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Carpentry – Site Carpentry or Architectural Joinery Apprenticeship

Wood occupations involve carrying out skilled work, primarily using timber products, either on a construction site, or in a workshop, creating and installing building components. This is a core and options carpentry apprenticeship, with two pathways:

Pathway 1: A Site Carpenter will normally work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and fixing building components, from the initial erection of a new building, through to the installation of all necessary fixtures and fittings, as well as a range of repair and maintenance activities.

Pathway 2: An Architectural Joiner will normally be employed in a workshop producing timber based building components and other architectural products, such as doors, windows, units and staircases, which are then transported to construction sites to be installed by site carpenters.

Whichever route is taken core skills and competencies are required to be demonstrated and include the likes of health and safety, working to commercial standards, following instructions (written and verbal), planning work and selecting appropriate materials. To develop these skills apprentices will attend college for one day per week to gain the appropriate knowledge and practical skill requirements in order to be able to work effectively as a site carpenter or architectural joiner. The demonstration of competency in the work place will be displayed through the building of a portfolio of evidence to meet the requirements of the appropriate Level 2 NVQ Diploma. All apprentices need to achieve a minimum of Level 1 Maths and English and those who did not achieve a GCSE at grade 4 or above will have to study to the next level of maths and English – L2 Functional Skills.

Information for Applicants

What knowledge and skills are covered?

On completion of this apprenticeship, carpentry and joinery workers will be able to:

  • Work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues.
  • Plan and carry out their work to commercial standards of quality and speed.
  • Move, handle and store resources, such as materials and timber components, complying with relevant legislation & guidance.
  • Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from trade supervisors and site managers
  • Select the required materials to carry out the work, such as correct timber, tools and fixings.
  • Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications to carry out their work.

Site work includes:

  • Doors, Lining, Frames, Skirting and Architrave
  • Windows and Staircases
  • Studwork, Pipe Casting, Floor Joists and Trussed Rafter Roofs

Bench work includes:

  • Doors and Door Linings
  • Door and Window Frames
  • Staircases and Storage Units

On completion of this apprenticeship, carpentry and joinery workers will have the following core knowledge to:

  • Understand the principles of health, safety and welfare and how these are applied in the workplace.
  • Understand how to communicate with others and comply with instructions and directions.
  • Understand the different techniques and methods used to move, handle and store materials.
  • Understand how to interpret and use relevant product information and specifications.
  • Understand their responsibilities under current employment and safety legislation, such as The Health & Safety at Work Act
  • Understand how to calculate quantity, length, area and wastage of resources.
  • Understand the needs of other workers and how to work effectively with others.
  • Understand the characteristics, quality, uses, sustainability, limitations and defects associated with timber and timber-based products and components, such as hardwood, softwood, MDF and other materials.

What are the entry requirements?

A minimum of 4 GCSEs (grades A*-E/9-3), including English and Maths, or satisfactory results in a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Candidates should have a strong interest in the area of Carpentry or Joinery. You will need to be dedicated and committed to your study and be responsible for your own learning. You will be required to attend an interview with the work based learning team and be asked to complete basic skills assessments in literacy and numeracy. You will also be required to pass a Construction Skills Trade Aptitude Test. Students on this course are required to be employed in a suitable work placement with a Carpentry or Joinery company.

How often do I have to attend college?

College attendance of 1 day a week will be required throughout the duration of the apprenticeship and attendance will be confirmed post-application.

How will I be assessed?

Students will develop underpinning knowledge and practical skills in order to advance to the final assessment. In order to be allowed through the ‘gateway’ to sit the End Point Assessment (EPA) apprentices must have successfully completed the L2 NVQ Diploma and have the minimum requirement of Maths and English at level 1 and take the English and Maths tests at L2. The End Point Assessment is made up of a short written test and a practical skills test.

Apprentices must achieve a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to demonstrate competency in their chosen occupation

  • Pathway 1: NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry
  • Pathway 2: NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations – Architectural Joinery

Apprentices must complete, or have previously completed recognised English and Mathematics Level 1 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Level 2 qualifications during the apprenticeship.

Assessment will take place both during and at the end of the apprenticeship, with completion being dependent on successful achievement of the qualification elements and the endorsement of the employer after a professional discussion, with the apprentice and training provider.

What can I do next?

On completion of this standard, some apprentices may progress onto the Advanced Apprenticeship Standard in Carpentry and Joinery, or secure employment as a Site Carpenter or Architectural Joiner.

The achievement of this standard will meet the requirements of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Skilled Worker’ standard, which is widely accepted in the sector as a ‘licence to operate’ in a skilled construction trade.

Information for Employers

How is my business going to benefit from a Carpentry or Joinery Apprentice?

How is my business going to benefit from an ‘Carpentry or Joinery apprentice?

On completion of this apprenticeship, carpentry and joinery workers will be able to:

  • Work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues.
  • Plan and carry out their work to commercial standards of quality and speed.
  • Move, handle and store resources, such as materials and timber components, complying with relevant legislation & guidance.
  • Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from trade supervisors and site managers
  • Select the required materials to carry out the work, such as correct timber, tools and fixings.
  • Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications to carry out their work.

On completion of this apprenticeship, site carpenters will have acquired occupational skills to be able to:

  • Carry out a range of job tasks including measuring, marking out, fitting, cutting, splicing, finishing, positioning and securing.
  • Install door and window frames, door and hatch linings, floor joist coverings, straight partitions and straight staircases.
  • Install doors, ironmongery, service encasements, wall and floor units and fitments, cladding and staircase components.
  • Erect inclined roofs with gables, joists, roof coverings and roof components.
  • Repair or replace frames, mouldings, doors, windows, door and window ironmongery, roofing components, guttering and downpipes and window components.
  • Use, maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment.

On completion of this apprenticeship, site carpenters will have the occupational knowledge to:

  • Understand the technical principles of site carpentry work and how these are applied to prepare and fix timber and timber- based products, erect inclined roofs, maintain and repair building components.
  • Understand how to form specific joints required for site carpentry work, such as mitres, butt and halving joints
  • Understand why, when and how health and safety control equipment should be used when undertaking site carpentry work (e.g. personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
  • Understand how to work safely at height and use access equipment correctly.
  • Know how to use, maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment.

On completion of this apprenticeship, architectural joiners will have acquired occupational skills to be able to:

  • Carry out a range of job tasks including drawing, measuring, marking out, fitting, finishing, positioning and securing
  • Produce setting out details for the manufacture of doors, windows and opening lights, units and stairs
  • Mark out timber from setting out details for the manufacture of doors, windows and opening lights, units and/or fitments and staircases.
  • Create, fit and assemble components to manufacture doors, windows with opening lights, units and/or fitments and staircases
  • Use, maintain and store specific architectural joinery tools and equipment, such as marking and testing tools, power tools and hand tools

On completion of this apprenticeship, architectural joiners will have the occupational knowledge to:

  • Understand the technical principles of architectural joinery and how they are applied in routine tasks, such as, setting out and producing cutting lists, marking out from setting out details and producing cutting lists, fitting and assembling routine products.
  • Understand how to accurately take site and workplace dimensions.
  • Understand how to form and proportion joints associated with architectural joinery work, such as mortice and tenon, dovetail and comb joints.
  • Understand why, when and how health and safety control equipment should be used when undertaking architectural joinery work (e.g. personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
  • Understand how to use, maintain and store marking and testing tools, hand tools, power tools and associated equipment.
  • Understand how to requisition architectural joinery materials, such as timber, adhesives and fixings.
  • Understand how to work at height and use access equipment safely.

What will this cost my business?

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 has changed the way that government funds apprenticeships in England. All businesses operating within the UK with a wage bill of over £3million are required to contribute to the apprenticeship levy.

  • If the levy applies to your business you will be required to pay 0.5% of your entire wage bill into the levy. This will be offset against a levy allowance worth £15,000 for each tax year.
  • You will only be able to use your levy payment for government backed apprenticeships.
  • Levy payments will expire after 18 months.

Speak to an advisor at CI Business Solutions on 01206 712727 to make your levy payments work for you.

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship. Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee.
Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

As the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Essex, we can provide expert advice and guidance on all areas of apprenticeship provision, including helping you find the right apprenticeship for your business, recruiting apprentices, quality delivery and assessment with on-going support and advice.

Does the apprentice have to attend college?

College attendance of 1 day a week will be required throughout the duration of the apprenticeship and attendance will be confirmed post-application.

How is the apprentice assessed?

