How long does a carpentry apprenticeship last?

A Level 2 carpentry apprenticeship usually takes 2 years to complete.

What is a carpentry apprenticeship?

A carpentry and joinery Level 2 apprenticeship provides on-the-job training to become a site carpenter or architectural joiner. As part of their carpenter training, apprentices learn how to use timber and tools to prepare and fix wooden structures, fixtures and fittings on construction sites, to carry out repairs and to produce wooden building components such as doors, windows and staircases off-site.

Why choose a carpentry apprenticeship?

Carpentry and joinery is a rewarding career for those with the right skills. Carpenters are always in high demand within the construction industry, and it can be a very satisfying career, knowing that you have made something out of timber that is part of a building’s structure or that people are using every day. An apprenticeship is one of the best ways to become a qualified carpenter because you are learning carpentry skills through on-the-job training, and earning a salary while doing so.

The typical duration of a carpentry apprenticeship

The length of time it takes to complete a carpentry apprenticeship will depend on a number of things, from the level of apprenticeship to what an individual employer wants.

Apprenticeship levels

To become a qualified carpenter there are two different levels of apprenticeship: intermediate and advanced. Intermediate or Level 2 carpentry and joinery apprenticeships take around two years to complete for full-time apprentices, and up to four years if taken part-time. Advanced carpentry and joinery apprenticeships are for trained carpenters who already have several years of experience.

Employer

Your employer may want you to take a specific apprenticeship, so you gain the skills they require to work with them once it’s completed. They may ask that you take your apprenticeship on a day release basis – where you study for one day each week – or block release – where the apprentice alternates full weeks of work with a full week of study. This can affect how long it takes to complete the apprenticeship.

Carpentry apprentices will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

Industry

Carpenters work across various industries, so you might need more specific skills covered in a longer apprenticeship or be able to take a shorter one. For example, carpenters may work as building finishing contractors or in commercial construction and these will come with different skill sets.

Full or part-time

As a part-time apprentice, you’ll work fewer hours over a longer period of time. A part-time Level 2 carpentry apprenticeship might last four years instead of the usual two. Most employers will offer enough flexibility to work around your other life commitments.

Breakdown of apprenticeship phases

Apprentices spend 80% of their time working for their employer, with on-the-job training. Every day trainee carpenters are learning from their colleagues, building their experience and developing the skills they will need in their career. The remaining 20% is spent at a college or training provider doing vocational training or academic study related to their trade. This classroom learning leads to a nationally recognised qualification at the end of the apprenticeship.

Completing your carpentry apprenticeship

End-Point Assessment

At the end of the carpentry apprenticeship programme you will take the End-Point Assessment (EPA). This could be over a 3-month period. You will be assessed to see if you have the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are part of the apprenticeship standard, through a variety of assessment methods. These could include a practical assessment, multiple choice test and interview with an assessor.

Employment

After you have successfully completed your carpentry apprenticeship, you will be able to apply for carpentry jobs. The employer for whom you worked during your apprenticeship may be able to offer you a job immediately after you qualify as a carpenter, or you may want to see what opportunities are available elsewhere. You can use websites like Talentview, apply directly to employers, contact local colleges or ask friends or family members if they know of apprenticeships available at companies.  

Continued professional development

Some carpenters want to continue to develop their skills, which may in turn lead to more senior positions and greater earning potential. There are numerous short courses that carpenters can do to improve particular aspects of their work, or to specialise in certain areas of carpentry, or they could take the Level 3 carpentry apprenticeship in site carpentry and bench joinery.

How long does it take to get good at carpentry?

It really depends. Some carpenters progress quickly once they first qualify and soon become master, senior or chartered carpenters. But as soon as you qualify as a carpenter after completing the Level 2 apprenticeship you already have a good set of skills to set you up in your carpenter career.