work. Nature of the Work Carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction activity. They cut, fit, and assemble wood and other materials for the construction of buildings, highways, bridges, docks, industrial plants, boats, and many other structures.