Summary

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.

Duration
24 months

Progression and Professional Recognition
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.

Maths and English
Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to take the tests for this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
A Standard contains a list of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need to have learned by the end of their apprenticeship. 
Core Skills

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 & 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.
  There are further Specific Site Carpentry and Architectural Joiner Skill Requirements
  Core

Knowledge                                                                                                                                               On completion of this apprenticeship, carpentry and joinery workers will have the following core knowledge to:

• Understand the principles of health, safety and welfare and how these are applied in the workplace.
• Understand how to communicate with others and comply with instructions and directions.
• Understand the different techniques and methods used to move, handle and store materials.
• Understand how to interpret and use relevant product information and specifications.
• Understand their responsibilities under current employment and safety legislation, such as The Health & Safety at Work Act
• Understand how to calculate quantity, length, area and wastage of resources.
• Understand the needs of other workers and how to work effectively with others.
• Understand the characteristics, quality, uses, sustainability, limitations and defects associated with timber and timber-based products and components, such as hardwood, softwood, MDF and other materials.

There are further Specific Site Carpentry and Architectural Joiner Knowledge Requirements

Behaviours

• Effective communication: oral, written, listening, body language, presentation.
• Effective team working: work effectively with others with limited supervision.
• Independent working: take responsibility for completing their own work.
• Logical thinking: use clear and valid reasoning when making decisions
• Working effectively: undertake the work in a reliable and productive manner.
• Time management: use own time effectively to complete the work on schedule.
• Adaptability: be able to adjust to changes to work instructions

Qualifications and Assessment Overview

On Programme Assessment
Training is delivered throughout the apprenticeship to develop the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. The apprentice must also achieve the relevant qualification:
NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations - Site Carpentry  
NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations – Architectural Joinery.
This is a pre-requisite to moving on to the End Point Assessment.

End Point Assessment                                                                                                                                 The EPA period should only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard. The end point assessment consists of two key elements:

1. A knowledge assessment. This consists of a short written test of 35 questions lasting 45 minutes, designed to assess the apprentice’s understanding of the core and specific knowledge and behavioural requirements. It will cover the following areas:

• 10 questions will test the core elements of the standard
• 20 questions will test the specific elements of the chosen pathway in the standard 
• 5 questions will test the behavioural elements of the standard

2. A practical assessment. This practical assessment will be a skills test, designed and set by the Independent End-Point Assessment Organisation.
Example test criteria for Site Carpentry:
The practical test could consist of constructing a timber frame and hanging a door as detailed by a drawing and work specification. Skills, knowledge and behaviours