Yes.  Membership is open to Students aged 16-22 or  Mature Students aged 23 and over can join on the understanding that they have been accepted for, are engaged in, or have completed and recognised course of study in carpentry, joinery or shopfitting. The maximum length of membership is four years (extendable for a further two years if required) or until such time as a higher grade of membership has been attained, whichever is the earlier.

Members of the Institute of Carpenters are associated with the very highest standards of craftsmanship and professionalism. You will have the prestige and public recognition of belonging to a highly respected organisation which aims to:

• promote and enhance the role and status of skilled craftsmen and women everywhere;
• encourage the highest standards of carpentry and joinery work; and
• maintain the best traditions of our historic craft

How do I apply to become a member of the Institute?

You can either apply online by clicking here or telephone Head Office on 020 7256 2700 or email us:  info@instituteofcarpenters.com

To belong to a long standing professional organisation where people share expertise with others in the various crafts & professions in the woodworking industry. The Institute of Carpenters has been in existence since 1890. The IOC, through its involvement with the Worshipful Company of Carpenters; Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers and City & Guilds of London, works to raise standards of quality in craftsmanship and standing of the woodworking craftsperson throughout Industry. To help and encourage apprentices and craftspeople through colleges and in meetings and visits to attain high standards of craftsmanship in good practice, examinations and competition .

Members Only Area of Website

Members of the Institute of Carpenters have exclusive access to a wide range of information and resources.

The Members' Area includes:

• Facility to update your details.  Click here to let us know of any changes.
• Details of relevant news and events
• The latest health and safety information
• Members' case studies
• Contact the Membership Department
• Members shop

Qualifications

o An examination structure where students can develop through examinations to Licentiate level; Member level, and Fellow level, and use the designatory letters after their name LIOC., MIOC., and FIOC. All those entitled to use such letters have proved their ability by examination and verification .

o Affiliate; a grade where students or mature students have attained some qualification towards a fully qualifying grade.

Entry through OSAT

o Entry can be gained to Licentiate level through ‘On Site Assessment’ where a Portfolio is built up which becomes an extremely useful marketing tool for either self employed or those seeking employment. Once the Licentiate membership is gained, there is opportunity to gain higher level qualifications within the Institute.

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Master Craftsman

o Members are encouraged to attain the Licentiate of the `City & Guilds of London Institute`, through the Wood Route, entitling them to the use of the designatory letters LCGI., and to apply to the Institute of Carpenters for the Master Craftsman Certificate, awarded by two Livery Companies and two Institutes.; this award has been established as a measure ‘recognizing excellence in the art , science, craft and practice of Carpentry, Joinery and Shop-fitting’ and is available in three forms, Master Carpenter, Master Joiner or Master Shop-fitter.

Institute Sections

o There are 12 sections throughout the country so you can find a section in your area and be involved in their activities and receive regular news letters detailing section activities. Those that gain most from the Institute are those who get involved with their Sections who welcome partners and friends to meetings and visits.

Meetings & Visits, Continuing Personal Development

What are the grades and what qualifications are required?

Fellow  

FIOC/FFJM/FFOS  - has passed the Institute's Fellowship examination (IOC only) or holds a relevant Degree/HNC/HND and has been employed in a managerial position for not less than five years and is over 35 years of age.  An alternative route for those holding a membership Certificate is though verified evidence of supervisory experience.

Member 

MIOC  - has passed the Institute's Advanced Craft Certificate (Practical & Theory) or holds an S/NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds Advanced Craft Certificate with relevant practical experience. 
MFJM - must be over 25 years of age with relevant experience and with a minimum of five years' experience in one or more of the following disciplines: joinery management, setting out, estimating, buying or contracts management.
MFOS - must be over 25 years of age with relevant experience and with a minimum of five years' experience in one or more of the following functions in a shopfitting firm organisation:  setting out, estimating, buying or contract surveying.

Associate

AFOS/AFJM (Faculties of Shopfitting and Joinery Management)

An associate level if available for those who are unable at the current time to meet the criteria of Member level but wish to progress to that level within a maximum of five years.

Licentiate

LIOC (IOC only)

To attain this level of membership the candidate is required to pass the Practical element of the Advanced Craft Certificate Examination, this is a 7 hour practical test.

For mature craftsmen without qualifications, an alternative route to this level of qualification is by 'On Site Assessment' (OSAT).  To be accepted for this entry system the candidate must be over 25 years of age with at least 6 years site experience.  The candidate will also need a basic understanding of Health & Safety issues;  this is to be assessed by the successful completion of the CITB Prometic Health and Safety Test which has become industrial standard.  The candidate will be issued with a "standard" format portfolio that's user friendly, and includes all necessary paperwork.  The portfolio will not only be used to prove a candidate's competence but will also become a valuable marketing tool for the candidate to use when tendering for work or employment.

Affiliate/Intermediate

To attain this level of membership the candidate or student member is required to pass the Institute's Intermediate Examination or has obtained a Level 2 Certificate or who holds an S/NVQ Level 2 in Wood Occupations (Construction) Carpentry and Joinery or Shopfitting but requires further practical experience.


Mature Student

Currently studying for a recognised qualification in a carpentry, joinery or shopfitting related subject. Open to all students over the age of 23 for a maximum of four years or until such time as a higher grade of membership has been attained, whichever is the earlier.

Student

Currently studying for a recognised qualification in a carpentry, joinery, or shopfitting related subject. Open to all students between the ages of 16 and 22 for a maximum of four years (extendable for a further two years if required) or until such time as a higher grade of membership has been attained, whichever is the earlier.

What are the subscription rates for 2007?