Carpentry Qualification Options

Carpentry Qualification Information and Guidance

The construction industry relies heavily on skilled people and in this day and age, skilled people with recognised qualifications.

Able Skills is a leading, quality construction training provider and assessment centre and we are committed to playing an active part in training inexperienced people to enter the industry, build on their experience and become skilled workers.

At the same time, we are also approved to assist skilled but unqualified workers to achieve the industry recognised qualifications in the most appropriate form and time span.

Carpentry is a very popular trade to work within. It is very varied in it’s scope and a good Carpenter will have the skills to cover every Carpentry requirement whether you are undertaking aspects of first or second fix, everything from fitting skirting boards, dados and architrave to erecting stud walls and traditional roofs.

At Able Skills we have the facilities and experienced Carpentry staff on hand to ensure that whatever aspect of Carpentry you want to learn or need to be assessed on, you can be!

We can take you from a Carpentry novice to a confident and competent Carpenter if you are dedicated and can take the time to listen to instruction and learn from the experts. We can also help those that have been undertaking Carpentry work for many years to get the qualification that until 2010, they never needed.

City & Guilds are the leading industry recognised awarding body for construction training qualifications and Construction Awards Alliance (CAA) are the awarding body behind construction NVQs and Able Skills are approved by both to help individuals get to where they need to be within the Carpentry trade.

Any Carpentry training you consider undertaking should be done at a C&G or CAA approved Centre so that you can be assured that the facilities are correct, the courses are designed to progress you towards working and achieving an NVQ and more importantly, the staff are qualified as Carpenters and as Assessors.

•    Able Skills CAA centre number is 5759       
•    Able Skills C&G centre number is 723054

Please visit our course details page to see what route to a Carpentry qualification is most appropriate to you

For New Entrants looking for a training qualification in Carpentry, there are currently 2 options available at Able Skills:

Route 1

New Entrants– No Existing Carpentry Qualifications – New for 2011

If you do not have any underpinning Carpentry qualifications, we recommend the following:-

City & Guilds 6218-04: QCF Carpentry Certificate (8 Weeks)

Unit 001 - Introducing Site Carpentry Skills (Entry Level 3)
Unit 002 - Introducing Bench Joinery Skills (Entry Level 3)
Unit 003 - Introducing Cabinet Making Skills (Entry Level 3)
Unit 006 - Introducing Levelling In Construction (Entry Level 3)
Unit 101 - Developing Site Carpentry Skills (Level 1)
Unit 102 - Developing Bench Joinery Skills (Level 1)
Unit 103 - Developing Cabinet Making Skills (Level 1)
Unit 104 - Developing Flooring Skills (Level 1)
Unit 105 - Developing Partitioning Skills (Level 1)
Unit 106 - Developing Hand Tool Maintenance Skills (Level 1)
Unit 107 - Developing Hand Plane Skills (Level 1)
Unit 201 - Expanding Site Carpentry Skills (Level 2)
Unit 202 - Expanding Bench Joinery Skills (Level 2)
Unit 203 - Expanding Cabinet Making Skills (Level 2)

This Carpentry course is suitable for people who are not at this moment working in the Carpentry industry and who would like to obtain the required qualification to work towards becoming a professional Carpenter/Joiner.

To broaden your understanding of Carpentry, you can add an additional 2 weeks to this to gain further understanding of the requirements of the Carpentry industry and receive additional training to ensure you are fully equipped to work within the industry and gather evidence to work towards an NVQ at level 2

Route 2

Construction Awards Alliance Level 2 Carpentry Diploma (6 Weeks)

This CAA Diploma will require 6 weeks of practical Carpentry training and assessment. Completion of this Diploma will be determined by all of the following:

•    Achievement of each Carpentry unit by internal testing undertaken by your instructor. Each Carpentry knowledge unit also has a mandatory series of questions and answers produced by CAA and managed by your instructor.

•    Synoptic practical Carpentry assignment set by CAA and controlled by your instructor. Successful completion of the assignment will be needed before the Carpentry qualification can be completed.

•    Online test covering the core Carpentry units and the occupational units must be passed to achieve the Carpentry qualification. The test will be an independent test of Carpentry knowledge and understanding.

As you can see from the above, completion of this Carpentry Diploma requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and competence on both a practical and theory level and therefore to confirm this, candidates are required to record their understanding of the subject in detail.

