Carpentry and Joinery (Level 2 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.

Applicants aged 16–18 who have not achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must work towards and attempt Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects as part of their apprenticeship programme.

For applicants aged 19 and over, this requirement is optional and can be removed if both the apprentice and employer agree, with the decision formally documented at enrolment.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on construction sites or in workshops while attending college one day per week. They gain practical experience in measuring, cutting, and assembling timber components; learning from skilled tradespeople while building technical knowledge.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers structural and architectural joinery, hand and power tool use, technical drawings, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn about materials, fixings, and installation techniques for doors, windows, floors, and frameworks.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in site carpentry (fitting components on-site) or architectural joinery (creating bespoke items in workshops). Employers may support additional training in heritage restoration, roofing, or modern timber systems.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 24 months), apprentices earn a Level 2 qualification and are ready for roles such as site carpenter, bench joiner, or woodworking operative, with progression into advanced craft, site supervision, or self-employment.

For a comprehensive understanding of this carpentry or joinery programme and what it entails, please click here.

This Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis once a week. If you need to complete your functional skills, then this will be covered at college in a block week release. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this carpentry and joinery apprenticeship will take two years to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk