Carpentry and Joinery (Level 3 Standard)

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work, primarily using timber products, either on a construction site, or in a workshop, creating and installing building components. The advanced carpenter and joiner is able to undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences between a level 2 site carpenter / architectural joiner, and a level 3 advanced site carpenter / architectural joiner are that the advanced carpenter / joiner has responsibility for managing their own and other people's work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work. Examples of complex tasks include curved products, irregular joints and bespoke work.

This is a core and options apprenticeship, with two pathways:

Pathway 1: An Advanced Site Carpenter will normally work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and installing complex and often bespoke building components e.g. high quality doors, shaped linings, staircases with turns, complex wall and floor units, erecting bespoke structural carpentry (inclined roofs and joists) and erecting complex roof structures (e.g. inclined roofs with hips, valleys and dormers).

Pathway 2: An Advanced Architectural Joiner will normally be employed in a workshop, producing complex building components by setting out, marking out and manufacturing bespoke architectural products (e.g. doors, windows, staircases with turns and panelling/cladding). 

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

To apply for this apprenticeship you must also have completed the Level 2 standard in Carpentry and Joinery prior to enrolment.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on advanced construction projects or in specialist workshops while attending college one day per week. They refine complex carpentry and joinery techniques, gaining hands-on experience in bespoke installations, structural timber work, and detailed finishing.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers advanced site carpentry, architectural joinery, technical drawing interpretation, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn about heritage restoration, curved work, and sustainable timber practices using both traditional and modern tools.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in site carpentry (e.g. roofing, staircases) or architectural joinery (e.g. windows, doors, furniture). Employers may support additional training in CAD design, conservation work, or complex timber framing depending on project needs.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 18 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as advanced site carpenter, bench joiner, or heritage craftsperson, with progression into supervisory roles, self-employment, or higher-level study.

For a comprehensive understanding of this carpentry and 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. 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 Apprenticeship will take 18 months 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