This Carpentry course will require you to undertake some research in order for you to record your understanding of Carpentry and related aspects but to help you with this we have put together a comprehensive Carpentry manual which will cover all of the knowledge units required to fully achieve this Carpentry award.

This manual, along with practical Carpentry training, demonstrations, ongoing guidance and advice will all help when you undertake your Carpentry unit tests, final practical assessment and On-Line exam.

The Units you must complete to achieve this Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry are:

•    Know how to carry out safe working practices
•    Carry out safe working practices
•    Knowledge of information, quantities and communicating with others
•    Information, quantities and communicating with others
•    Knowledge of building methods and construction technology
•    Building methods and construction technology
•    Know how to carry out first fixing operations
•    Carry out first fixing operations
•    Know how to carry out second fixing
•    Carry out second fixing
•    Know how to erect structural carcassing
•    Erect structural carcassing
•    Know how to carry out maintenance
•    Carry out maintenance
•    Know how to set up and operate a circular saw
•    Set up and operate a circular saw

Existing Carpenters

If you are already a Carpenter but do not hold any formal qualifications, there are two routes to achieving a Carpentry NVQ at level 2, dependent upon time served:

Route 1 - Existing Carpenters – Less than 5 years experience

If you have underpinning qualifications or have spent less than 5 years Carpentry, we recommend the following:-

On Site Assessment (OSAT)

In order to qualify and register for this Carpentry NVQ, the following criteria must be met:

•    You must work within a 60 mile radius of Dartford – Postcode: DA1.
•    You  will need to be employed in a role that is related to Carpentry

Able Skills can offer NVQ on site assessment to those of you who have underpinning Carpentry qualifications or who have been working in the Carpentry industry for less than 5 years.

We have our own Carpentry Assessors and Internal Verifiers, all of whom are City & Guilds and CAA approved. As long as you are working within the Carpentry Industry, we can come and assess you on site.

The process will start with an interview between you and your Carpentry assessor whereby an action plan and timetable will be drawn up.

You will be required to gather and record evidence as indicated on your assessment plan and you would benefit from a work based recorder (Supervisor or foreman); this will help to confirm Carpentry work which you have undertaken which an Assessor was unable to be present at.

Carpentry Assessments will be at your work place whereby we will be observing you at work Carpentry; we will examine and discuss any evidence you have provided.

An assessor will sign off completed units, where sufficient quality and quantity has been provided, any shortfalls of Carpentry evidence will be discussed and any Carpentry training requirements identified. In between visits, you will continue to generate further evidence.

The units required to achieve a level 2 Carpentry NVQ (QUA 808) are:

QCF01 – Conforming to General Safety in the Workplace
QCF02 – Conforming to Efficient Working Practices in the workplace
QCF03 – Moving and Handling Resources in the Workplace

Supported by THREE optional units from:

QCF09 – Installing First Fixing Components in the Workplace
QCF10 – Installing Second Fixing Components in the Workplace
QCF11 – Erecting Structural Carcassing Components in the Workplace
QCF12 – Maintaining Non-Structural Carpentry Work in the Workplace
QCF13 – Setting Up and Using Circular Saws in the Workplace

There is no time scale on achieving a Carpentry NVQ. If your line of work allows, NVQs can be achieved in a relatively short space of time however, if the work you are doing is restricted or repetitive, the NVQ process can take longer because the opportunity to meet all of the required Carpentry NVQ units will not be available to you.

Route 2

Existing Carpenters – More than 5 years experience

If you have spent more than 5 years Carpentry but have never gained qualifications, we recommend the following:-

The Experienced Worker Practical Assessment: EWPA

This is a fast route open through the CAA-ConstructionSkills / City & Guilds awarding body. It is available for Carpenters with a minimum of five years experience and who do not need any further Carpentry training.

The process involves profiling and skill matching by an Able Skills Carpentry Assessor, evidence gathering, a practical Carpentry assessment and a Professional Discussion. Any of these processes can be done at weekends.

All the skills needed to pass the Carpentry NVQ are included in one task, which is observed by our approved Carpentry Assessor.

The 4 Steps of EWPA - Your fast track route to a Carpentry NVQ

Step 1: Upon contacting Able Skills, we will arrange a profiling appointment for you and make recommendations of the kind of information and evidence you may wish to bring along to support your application as an experienced Carpenter.

Step 2: At your profiling appointment (which will last for approximately 2 hours) our Carpentry assessor will introduce you to the process and make an initial assessment to ensure you are suitable to qualify through this method.