Students will develop underpinning knowledge and practical skills in order to advance to the final assessment. In order to be allowed through the ‘gateway’ to sit the End Point Assessment (EPA) apprentices must have successfully completed the L2 NVQ Diploma and have the minimum requirement of Maths and English at level 1 and take the English and Maths tests at L2. The End Point Assessment is made up of a short written test and a practical skills test.

Apprentices must achieve a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to demonstrate competency in their chosen occupation

  • Pathway 1: NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry
  • Pathway 2: NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations – Architectural Joinery

Apprentices must complete, or have previously completed recognised English and Mathematics Level 1 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Level 2 qualifications during the apprenticeship.

Assessment will take place both during and at the end of the apprenticeship, with completion being dependent on successful achievement of the qualification elements and the endorsement of the employer after a professional discussion, with the apprentice and training provider.

What about support in the workplace?

The college provide support in the workplace through designated progression meetings involving both the apprentice and the employer. This review process is informed by the college course leader and teaching staff, and is then communicated through a discussion held between you the employer, the apprentice and the college training advisers at this point. Technical college staff will be on hand at any time to provide support additional to the arranged meeting points.

Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?

Colchester Institute is the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Essex. We are expert at connecting the right people, to the right training, to the right business and when it comes to Apprenticeships, our Apprenticeship Advisors can support your business every step of the way.

As part of our service we can support your business with:

  • Advertising the Apprenticeship vacancy
  • Manage the applications received in line with your individual requirements
  • Match prospective candidates already known to us
  • Conduct initial pre-screening for candidates
  • Carry out visits to your premises alongside regular reviews to support you, your staff and your apprentice
  • Advice on any grants or funding where available

Our team will provide:

  • A fee free recruitment service.
  • Personal 1:1 Apprenticeship Levy advice and guidance.
  • A dedicated Account Manager.
  • Industry experienced, professional, technical tutors.
  • Bespoke programmes available upon request.
  • An Essex priority skills focus.
  • Free employer events.
How To Apply

To apply for an apprenticeship please read through the information below and then select the correct application button from the menu located further down the page.

If you are aged between 15 and 18 years old then please click the button ’15 – 18 Years – Apply Online’ and you will be taken to the next stage of the application process.

If you are aged 19 years or older please click the button ‘19+ Years – How to Apply‘, where you will be taken to the application options and information relevant to you.

Carpentry - Bench Joinery Intermediate Apprenticeship
Course Outline: Designed to give you the relevant training and education required to become a successful bench joiner.

Starting employment as an apprentice can occur throughout the year however the start-date for attending college for training, where required, might vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and will be communicated post-employment and sign-up.

LevelLevel 2
LocationColchester
Duration18 – 24 months
CampusColchester Institute
Apprenticeship Funding Band (Levy paying employers)£12,000
Employer Contribution Fee (Non-levy paying employers)£600
15 – 18 Years – Apply Online19+ Years – How To ApplyApprenticeship Enquiry Line: 01206 712 043Open Event UpdatesLatest Apprenticeship Vacancies

Employer Information

Our Business Solutions team will work with you to recruit an Apprentice to your business, advertising the vacancy and managing applications, as well as providing a dedicated account manager and personal 1:1 advice and guidance on apprenticeships.

Hire an Apprentice: Enquire HereEmployer Enquiry Line: 01206 712 727Register a VacancyEmployer Information Events : Book Your Place

What will this cost my Business?

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship. Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Apprenticeship Funding Bands

Apprenticeship Funding Bands
Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee. Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

Carpentry - Site Carpentry Intermediate Apprenticeship
Course Outline: Designed to give you the relevant training and education required to become a successful site carpenter
LevelLevel 2
LocationColchester
Duration18 – 24 months
CampusColchester Institute
Apprenticeship Funding Band (Levy paying employers)£12,000
Employer Contribution Fee (Non-levy paying employers)£600
15 – 18 Years – Apply Online19+ Years – How To ApplyApprenticeship Enquiry Line: 01206 712 043Open Event UpdatesLatest Apprenticeship Vacancies

Employer Information

Our Business Solutions team will work with you to recruit an Apprentice to your business, advertising the vacancy and managing applications, as well as providing a dedicated account manager and personal 1:1 advice and guidance on apprenticeships.

Hire an Apprentice: Enquire HereEmployer Enquiry Line: 01206 712 727Register a VacancyEmployer Information Events : Book Your Place

What will this cost my Business?

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship. Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Apprenticeship Funding Bands

Apprenticeship Funding Bands
Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee. Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2019-20 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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