L2 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship Standard
Timber, and two ways to work it
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Apprentices must complete or have previously completed recognised English and Mathematics Level 1 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Level 2 qualifications during the apprenticeship.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
A core and options apprenticeship with two pathways. Pick the one that matches the job.
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Pathway 1: site carpenter, working where the building is
On a building site or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and fixing building components from the first erection of a new building through to fixtures and fittings.
Covers site carpentry, building components, fixtures and fittings, repair and maintenance
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Pathway 2: architectural joiner, working in the workshop
Producing timber-based components and architectural products such as doors, windows, units and staircases, which site carpenters then install.
Covers architectural joinery, doors, windows, units, staircases
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They will do skilled work in timber either way
The core of the standard is the same whichever pathway is taken: creating and installing building components, primarily in timber products.
Covers timber products, creating and installing components
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They will read the job off the drawing and the regulations
Identifying what the work requires from the specification, the drawings and the Building Regulations, then calculating how much material it actually takes. Getting that wrong costs either money or a second trip.
Covers interpreting drawings and specifications, Building Regulations, estimating quantities of resources
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They will look after the tools and the timber
Selecting, maintaining and using hand and power tools, and handling, storing and positioning materials so they are still fit to use when they are needed.
Covers selecting and maintaining hand and power tools, handling, storing and positioning materials
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They will check their own work and clear up after it
Quality checks against the specification, a tidy work area and waste disposed of legally. On a shared site the last two are how the other trades get their work done.
Covers quality checks against specification, safe and tidy work areas, legal waste disposal
Nobody springs anything on anyone
Every apprenticeship ends with an independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours learned on the programme, carried out by an organisation with no connection to us or to the employer. Everything before it exists to get the apprentice ready for it.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 Level 3 Construction Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Craft Painter Apprenticeship Standard At this college
See all 8 courses
At this college
Careers it can lead to
- Carpenters and Joiners £30,300 a year
- Glaziers, Window Fabricators and Fitters £25,500 a year
- Construction Operatives £30,800 a year
- Bricklayers £29,100 a year
See all 8 careers
- Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
- Steel Erectors £32,300 a year
- Elementary Construction Occupations £26,300 a year
- Stonemasons and Related Trades £31,500 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.