What Happens When You Come Off the Tools?

Robin Clevett is joined by Emily Kitchin, Richard Wagner and Jay Elliott, to discuss what makes a great carpenter. From developing skills and maintaining high standards, to learning from experience, problem-solving and passing knowledge on to the next generation, they explore what separates the good from the great and how we can all continue to improve our craft.

Robin Clevett is joined by architect and self-builder Seb Ferrão from 538 Works, the man behind Wood House - an innovative self-build in North West London that featured on Grand Designs.Seb takes Robin through the journey of designing and building the house, explaining why he chose cross-laminated timber (CLT) and how he achieved an incredibly precise timber shell, fabricated to a 2mm tolerance and erected in just two weeks.They discuss the craftsmanship behind the project, the challenges of taking on a self-build, the relationship between traditional joinery skills and modern construction methods, and whether engineered timber could play a bigger role in the future of housebuilding. More on the project at 538works.com and on Instagram @aboutwoodhouse.

Robin Clevett is joined by Steven Hoare of 109 Carpentry and South Wales carpenter Will Griffiths to explore the challenges of door hanging, with a particular focus on fire doors.They discuss common installation mistakes, the complexities of fire door compliance, the rise of pre-hung and pre-fitted doors, and how modern products and regulations have changed the job.

Robin Clevett is joined by Quantity Surveyor Tim Philips and time-served carpenter Jason Joyce to explore how the trade has evolved, whether carpenters now need a broader understanding of the entire building, and how unfamiliar materials and systems can complicate even straightforward jobs.Robin also reflects on the importance of adapting, expanding your knowledge and embracing new technology to stay ahead in the trade. Are we simply keeping up with necessary changes, or are we overcomplicating construction when better planning and communication could make everyone's lives easier?

Robin Clevett looks into retirement and is joined by fellow tradespeople Danny Madden, Jack Auletta and Gary Banks to discuss their plans for the future, from financial preparation and business succession, to finding a better work-life balance and exploring new ventures beyond the trade.

Robin answers your questions on the tools he couldn’t work without, whether apprentices rely too heavily on power tools, and why traditional hand skills still matter in modern carpentry.He also discusses accuracy, quoting jobs in uncertain times, handling awkward conversations with customers when projects change, and whether rising costs are making skilled trades unaffordable.There’s also debate around expensive van leases, the government’s proposed crackdown on rogue traders, roof-cutting skills in the age of factory trusses, and the best way to move into fitted furniture and cabinetry work.

Robin Clevett looks at the dangers of working in hazardous environments and asks whether tradespeople are sometimes being put in situations where safety is being compromised.Robin reacts to the story of a joiner who was left paralysed after falling through a skylight, as he shares his experience of the accident and the pressures he faced working in an unsafe environment.David Byrne talks about how even decades in, there's many times where you will find yourself put in potentially unsafe situations and why common sense is so valuable as you gain experience in the trade.Sean Matthews joins Robin to discuss the responsibility of managing large teams, maintaining safe working practices and what can happen when safety starts to take a back seat.John Argyle talks about his experiences in the past and what he learnt from others.

Robin Clevett looks at the growing demand for fitted interiors and asks whether carpenters could use their existing skills to move into a new and potentially lucrative area of the industry.Robin is joined by Damian Walters, CEO of the British Institute of Fitted Interior Specialists, to discuss the skills shortage facing the sector, attracting new talent and why carpenters and joiners could be well placed to make the move into furniture fitting.Beth Harrison from Site Works explains the challenges of managing larger fit-out projects, including coordinating trades, suppliers and getting the sequencing of work right.Robin speaks to carpenter Liam McGinley, who has built a successful part of his business around media walls and bespoke furniture, to find out what the demand is like, the challenges involved and where he sees further opportunities.

Robin Clevett looks at neurodiversity in the trade — from the misconceptions surrounding it to the challenges neurodivergent people can face at work.Robin speaks to neurodiversity specialist Susan Fitzell about the strengths neurodivergent workers can bring to the trades, why some people choose not to disclose their diagnosis, and what employers and businesses can do to create more supportive and inclusive workplaces.He also hears first-hand from Carpenters, Ben Haskins and Scott Bubb about their experiences in the trade, their careers, apprenticeships, working life and how neurodiversity has shaped their lives both on and off the tools.

Robin Clevett is joined by TV and radio presenter Sam Pinkham, co-founder of Shack, to hear how he has gone from broadcasting to building a rapidly growing construction business.Shack specialises in the architectural design and sustainable construction of cabins, homes and hotels.Sam talks Robin through the journey of starting the business, scaling up, bringing architectural design in-house and some of the standout projects Shack has delivered.They also discuss the challenges of finding skilled and reliable labour, the construction industry's skills shortage and why Shack has focused on getting more women into senior positions and on site.Sam also shares his experiences working in TV and radio, including presenting Holiday Homes In The Sun and working across some of the UK's biggest radio stations.