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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	The Apprenticeship programme has benefited me because I am able to learn all about joinery, which is what I really enjoy. It has given me confidence and my independence. I would definitely recommend the training to others.

It was during his final year at school that Chris decided that he wanted a career in the construction industry. Chris left All Hallows High School in Macclesfield with 5 GCSEs and, with the support of Total People, applied for a job at Macclesfield Borough Council.

Chris is employed as an Apprentice Joiner. His job involves him working alongside a team of experienced carpenters and joiners fitting windows and skirting boards, hanging doors, putting in staircases and roofs. He moves around to different sites and locations linked to the Borough Council including working in private houses.

Chris' Total People Training Adviser worked with him to organise his Apprenticeship training programme. He attends college one day per week and also receives training and guidance from his work colleagues as well as help in building a portfolio from his Training Adviser.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. By starting an Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery you begin the first step to a challenging and rewarding career. You should be enthusiastic, hard working, practically minded and enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather. Working as part of a team is essential, as is being committed and dedicated to both work and your Apprenticeship.

The Advanced Apprenticeship is available to you once you have completed your Apprenticeship. These are identical in structure to the Apprenticeship; however learning is at Level 3 which is equivalent to ‘A’ Level standard.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed before you can start your training.

There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.

Once you have gained employment contact Total People!

What happens then?

Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your learning plan.

Your training will require you to attend college for one day a week. Your employer will give you time off to attend your classes and meet with your Training Adviser.

How long will it take?

The time taken to complete your NVQ depends upon you; how quickly you want to do it. However it normally takes around 12 months to complete.

The Technical Certificate is delivered at a college, therefore you will tend to start in September and finish at around May / June time.

The other element of your Apprenticeship, Key Skills, takes around 12 months to complete, but again is dependant upon you!

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate
• Key Skills

Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences of working on a site. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent. Your work will be assessed on site.

The Technical Certificate gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.

Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs; however learning is focussed around Carpentry & Joinery; for example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of a job for a client and then learn the best way to make your proposal to a prospective client!

Further Progression

Qualifying will open many doors to you. You will be able to show your employer that, along with being qualified, you have also shown commitment, dedication and professionalism. This could lead to promotion, higher rates of pay, managerial opportunities or a great starting point to a different career in the construction industry.

Many apprentices decide to progress their education through professional qualifications like ONCs, HNCs, and even degrees. Alternatively you could decide to set up your own business, or take the step to work abroad!

 

 

 

 

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