Role Overview
There’s much more to fence installation than you might think. A fencing installer has a lot of responsibilities. With the potential to operate in a variety of different environments, from commercial to residential, it will mean that no two days are the same. Due to the mass diversity in the industry, there are multiple opportunities available to anyone looking to start a fencing installer apprenticeship.
A fence installer does much more than placing down fencing. They are required to inspect locations and determine suitable areas to work in. They must also be able to recommend appropriate fencing materials that can be used for the build, ensuring these are all treated to withstand all weather conditions. Along with all this, a fence installer must also follow all health and safety guidelines.
Then, during the project, the installer must level out the ground the fence is being installed on. Once this has been achieved, they need to dig out the areas for the fencing to sit. To do this they use an array of tools including both handheld and/or mechanical excavators. They will then fix posts that are made from materials such as wood, vinyl and metal to the base.
Fencing Installer Apprenticeship Overview
The fencing installer apprenticeship lasts 18 months, during which the apprentice will learn the skills and knowledge needed to kick-start their journey into the industry of fence installation. This apprenticeship standard comes with maximum funding of £8,000 and could earn the apprentice a level 2 qualification in fence installation. The EQA provider is the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Throughout the 18 months, the apprentice will deal with a combination of practical and classroom-based learning.
Why Apprenticeships?
As opposed to sitting in a classroom all day, a government apprenticeship offers valuable first-hand experience and skills in your desired industry. You will always be adding to your CV as the apprenticeship progresses, making you a more desirable candidate for any future roles you apply for. Whilst accruing the skills and knowledge of your industry of choice, you will also be earning a respectable wage.
Perhaps you’re looking to further develop your skills in an industry you are currently working in. Although you may have your foot in the door you might be thinking about creating more opportunities for yourself and an apprenticeship can help you develop new skills as well as improve those you already have. Or maybe you need some further qualifications to make yourself an appropriate candidate for a promotion.
No matter the reason, there is an apprenticeship for you. Here we take a deep dive into the Level 2 Fencing Installer apprenticeship.
Skills
The skills the apprentice will learn and develop:
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Operate and control a variety of equipment/tools
- Customer service
- Quality control
- How to treat different materials
- The difference between fence components
- Carrying our risk assessments
- Follow health and safety guidelines
- Reading plans and briefs
Knowledge
The knowledge the apprentice will gain:
- Safety conscious behaviour
- Differences between materials and their pros and cons
- The purpose of the different types of fences
- Storing and handling different materials and tools
- Reading and interpreting measurements
- Treating and repairing different materials
Behaviours
- Strong work ethic, making sure the best service is being provided
- Must be able to use their own initiative when making decisions
- Good time management
- Work sensibly and safely to comply with guidelines
- Must be able to work to a high standard independently and as a team
- Attention to detail
Future Jobs
Some of the opportunities a fencing installer apprenticeship can lead to:
- Work towards a degree apprenticeship
- Self-employment, creating a new firm
- Lead installer
- Contract management
- Landscaping
- Construction labourer
There are also a variety of different industries:
- Domestic
- Agricultural
- Commercial
- Security
- Infrastructure
Potential Salary
Throughout the 18 months an apprentice can expect to receive a weekly wage of anywhere from £129 – £300+ a week, depending on the hours worked and the employer. After the apprenticeship, the average salary for a starter fence installer is £18,000 a year.
Entry Requirements
As this is a level 2 apprenticeship, there is only one requirement that requires the applicant to be over the age of 16.
Qualifications
By the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice must have both Level 1 and 2 English and Math qualifications. This will be required before entering the end-point assessment. The apprentice will also gather enough knowledge to help meet the requirements of the Fencing Industry Skill Standard/Construction Skills Certification Scheme (FISS/CSCS).
Conclusion
If you’re someone who loves working outdoors and always taking on new challenges then a fencing installation apprenticeship is the one for you. If you’d like to learn more about the role then click here.
Perhaps you don’t quite see yourself becoming a fence installer but like the sound of working outdoors, take a look at these other engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.
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