They will look over any items of Carpentry ‘evidence’ you may have with you, evidence you provide can be in a written form, such as witness statements from customers or supervisors worked with in the past, or it can take the form of photographs of your Carpentry work, site plans, qualifications or proof of Carpentry employment.

If there is insufficient evidence but it is clear that you are a competent Carpenter, you will be advised of what additional evidence is required which you will have to bring back to the Centre to undertake a review. You will also be required to sit a health & safety test for your CSCS card if you haven’t done so already.

Step 3: Once all of the required portfolio evidence is complete, you will undertake a practical assessment of your skills which will be observed by our Carpentry assessor.

This will be followed by a recorded professional discussion to assess your knowledge of Carpentry; we will aim to complete this process over a period of 2 days, weekends are available.

Step 4: If you are successful, you will receive your full, Experienced Worker CSCS card and your NVQ certificate. If you do not pass the Carpentry assessment all is not lost: the work you have done can still count towards your Carpentry qualification through OSAT.

Summary: Carpentry Qualifications

So whether you are new to the Carpentry industry, time served or somewhere in between, we feel confident that we have the right training or assessment option for you. Whichever category you fall into, Able Skills is confident that with the quality of Carpentry training we provide and staff in place, we can get you to where you need to be.

New to the Carpentry Industry

Route 1 - City & Guilds 6218-04: QCF Carpentry Diploma (8 Weeks)

(Or maybe add another 2 weeks to start the NVQ process)

Route 2 - Construction Awards Alliance Level 2 Carpentry Diploma (6 Weeks)

Time Served Carpenters

Route 1 - On Site Assessment (OSAT)

Route 2 - The Experienced Worker Practical Assessment: EWPA

Cost and Duration of Carpentry Qualification Options

Duration: 0 Weeks

• Cost: £0.00 Inc VAT
• £ Deposit payable
• Please call us for our easy installment plans.

 

Additional Information

Able Skills is open 7 days every week and most courses can be completed either through the week (Mon-Fri) or at weekends (Sat-Sun) – Please call for details

A deposit will secure your start date and any balance can be paid on the start date or spread over the period of your training – Interest Free!

For all workshop based training and/or assessment we recommend suitable clothing and for your safety, protective footwear is essential.

Carpentry Courses at Able Skills

by Able Skills

6 Week Professional Carpentry Course

This accredited 6 week site based carpentry qualification is an excellent start for anyone looking to train as a Carpenter. The units reflect reality and will cover the most important aspects of the job so that you can take that step to a change in career. Weekend training is also available to complete this course.

Duration: 6 Weeks

Experienced Carpenters who need NVQ

If you are an experienced, time served Carpenter but have no qualifications to confirm this, this quick route to NVQ level 2 maybe the answer you are looking for. No site assessments are required, just a profiling session here at Able Skills and a practical test to confirm your competence. This will help you with getting the right CSCS card.

Duration: 2 Days

Work Based Assessments for Carpentry NVQ Level 2

If you are working as a Carpenter and have done so for less than 5 years, are you now in a position where you would like to achieve an NVQ at level 2? We can arrange work based assessments to confirm your carpentry competence and claim your NVQ which will generate the right CSCS card for you.

Duration: 0 Weeks

Paul H

I picked Able Skills because they were very clear about logistics, the price of their courses, timings etc. They were straightforward on the phone. They were ideally situated, commutable from central London, offering a low commitment course to test things out. A great course to find out if you want to go further with Carpentry.

Joseph I

I found the Carpentry course extremely informative. Tutors were friendly and professional and very knowledgeable, passing information on to students in a practical and memorable fashion. Thanks Steve and Tim, great job!

Zack M

Great Tutors, very knowledgeable. Very friendly and helpful. They don’t fill you with a load of nonsense only useful advice. They don’t just give you the answer to your problem, they explain how, why and where you would use it. The overall rating for Able Sills is Excellent, just as the reviews had suggested.

Johnathan C

I found the Carpentry intensive five day course extremely interesting and helpful, exactly what I was hoping for. Instructors were very professional and adept at pitching information in a way that all easily understood. Very enjoyable, many thanks.

Sanjay S

I found Able Skills online. I chose to train with them further to my visit at the centre. I did not have to book an appointment to visit, they have an open door policy. The most important factors to me when training were quality of course, practical aspects and flexibility, the no hard sell was a bonus! The course was top quality with exceptional tutoring. Their tutors are the top of their game and take time to pass on their knowledge. I am very happy and will come back for more. Ten out of ten !

