Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship | City & Guilds NVQ Level 2
Why this apprenticeship?
This qualification has been developed to support learners completing the Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship Standard and covers the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the standard.
The occupation involves 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 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
Entry requirements
You must have an employer in place and be in a suitable role that covers the themes in the course information tab to complete this apprenticeship.
All prospective new apprentices will complete an initial assessment of their current knowledge skills and behaviours through a skill scan. This must indicate that there is substantial new knowledge skills and behaviours to be learnt by completing this apprenticeship.
A prospective apprentice will also need to show that they are currently working at or towards the minimum L1 skills for Maths and English. Where a learner has not already achieved GCSE grade 1 to 3 (G-D) or equivalent and taken Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills prior to the completion of the apprenticeship, they must do so before taking the end-point assessment.
Course content
The Level 2 Site Carpentry Diploma allows you to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in Site Carpentry.
It covers the following skills:
- Carry out first fix flooring and roofing
- Carry out first fix frames, partitions and stairs
- Carry out second fixing operations
- Carry out carpentry maintenance
- Set up and operate a circular saw
The Level 2 Bench Joinery Diploma allows you to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in Bench Joinery.
It covers the following skills:
- Set up and operate a circular saw
- Produce setting out details for bench joinery products
- Mark out from setting out details for bench joinery products
- Manufacture bench joinery products
Further information
What can I expect from being an Apprentice?
- Excellent vocational training.
- A salary and on-going support from your employer and GB MET.
- In depth experience, insight and understanding of the business sector you are working in.
- A clear career path.
- The opportunity to achieve industry-standard qualifications and even a degree!
Am I eligible for an Apprenticeship?
Applicants need to be at least 16 years of age, living in England and not taking part in full-time education.
How long does an apprenticeship take?
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on:
- Your experience
- Your knowledge
- Your skill levels
- The business sector
- The qualification
How much will I get paid?
The minimum wage for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour. This rate applies to those under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year of their apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you must be paid at least the minimum wage for your age if you’re aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.
Do I need to find an employer?
Yes, you have two options.
Option 1 - The best option is to find an employer yourself who wants to employ you as an apprentice. Once you have done this, simply provide us with the details. We will then contact your employer and handle all the administration so you can begin your apprenticeship at the earliest opportunity.
Option 2 - The GB MET recruitment team will try and find you an employer. The team will firstly invite you for an interview to fully assess your skills and aptitude for your preferred apprenticeship roles and do everything possible to find an employer with a current vacancy or one looking for an apprentice that fits the role you are looking for.
Whichever option applies, our recruitment team is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
Can I undertake an apprenticeship with my current employer?
Yes, discuss it with your employer and, if they agree and subject to conditions, you can become an apprentice where you now work.
What time of year can I start an apprenticeship?
You can apply at any time of the year. The start of your work-based training is dependent on your employer and all new Standard apprenticeships must include 20% off-the-job training.
What is off-the-job training?
Training that is delivered outside of an apprentice’s normal working duties.
Off-the-job refers to an apprentice learning outside a regular day-to-day work environment but within working hours. This includes:
- Practical activities such as shadowing a more skilled member of staff or ‘off-site’ visits to meet customers or attend a trade show
- Theoretical activities such as online courses, attending seminars and role playing
- Learning by writing reports and work-specific documents
Careers and progression
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.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
As apprenticeships are now offering routes to degree-level qualifications they have become an increasingly preferred career option.
It’s an organic/natural career choice as apprentices are often offered a permanent, full-time position by their employer once training is completed.
Certain business sectors offer excellent career potential and the opportunity to earn very competitive salaries.
As an apprentice, you get to work alongside experienced staff who will help you to develop job-specific skills – and earn a wage at the same time. Earn while you learn.
Many employers hold Apprenticeships in high regard because they offer real industry experience.
A successful Apprenticeship provides you with a qualification and the skills you need for your job.
Course fees
Cost for an employer:
For levy payers the maximum funding available for this course is £12000 which will be taken from your Levy account.
For non-levy payers you will be required to pay a 5% contribution (£600) and the remaining fees will be paid for from the government. If the apprentice is 16 to 18 and they start the course before their 19th birthday they are entitled to 100% of the funding with no contribution from the employer.
Wage for an apprentice:
The minimum wage for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour. This rate applies to those under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year of their apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you must be paid at least the minimum wage for your age if you’re aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.
The length of program based on someone working 30 hours per week, undertaking the programme for 12 months plus 3 months EPA – If working less than 30 hours per week, the length of the programme is adjusted in line with hours worked.
Other courses you may be interested in …
This course will give you the skills that employers are looking for in the construction industry as well as equipping you for further study.
This course will give you skills that employers are looking for in the construction industry as well as equipping you for further study.