Apprenticeship Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Standard in Site Carpentry or Architectural Joinery

This course meets the needs of students who have secured an apprenticeship position in either Site Carpentry or Architectural Joinery.  It enables them to learn, develop and practise the skills required for their employment.  It also contributes knowledge and understanding towards the related NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry or Architectural Joinery.

You should have gained employment as an apprentice with a construction, carpentry or joinery company.

A GCSE grade D/3 or above in English and Maths, a Pass or above in BTEC Level 2 Construction or equivalent qualifications are desirable, although not always required.

A commitment to your own learning and performance in a working environment is essential.  

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 and 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.

The occupation involves carrying out skilled work, primarily using timber products, either on a construction site or in a workshop, to create and install building components. The apprenticeship has 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.

The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site. 

You will need safety boots and a hard hat to meet health and safety requirements in the workshop. These should be provided by your employer.

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.

On completion of this programme, some apprentices may progress to 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’ status, which is widely accepted in the sector as a ‘licence to operate’ in a skilled construction trade.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk