Carpentry and Joinery

The work of a joiner mainly requires the tradesperson to work at a bench in a joinery workshop undertaking either purpose-made joinery or standard joinery for new building and refurbishment contract work. Some site measurement, installation and maintenance work is also included. The range of work includes the setting out, marking out and assembly of doors, windows, door frames/linings, stairs and carcass units.

The work of a carpenter mainly requires the tradesperson to work on a building site undertaking new building, maintenance, refurbishment and restoration work. The carpenter's range of work includes fixing window frames, door frames, staircases, floor joists and floor boarding, skirting board, architrave, door hanging and kitchen fitting. It also involves the installation of structural carcassing work such as pitched roofs and flat roofs.

Local carpentry employers who have offered Apprenticeships with Colchester Institute include Rose Builders, SJ Root, CM Cadman and Strood Contracts Ltd.

Course Aims
Aimed at those wishing to become a competent carpenter or joiner, leading to an NVQ Level 2 and ICA (Intermediate Construction Award) or an NVQ Level 3 and ACA (Advanced Construction Award) qualification.

Entry Requirements

• Aged 16 or above
• Entry assessments and interview
• Employment with a carpentry or joinery company

Course Content
The course covers basic woodworking skills, aspects of timber technology and health and safety with a choice of studying bench work or site work.

Site work includes fitting and fixing of:

• Doors, lining, frames, skirting and architrave
• Windows and staircases
• Studwork, pipe casting, floor joists and trussed rafter roofs

Bench work covers the setting out, marking out and assembling of:

• Doors and door linings
• Door and window frames
• Staircases and storage units

Assessment
Continual assessment based upon a portfolio of evidence collected both in the workplace and at College including a Health and Safety computer based assessment.

Progression

• Level 2 Apprentices can progress to Level 3 and upon passing the Health and Safety test subsequently apply for a ‘blue' CSCS (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme) card
• Level 3 Apprentices can apply for a ‘gold' CSCS card and progress to the Certificate in Site Supervisory Studies (First Line Supervisors Scheme) and the CIOB Certificate/Diploma in Site Management (SMETS).

What's it like doing a Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship?

• Name: Joe Adams
• Age: 18
• Apprenticeship: Carpentry, Level 2
• Job title: Apprentice Carpenter

What are your day-to-day duties at work?
Organising material for everyone, cleaning up, cutting for people, stud walls, setting out roof trusses, floor joists.

How has the Apprenticeship helped with your job role?
It has made me more aware of health and safety. It helps me learn all aspects of the trade not covered in my job. The Apprenticeship is a more realistic way of learning things, especially in the world of work. You continue to learn.

What are your ambitions for the future?
Have my own van, restore a house.

Interested?