Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute is a Catholic Institution that is run by the Salesians Community of the catholic church and aims at providing quality Technical Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) for the marginalized youths in Malawi. It is situated in Area 23, Tsabango, Lilongwe. The institute wishes to recruit a Carpenter as follows:
The Carpenter will be responsible for designing, fabricating, assembling, and finishing high-quality furniture and joinery products. The role requires advanced technical skills, precision craftsmanship, and the ability to work in large-scale production environments.
Job Summary
- Employer: Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Construction & Trades
- Closing Date: 2026-10-07
Key Responsibilities
- Produce and assemble quality furniture using modern carpentry and joinery.
- Ensure safety and efficiency while operating tools and machinery.
- Read and understand specifications, technical drawings, and designs.
- Carry out quality checks on completed items and apply finishing touches as required.
- Collaborate with production teams to follow targets and deadlines.
- Train and mentor junior carpenters and apprentices.
- Keep machinery and tools in good condition and adhere to the health and safety regulations of the workshop.
Requirements
- Advanced Malawi Craft Certificate in Carpentry & Joinery.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in large-scale furniture production industries.
- Strong knowledge of modern woodworking machinery and industrial production processes.
- Ability to work with hardwoods, softwoods, laminates, and composite materials.
- Proven track record in delivering custom and mass-production furniture.
- Those with Diploma in related field will have an added advantage.
How to Apply
About the Company
Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute (DBYTI) is a prominent vocational training institution situated in Lilongwe, Malawi. It is dedicated to empowering Malawian youth by providing high-quality, demand-driven technical and vocational skills training. The institute offers a diverse range of programs, including bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, tailoring, and plumbing. Its curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with practical competencies essential for gainful employment and entrepreneurial success within Malawi's economy. As part of the global Salesians of Don Bosco network, DBYTI plays a crucial role in fostering self-reliance and contributing significantly to the national workforce development.
Equipping Malawian youth with practical technical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a carpenter at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute?
A Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent is typically required, along with a certificate or diploma in carpentry and joinery from a recognized technical institution like Don Bosco itself. Trade testing at Grade 1, 2, or 3 from the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) significantly improves your prospects. Practical apprenticeship experience is highly valued by employers in Malawi's construction sector.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a carpenter in Malawi?
Daily tasks include reading blueprints, measuring and cutting timber, assembling furniture and building structures, installing fixtures, and repairing wooden items. You will also maintain tools, select appropriate materials, and ensure work meets client specifications. Site preparation and cleanup are common, especially on construction projects across Malawi's growing urban areas.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for carpenters in Malawi?
Punctuality is essential, with most workshops operating from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Respect for hierarchy is important—younger carpenters typically defer to master craftsmen. Employers expect flexibility, as you may work on multiple projects simultaneously and occasionally travel to rural sites where accommodation is basic.
What career progression opportunities exist for carpenters in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance from apprentice to journeyman, then master carpenter or site supervisor. Some progress into entrepreneurship, establishing their own workshops in cities like Lilongwe, Blantyre, or Mzuzu. Others specialize in heritage restoration, boat building, or teaching at technical institutes, with additional qualifications opening doors to project management roles.
What benefits should I expect as a carpenter employed in Malawi?
Formal employers typically provide annual leave of 18-24 days, public holidays, and sometimes sick leave. Medical aid and pension contributions vary significantly—larger construction firms and NGOs usually offer these, while small private workshops may not. Protective equipment should be provided, though you may need to supply your own hand tools.
How do I apply for carpenter positions, and what do Malawian employers prioritize?
Submit your CV with certified copies of MSCE, trade certificates, and references to employers directly or through Malawi's Department of Labour offices. Employers prioritize demonstrated practical skills, so bring a portfolio of completed work or be prepared for a practical test. Reliability, honesty, and willingness to learn often outweigh formal qualifications in smaller enterprises.