Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship Standard
Complex, non-standard work, and a small team to run
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 2 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics
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
The advanced level. The difference from Level 2 is responsibility for other people's work, and jobs that are not standard.
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They will take on the complex jobs
Curved products, irregular joints and bespoke work: the tasks that need high levels of practical skill and knowledge rather than repetition.
Covers curved products, irregular joints, bespoke and non-standard work
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They will manage their own work and other people's
Leading small teams and taking responsibility for their output. This is the main thing that separates an advanced carpenter from a Level 2 one.
Covers managing own work, leading small teams, responsibility for others' work
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They will work on site or in the workshop
Advanced skilled work primarily in timber products, creating and installing building components in either setting.
Covers site carpentry, architectural joinery, timber products, building components
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
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 3
- 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 4 HNC in Construction Management for England (Construction Site Supervisor) At University Campus North Lincolnshire
- Level 4 HNC in Quantity Surveying for England At University Campus North Lincolnshire
- Level 4 Pearson BTEC HNC in Architectural Technology (HTQ) At University Campus North Lincolnshire
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At University Campus North Lincolnshire
At University Campus Doncaster
- Pearson BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering FT
- Pearson BTEC HNC in Construction Management for England (Construction Site Supervisor) FT
- Pearson BTEC HNC in Quantity Surveying for England FT
- Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Construction and The Built Environment (Civil Engineering)
- Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Construction Management (Construction Site Supervisor)
Careers it can lead to
- Carpenters and Joiners £30,300 a year
- Construction Operatives £30,800 a year
- Bricklayers £29,100 a year
- Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
See all 7 careers
- Elementary Construction Occupations £26,300 a year
- Steel Erectors £32,300 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 01724 281111
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.