Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship Standard Level 2

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Course Length

27 months – additional time may be required to complete your independent End–point assessment. You must have a contract of employment for the duration of your Apprenticeship programme.

Level

This is a Level 2 Apprenticeship.

There is the opportunity to progress onto a Level 3 Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship upon successful completion of the independent End–point assessment.

Who is it for

Please only apply for this Apprenticeship Course if you already have a suitable employer. If you haven't already got an employer you can apply for Apprenticeship vacancies here https://www.peterborough.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship–vacancies/.

Do you enjoy practical work and want to develop a skill you can use in different ways?
Are you looking to start a career within the carpentry industry or upskill for an existing role?

The occupation involves carrying out skills work, primarily using timber products, either on a construction site, or in a workshop, creating and installing building components. An Apprentice would typically support a qualified site carpenter to prepare and fix building components, from the initial erection of a new building, through to the installation of all necessary fixtures and fittings, as well as range of repair and maintenance activities. This course is suitable for candidates who are new to the carpentry and joinery industry or for existing labourers wanting to progress their knowledge and skills to become qualified site carpenters.

Candidates should have a good eye for detail, as well as a good understanding of Maths as this skills are required for measuring and working out angels from technical drawings and plans.

You can apply for an Apprenticeship if you are living in England, over 16 and not in full–time education can apply. You must be in paid employment for the duration of your Apprenticeship course, you cannot be self–employed or a volunteer. Employers must pay you the minimum Apprenticeship wage or more, for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

Interview Skills Assessment

All candidates will be invited to a pre interview and initial assessments in English and Maths with the Apprenticeship Recruitment Officers.

We strongly advice all candidates to complete a minimum of 2 weeks work experience with their employer prior to the start of the Apprenticeship to ensure the industry is right for the applicant.

What will I need

Entry requirements of GCSEs at grade D/3 and above including Maths and English. You are able to apply for this course with predicted grades where applicable. Please note you may also be asked to complete Maths and English qualifications as part of your Apprenticeship programme.

You will also need a suitable supportive employer who will guide you through your Apprenticeship. We strongly advise that you complete a minimum of 2 weeks work experience with your chosen employer to ensure the construction industry is right for you.

If you do not currently have an employer, you can apply for Apprenticeship Vacancies are advertised on our website – https://www.peterborough.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship–vacancies/

Please only apply for this Apprenticeship course if you already have an employer.

What is covered

This Apprenticeship is designed to help you develop they skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the carpentry industry. 

You will gain the 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.

You will also gain the skills 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.

Through the Apprenticeship you will develop the following professional behaviours:
     •  Effective communication and team working 
     •  Independent working and adaptability 
     •  Logical thinking
     •  Working effectively and time management

Apprentices are expected to attend college 1 day a week as part of  their 20% off–the–job training. Additional off–the–job training hours are expected to be completed within your workplace, however you may also be asked to complete tasks at home via Google Classroom and One–file. 

Please note you may also be asked to complete Maths and English qualifications as part of your Apprenticeship programme. 

How is the course assessed

As well as being assessed continually throughout your Apprenticeship course, all Apprentices are required to complete an End–point Assessment in order to complete their qualification.

The EPA is conducted independently to your employer and Peterborough Regional College and is designed to test whether you have gained the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship Standard. You will be graded according to your individual performance.

Throughout the duration of your Apprenticeship you will complete a number of assessments, only when these have been completed can your assessor and employer agree to put your forward for the 'Gateway'. This gateway allows you to focus on and prepare for your EPA in order to complete your Apprenticeship. During this time your employer will be expected to support you to prepare for your EPA through regular training and guidance.

Throughout the Apprenticeship it is your responsibility with the help from your employer, assessor and college tutors to ensure you are ready for your final independent EPA.

More information about your EPA will be given to you by your Assessor at the Apprenticeship Sign Up.

What can this course lead to

After completing this Apprenticeship you will gain a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations. The achievement of this standard will meet the requirements of the Construction Skill Certification Scheme (CSCS) 'Skilled Worker' standard.

Successful Apprentices can progress onto a Level 3 Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship or a full time study programme.

Candidates also have the opportunities to continue to work within the carpentry industry, gain promotion or start their own business. Possible future job roles could include: Carpenter, Joiner, Joiner's mate and Labourer.

Are there any additional costs

Learners may need to purchase uniform and/or equipment depending on the employer.

Apprentices are also required to apply for a CSCS card which may involve an additional cost. There is no requirement for the employer to support you with this cost, you would need to discuss this with your employer directly.

Other details

A Carpentry Apprentice will work in many different locations and could involve some travelling. This will mean early starts and sometimes late finishes. The weather is another consideration as the majority of work will take place outside. There can be some moving and handling of heavy materials in dusty environments which could have some impact on your health. 

An Apprentice will work on average 40 hours a week, this may vary throughout the year dependent on work load. The salary for a qualified carpenter/joiner can start at £12,000; this can rise to £28,000 for a fully qualified and experienced carpenter/joiner.

As an employed status Apprentice you will:
     •  Earn a wage – the national minimum wage for Apprentices is £4.15 an hour, although many Apprentices earn more than this. Please note you must be a paid employee of the business, you cannot be self employed or a volunteer. 
     •  Have a contract of employment – this must be given to you at the start of your employment. 
     •  Get paid holidays – these will be detailed in your contract of employment.
     •  Receive training – it is crucial to the success of your Apprenticeship that your employer supports you with regular training. The Apprenticeship standard states you must complete a minimum of 20% off–the–job training which can also include training at Peterborough Regional College and training on site. You will also be expected to build a portfolio and complete tasks on One–file and Google Classrooms.