Daniel

I took the 6 week carpentry 6217 at Able Skills. Tim and Steve were great instructors and both very helpful and knowledgeable, they allowed great training and a great atmosphere in the workshop. Excellent! The course was value for money and met with all my expectations.

Jack H – 5 Day Intensive Carpentry Course

I decided to train with Able Skills as they offered good value for money.  Course tuition was fantastic! A lot was fitted in during the 5 days but because of excellent tuition and explanation, you didn’t need to go over things twice and you didn’t feel rushed. 

David G – 5 Day Intensive Carpentry Course

Able Skills offer such a great variety of courses that is one of the main reasons I choose to train with them.  I found the course content to be very good and both the tutors were brilliant and could answer any questions that I had about projects I wanted to undertake in my home.  They also adapted the course best suited to my personal needs.

Ian Johnson

I took the 5 day Intensive Carpentry Course. I really enjoyed this week, Steve and Tim’s tuition was excellent, thank you. The course was value for money and I would rate Able Skills as excellent.

Dimitre Ivanov

The course was very good. I learnt very important things that can help me with my future career. Both of my instructor were exceptionally good. They taught me a lot of valuable and wise points in carpentry. I’m very, very happy. The overall rating for Able Skills is excellent. I am glad that I found them on the internet.

James Crabb

I find their instructors nice to talk to and very good at their jobs. This is the reason I return to Able Skills for my training. The course is value for money and their overall rating is excellent. I would definitely recommend them.

James Dowler

I chose to train through Able Skills as they were able to offer the same qualifications as my local College in less time. The instructors were all very helpful, giving not only training advise by also offering advice in what to expect when working in the trade. I would definitely attend other training Courses though Able Skills and recommend to others.

Graham Wartho

I heard about Able Skills through a friend. I thought Steve was an excellent instructor. He explained things very well and gave everyone a lot of time. He also made sure we were doing the task properly and was always there to help. I was recommended to Able Skills through a friend and felt the course was value for money and met all my expectations.

Jim Margary

Able Skills have excellent facilities and instruction from its Tutors.  The course was value excellent and I would recommend others to Able Skills.

Simon Lee

It is very hard to find such excellent tutors. The standard of both Tim & Steve’s teaching is second to none. It is a very friendly and fun environment to be in with everyone feeling part of the task however fast or slow you are picking it up. I chose Able Skills after reading other peoples reviews. Both Tutors had different approaches to solving problems, which helps you see which one suits you. There is a lot of emphases on planning & checking which I feel makes you aware of the issues you will later face if you do not prepare beforehand.

Mark Jolly

Both Steve and Tim are excellent instructors! Patient and encouraging. Able Skills are an excellent training company and I would recommend.

Andy George

The course has given me a good foundation in Carpentry. Steve’s instruction was first class and he passed on a great deal of knowledge. He was keen and always gave encouragement. Thank you for making this an enjoyable week.

Dean Cox

Excellent instruction! Patient course tutors with knowledge second to none. Plenty  of practice, I picked up many useful tips, Thank you!

Christopher Pluck

I was placed on a training course through the company I work for. I would like to say the tutors were very patient and clear with their instructions, superb at their jobs. I would recommend to others.

Shayne Liddle

I thought for a week’s course, we packed in a lot of various tasks which I learned a great deal from and hope I can use at my work place. I would consider taking a plumbing course with Able Skills, I would definitely rate them as excellent.

Michael Wilson

Tim and Steve were excellent tutors and very approachable with a good teaching style. Did get very hot a couple of times but overall a great place to train. Very happy thanks!

Eric Benn – 6 Weeks Hands On Carpentry and Joinery Course

I did consider other training providers but none of them provided the course that I was interested in.  It was also easy to get to from my home and they provided fantastic support, from booking the course all the way through to the training.  Both my tutors, Tim and Steve had lots of ideas for my specific learning programme. Great set up at Dartford - enjoyed every moment.

Farrukh Ahmad – 4 Weeks Hands On Carpentry Course

I considered training centres closer to my home but none of the other centres catered for my needs.  I think the style of the tutors at Able Skills was exactly what I needed.  I enjoyed it more than other courses I have attended at colleges.  I really enjoyed the facilities and the friendly atmosphere.