Wood Product Manufacturing Operative - Intermediate Apprenticeship - Level 2

Overview

Important information

The following information is simply detailing the apprenticeship training course and is not a live vacancy to apply for. Please click the link below to view our current apprenticeship vacancies.

View current vacancies

The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce high volume, repetitive, engineered products from timber. Presenting a wide and varied specification for both external and interior applications, products such as roofing components, windows, doors, door-sets, staircases and other timber construction items including trussed rafters, spandrel panels, metal web beams, and I-beams. As well as utilising traditional materials, they use engineered and modified timbers to support product design and delivery, for example Accoya and Thermowood. They cut, layout and assemble materials, working to a specification. Depending on the product, they may install fixtures and fittings, apply finishes and add glazing systems.

Wood product manufacturing operatives typically work individually but can also form part of a larger production team and will report to the production supervisor/manager. Workplaces can be wide ranging from small workshops to large state of the art manufacturing facilities.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with customers, delivery personnel, design office, internal stores and suppliers, depending on the size of the organisation.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their own work to specification, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with health and safety and environmental considerations.

Start dates and fees

This apprenticeship can begin at any time of the year. This might be in line with your start date of employment or perhaps a review with your employer where your development is discussed.

During your apprenticeship, your employer is obliged to pay you a wage. Accurate information about minimum rates of pay can be found by visiting https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

It is worth noting that many employers pay above minimum rates. Apprentices might be paid the minimum wage for apprentices if they are either:

Aged under 19
Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

For more information about apprenticeships including our current vacancies, please visit our apprenticeship page.

What will I study?

Prepare a range of machinery, tools and equipment for the manufacturing process
Operate a range of machinery, tools and equipment to produce wood components and products to specification using a variety of raw materials
Identify defects with materials and machinery before and during the manufacturing process
Prepare wood components for the assembly process including sanding, positioning and securing
Use a range of fixing techniques including joint assembly, installing mechanical fixings and applying appropriate adhesives to form products to the given specification
Apply stains, sealers and paints to wood products to comply with the specified product finish requirements
Install appropriate fixtures, fittings and glazing in accordance with the product specification, for example install glass to window or door
Undertake glazing operations in accordance with the product specification
Assess for post manufacture and assembly product defects and undertake appropriate rectification work
Package and store products in accordance with organisational procedures

Entry requirements

Each apprenticeship programme will have its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will always be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme.

You will need to be aged 16 years and over to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme. As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevent role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme. Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call the main college number and ask for the apprenticeship team to find out how we could help you.

As an applicant, you will undertake assessment in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels which will aid the creation of an individual learning plan towards achieving maths and English at level 2 if not already achieved.

If you have passed maths and English GCSE or equivalent you will be required to evidence this with certificates which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill qualification within the apprenticeship framework. Please note that as an apprentice you are required to demonstrate ongoing improvement in both maths and English even if you are exempt from the tested element.

Study programmes - essential skills for employment

If you're a student between the ages of 16 and 18 (or 19 to 25 with an EHC Plan) we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.

Students who haven't achieved a grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English to continue studying these subjects while you're here with us. By doing so, you'll be building a strong foundation of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.

Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.

In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.

How long is the course?

24 months plus EPA

How will I be assessed?

Blended delivery method including day release at college, work based assessment and online learning including: reflective accounts, witness statements, activity based work books, presentations, professional interview/discussion and work based projects.

What does the course lead to?

Following the successful completion of the intermediate apprenticeship there is the opportunity for further development using other apprenticeship standards, depending on how your role has evolved and the potential to work towards career progression opportunities.