Carpentry is a noble trade which is a combination of art and utility. In Malta, the need of the skilled carpenters is still increasing today as the new innovative construction projects and the revival of the traditional Maltese craftsmanship come into collision. Being a novice or an experienced carpenter that wants to keep ahead of the game, these are the best skills that you can perfect to be an unreplaceable hand. To make you succeed in this growing industry, let us examine the five most demanded skills of carpenters in Malta in greater detail.
1. Tailor-made Furniture Making
The rise in the demand of customized furniture is one of the most notable trends in the carpentry industry in Malta. Maltese home owners, hotels and other businesses are turning towards special, handmade items rather than mass produced items.
What is its demand?
Maltese market values individuality. Customers desire tailor-made beds, wardrobes and tables that portray their personality or brand. This movement is closely connected with the Maltese culture of craftsmanship of high quality and the need to honor the old artisanal skills.
What would make carpenters unique?
- Master to mix the old methods with the new technology, e.g. CNC cutting machines, to achieve precision-based designs.
- Learn to be an observant person in terms of working with clients to bring abstract concepts into a concrete end product.
- Specialize in blending materials, e.g. the use of wrought iron with wood, which is a current trend in Maltese modern houses.
2. Knowledge of the Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices
The term sustainability is no longer a buzzword and does play a critical role in the design and construction process. The world, and Malta, in particular, has been experiencing the growing need in eco-friendly furniture and construction solutions.
What is its demand?
The Maltese Islands are leading in green initiatives in an attempt to address environmental challenges. A good number of clients have now become keen on employing carpenters that can offer them sustainable solutions like reusing wood, low-VOC finishes, or using timber that has been certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)..
What would make carpenters unique?
- Get acquainted with the environmentally friendly materials and get to know the places where you can find them in your hometown to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Test out re-used materials such as old wood or shipping pallet.
- Market your sustainability knowledge in your portfolio and sell to customers that are concerned about their environmental footprint.
3. Reinterpretation and Conservation of the Traditional Maltese Woodwork
The cultural heritage of the islands attracts interest not only of the residents of the islands, but also of the tourists who want to find the real Maltese experience. This heightened interest directly overflows into demands to restore old woodwork such as traditional balconies, doors and detailed ornamentation.
Why is it in demand?
Restoration work is essential due to tourism and the boom in the real estate in Malta. The old Maltese balconies (gallariji) and old doors are the popular icons of the architectural heritage of the country. Conservation of these features has also become as important as developing new designs.
What would make carpenters unique?
- Learn restoration-related skills such as wood varnishing, carving, and mold making so that every project would respect the cultural integrity of Malta.
- Liaise with the local conservation offices to get acquainted with the policies on heritage properties.
- Purchase tools and methods that can be used in the sensitive restoration work like wood fillers to do minor repairs or methods to deal with insect infestation.
4. Expertise of Modern Digital Design and Technology
The practice of carpentry in Malta and the rest of the world is increasingly being changed by technology. The use of digital tools is becoming imperative in the efficient production, design and creation of woodwork that is in line with the expectations of clients.
Why is it in demand?
The customer expectations have been raised by the use of technology like the use of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. Realistic visualizations of custom designs are now being expected by many clients before the production process has even started.
How can carpenters stand out?
- Certify yourself in the use of CAD software, rendering, and even augmented reality to give you a better chance of previewing your designs to your clients.
- Get to know about CNC routers and 3D printing software, which will allow minimizing waste and increase accuracy.
- Provide customers with blueprints in a digital format to streamline the process of cooperation.
5. Great Communication and Client Relationships Management
Carpentry is not anymore about hammering nails and sawing wood, but about building long-term relationships with clients. The small and close knit Malta community lives on connections and word-of-mouth referrals can be your greatest asset.
What is its demand?
Customers demand more on-time delivery and transparency of the project. Trust is created by consistent updates, adaptability in the design changes, and professional reporting which is in demand. Malta is very well connected through its thriving construction and tourism sectors, which can further provide access to new projects.
How can carpenters stand out?
- Be ahead of the curve when sharing schedules, issues, and changes to update clients.
- Learn how to negotiate in order to offer win-win solutions during budgeting of materials or alteration of designs.
- In everything, do that extra mile- even a simple follow up call after a project has been done can make the clients rave about your services.
The Future of Carpentry in Malta
Carpentry industry in Malta offers a lot of opportunities to skilled personnel who want to make a difference. Having a distinctive set of needs due to the combination of cultural heritage, innovative technology, and sustainability trends, the number of ways in which carpenters can diversify and expand their skill sets is limited only by the imagination.
In order to succeed, one should find the right balance between respecting the eternal traditions of the craft and using modern and futuristic technologies. Through these five skills that are in demand, you will be in a good position to satisfy the clients and be a leader in the emerging market in Malta.
