Carpentry, Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a practical, work-related course, designed to allow you to learn whilst you earn. This programme is suitable for school leavers and mature students who have a keen interest in the new build and refurbishment construction sectors, and wish to pursue a career through on-the-job training.

The Level 3 Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship is designed to build on the skills, knowledge and understanding you gained at Level 2. Following completion of this apprenticeship, could look forward to a career as an Advanced Architectural Joiner or Advanced Site Carpenter.

You will develop a deeper understanding of the construction industry and the health and safety legislation that can impact on work within the construction sector, and the organisational policies and procedures that support this.

You will choose to follow one of two pathways:

1. Advanced Site Carpentry – You will learn how to correctly use drawings and industry specifications to complete a range of complex jobs, such as, non-standard doors and window frames, shaped door, staircases with turns and inclined roofs with gables. You will also develop the skills needed to carry out repairs and replacements to frames, mouldings, floor or flat roof joist coverings, structural joists and rafters and guttering and downpipes. You will gain knowledge of suitable fixings that can be used and be able to produce work of high quality, and at speed, whilst also maintaining excellent health and safety values.
2. Advanced Architectural Joinery – You will develop the skills required to produce complex structural components, such as, curved/arched doors and windows, and staircases with turns. You will also learn to set up and use fixed machinery such as circular saws, planers, thicknessers, bandsaws, morticers, tenoners, spindle moulders, grinders (including tool sharpening) and sanders. You will gain knowledge of the suitable ironmongery that may be used and be able to produce work of high quality, and at speed, whilst also maintaining excellent health and safety values

In addition, you will develop a full range of professional and behavioural skills relevant to working in the construction industry, including logical thinking, adaptability, good time management, and the abilities to effectively communicate with others and work as a team whist taking a leading role.

You will learn in a real-world environment and be assigned an instructor-mentor who will provide all the guidance and support you need to succeed. You will also have the support of workplace mentors who will provide you with a wealth of company knowledge and experience. In addition, you will take part in regular sessions in college, where you can meet up with other apprentices, and you will learn through a combination of theory-based sessions and practical demonstrations.

At BLC we offer an enhanced student experience with presentations by industry professionals and the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities, such as, visits from guest speakers, industry and employer events, and the opportunity to show off your skills in competitions and in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Level 3 in Carpentry and Joinery

Depending on your chosen occupational specialism you could progress on to employment in the construction industry in a variety of domestic or commercial areas.

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis and in a variety of ways, including observation, practical skills assessment, oral questioning of knowledge and online multiple-choice tests.

End-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. This is an impartial assessment, carried out by an independent body, and will assess your development of the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

You must have previously achieved a related Level 2 qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent industry knowledge and experience, and have Level 2 Functional Skills or the equivalent GCSE maths and English grades.

You must have the right to work in the UK and have been residing in the UK for the prior 3 years.

Your employer and the college will provide you with all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) however you will need your own safety boots for work and to wear in college workshop sessions.

Your clothing may get marked or damaged at work or in college workshop sessions, please ensure you wear appropriate clothing to account for this. Some employers provide workwear, if not, you may wish to purchase your own.

Available from builders merchants, trade counters and DIY stores;

• Required; safety boots with reinforced toe protection -from around £25
• Optional; Hardwearing trousers with knee pads -from around £20

You will be provided with all the tools you need to complete tasks however you will ideally start to build your own tool kit throughout your apprenticeship.

(Note; Apprentices do not pay their own tuition fees)