This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Working with building materials (most often wood) to create and install building components.
This occupation is found in both the new build and refurbishment construction sector. The construction industry is central to creating the homes, schools, hospitals, energy and transport infrastructure society needs. There is growing demand for carpenters and joiners to help meet the need for the transition to modern methods of construction, heritage projects and sustainability.
The broad purpose of the occupation is working with wood-based materials and associated products to create and install complex building components. This typically involves shaping and cutting materials, installing finished materials like complex or decorative components. All work needs to be carried out safely, using the appropriate tools and to the quality specified.
This occupation includes two different options and people will either work on a construction site as an Advanced Site Carpenter or in a workshop as an Advanced Architectural Joiner.
Advanced Site Carpenters work on building sites in the construction of domestic and commercial properties, preparing and installing complex and bespoke building components. They prepare, construct and erect irregular and complex roof structures.
Advanced Architectural Joiners are employed in a workshop creating complex building components by setting out, marking out and create assembled products requiring advanced skilled work including the full range of woodworking machines. There will often be a need for refurbishment or repair work of bespoke pieces.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation liaises with other construction roles such as bricklayers, plasterers and plumbers, supervisors, site management, architects, designers, contractors and customers.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working in a team, lead others, using machinery and tools to create, refurbish or repair structures or components. Having attained this level of competence, they could progress further in the industry as team leaders, trade forepersons, contract or works managers.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 15 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the craft carpentry and joinery, the qualification required is:
BWF approved SiteRight Fire Door Installation Awareness delivered by an NOCN approved provider or Level 3 Award in Fire Door Safety delivery by a City and Guilds approved provider
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
In the test you can have:
The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for the test.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 70 minutes to complete it.
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 12 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 | End-point assessment plan revised. The apprentice can end the assessment early wording added to interview and practical assessments. | 13/01/2025 | Not set |
| 1.2 | Standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised | 19/08/2023 | 12/01/2025 |
| 1.1 | Funding band, standard and end-point assessment plan revised. | 21/05/2021 | 18/08/2023 |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 27/02/2018 | 20/05/2021 |
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence