On leaving school in summer 1928, Carter was presented with a gold watch inscribed with details of his England football and school cricket achievements. He was offered amateur terms and an office job by Sunderland His uncle, Ted, who had been acting as his guardian since his father's death in March 1928 was not impressed and insisted he learn a trade to fall back on and also noted Carter was still too small and light for professional football. Carter was apprenticed as an electrician with the Sunderland Forge and Mechanical Company. He played football for their works team and also Whitburn St Mary's whose team contained many of Sunderland's best juniors.