Carpentry and Joinery (Apprenticeship)

This occupation is found in both the new build and refurbishment construction sector. The construction industry is central to creating the homes, schools, hospitals, energy and transport infrastructure society needs. There is growing demand for carpenters and joiners to help meet the need for new homes.

The broad purpose of the occupation is working with building materials (most often wood) to create and install building components. This typically involves shaping and cutting materials, installing finished materials like partitions, doors, staircases, window frames, mouldings, timber floor coverings and erecting structural components such as floor joists and roofs. All work needs to be carried out safely, using the appropriate tools and to the quality specified.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other construction trades such as bricklayers, plasterers and plumbers, supervisors, site management, architects, designers, contractors and customers. A Site Carpenter would generally liaise with other trades such as bricklayers, plasterers and plumbers, supervisors, site management and contractors. Architectural joiners would liaise with other workshop colleagues and supervisors as well as architects, designers and customers. An employee in either option of this occupation will be responsible for working in a team, under supervision, using machinery and/or tools to create structures or components from designs, plans and specifications that meet the client's expectations.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working in a team, under supervision, using machinery and tools to create structures or components from the designs, plans and specifications of architects and designers that meet the clients expectations. On site these could include roof structures, floors, partitions and second fix work such as door frames and skirting. As an architectural joiner, they could include doors, windows and stairs, including all ironmongery.

An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and have no upper age limit. Any vacancies will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. There will be different entry requirements depending on the company and role.

A minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 3/D or above, including maths and English are recommended for this apprenticeship. Individuals without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

A natural ability to work with your hands and the ability to use your own initiative is a plus.

You should be comfortable with basic computer functions and applications including accessing the internet and word processing. Parts of your programme may be delivered using Microsoft Teams. Training for this application will be provided.

Apprenticeship Standard: ST0264 Carpentry and Joinery

Achievement of this programme may lead to a Level 3 apprenticeship or progression within employment.

Through their apprenticeship, apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their job and career. Apprentices will have their skills, knowledge and behaviours evaluated at the end of their apprenticeship by taking an end-point assessment (EPA). This is known as synoptic assessment. Individuals without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

The apprentice is expected to study through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. The time spent on off-the-job training should be at least 20% and should be included as part of working hours. The employer must allow time to complete the apprenticeship within the working hours, however, some homework may be set by College Tutors or Development Coaches.

This is a work-based programme and is studied as part of an apprenticeship.

If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, you will not have to fund your own tuition, it is your employer and the government who cover the fees. If you are over 25, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your training, but it depends on your employer. If you do have to contribute to the cost of training, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

The cost of training an apprentice is dependent on their age and whether or not the business pays the Apprenticeship Levy. There are a range of different grants and incentives available to employers. Contact us for up-to-date information and advice on the funding support available