A Guide to Carpentry Apprenticeships

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Available for anyone aged 16 years old and over to apply, an apprenticeship in carpentry will educate you on how to construct, install and repair a wide variety of wooden and timber items. 

By completing a carpentry apprenticeship, you will be able to gain the skills required to become an integral part of the construction sector – one of the largest industries in the UK.

Carpenters could find themselves working on everything from flooring and door frames to staircases, roof rafters and furniture for new-build homes, renovations and refits.

How do carpentry apprenticeships work?

An apprenticeship in carpentry is a great way to gain experience and knowledge about all aspects of being a carpenter, while getting paid during your education.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you should have the practical skills required to perform the following tasks:

1. How to maintain and store construction tools and building materials correctly.
 

2. How to read and interpret blueprints so that you can assist with small build jobs while meeting code guidelines.
 

3. The knowledge to select, prepare and use the correct hand and power tools for different jobs.
 

4. The technique needed to cut and install various building materials onto structures.
 

5. Ways of working safely with tools and at height.
 

6. Working on a building site while always abiding to safety procedures, regulations and compliance standards which are enforced.

As well as learning on the job, you will also have at least 20 per cent of your weekly standard working hours dedicated to off-the-job training.

This part of your apprenticeship could take place online, at a college, at a facility set up by your training provider or the place where you are working as an apprentice carpenter. 

Your training provider and employer will determine if the off-the-job training is planned on a weekly basis, each month or during a separate block of time too.

Different levels of carpentry apprenticeships explained

A Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship will be your introduction into this skilled trade.

Equal to five GCSE passes at Grade C/4+, this apprenticeship is available to anyone who has achieved a GCSE Grade C/4 in both English and Mathematics or a Functional Skills Level 1 in both subjects.

Successfully complete a Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship and you will be adept at using timber products to create building components which can be fitted around building sites, domestic properties and commercial premises.

Once you have passed a Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, the door will be open for you to complete a Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Equivalent to achieving two passes at A-Level, this particular apprenticeship allows you to expand your carpentry skills by being able to create and fit more complex, bespoke and decorative building components to structures.

You will also have the option during your studies to train in a workshop with the aim of becoming an advanced architectural joiner or on construction sites as an advanced site carpenter.

Complete a Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship successfully and you will have the requirements needed to apply for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Advanced Skilled Worker’ standard. 

When studying for your carpentry apprenticeship qualifications though, the structure and other aspects of your education may differ depending on which home nation you are in.

For specific recommendations about becoming an apprentice in each nation, we encourage you to browse through the dedicated and official apprenticeship hubs for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

How long is a carpentry apprenticeship?

The length of time you spend as a carpentry apprentice will depend on how many levels you sit.

It will take between 18 and 24 months usually to complete a Level 2 carpentry apprenticeship, with around another 12 to 15 months often needed to successfully work through a Level 3 carpentry apprenticeship.

Carpentry apprenticeship wages

The salary you receive when progressing through your apprenticeship in carpentry will be determined by the year that you are on in your course, as well as your age.

As set out by GOV.UK, you must be provided with the National Minimum Wage rate – currently £7.55 – if the following applies to you:

• You are an apprentice aged between 16 and 18 years old.
   

• You are an apprentice aged 19 years old or over and in the first year of your carpentry apprenticeship.

If you have completed the first year of your carpentry apprenticeship and aged 19 years old or over though, the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your current age must be paid to you. Click here to learn what these rates are currently.

During your apprenticeship in carpentry, you should be paid for:

1. Standard working hours.
 

2. All training time that forms your apprenticeship course.
 

3. Any studying towards qualifications in English and Mathematics, should your apprenticeship course include these aspects within its criteria.

We hope this guide has helped you to understand a lot more about what carpentry apprenticeships involve. Be sure to browse through our guides to becoming a builder, roofer or plumber too, if you are still working out which trade will be best for you.

Disclaimer: Information displayed in this article is correct at the time of publication, but note that legislation changes periodically. The information contained on this page is intended as an overall introduction and is not intended as advice from a professional. Travis Perkins aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is out of date.