Meet JoJo, 24, from Derbyshire and find out about life as a woodworker. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
JoJo:
I'm JoJo, I'm 24 years old, and I'm a woodworker.
Woodwork is one of the oldest crafts – people have been making things from wood for thousands of years. It's really nice to be able to carry on this long tradition of woodworking, and put my own spin on things.
I've always been interested in making spoons. I grew up surrounded by wood. My dad was a woodworker too, so all of my first meals were eaten with a wooden bowl and a wooden spoon, made by my dad. I was taught from a very young age how to safely use a knife and how to carve things and whittle things to play with.
After I left school, I went to work with several different craftspeople to pick up new skills, and learn about running a business as a craftsperson.
Eventually, I started an apprenticeship with a clog maker. I decided to take on an apprenticeship because I wanted to do something more practical with my life, and something where I had a bit more control over what I do.
To carve a wooden spoon, I start from a block of wood, I split that down with an axe, then carve it roughly to shape with a stock knife. From there, I use smaller tools – a straight knife and a curved knife – to refine the shapes and make it look beautiful.
At the end, I carve my initials on every spoon using a small, sharp, pointy knife. It's taken a lot of years of training to be able to use these tools safely and properly in my workshop. Now I teach people how to carve spoons, all the way around the world.
It feels really great to be able to pass on my skills to students. It's lovely watching them learn these new techniques, and see how great it makes them feel to have made things themselves.
In my work, it's really important to be able to talk to people. When I was choosing my options at school, I took Drama which has helped me with everything that I do. From getting up on a stage and talking to people about what I do, to teaching people and being able to put across my ideas, it's always been a massive help.
The best part of my job is being able to do what I want, when I want. I also love being able to make things that people can use. It's fantastic thinking about all of the things that I've made, all around the world in people's kitchens, getting used every day.
I love being able to make things that people can use.
- Following in her dad's footsteps, JoJo has been learning to make things from wood since her childhood
- JoJo decided to pursue her passion after her GCSEs and began a woodwork apprenticeship instead of doing A-levels
- Studying English and Drama at GCSE encouraged JoJo's creativity and communication skills – she uses these in her job to discuss design ideas with clients.
In JoJo's job, she uses traditional craft skills to make items such as spoons from wood. You can gain experience working with wood, for example by working with a craftsperson - in JoJo's case she worked with a master clog maker. Craft woodworking jobs can also include making and restoring items made from wood, such as furniture.
What to expect if you want to be a craft woodworker
- Craft woodworker salary: £20,000 to £28,000 per year
- Craft woodworker working hours: 42 to 44 hours per week
What qualifications do you need if you want to be a craft woodworker?
You could get into this role via a college course (such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, or a T-level - England-only), an apprenticeship, or applying directly if you have relevant experience.
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.
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