Construction and the built environment

Level 2 Stonemason Apprenticeship

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A Banker Mason in the Workshop Closeup
A Banker Mason in the Workshop Closeup [Image by vwalakte on Freepik]

Stonehenge, the foundations of a house and a gravestone. Whilst all very different, they all have one thing in common – they are made of stone. They also have another thing in common, they all need someone to maintain or build them. Is this where you could come in? A level 2 Stonemason apprenticeship can teach you any of these things and more, so this is your chance to find out whether this would be the career for you!

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn and gain valuable on-the-job experience whilst still getting paid.

Alongside taking on your company duties, you will be able to put 20% of your time towards completing classroom based learning. This is usually through a university, college or education provider, that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

They are great for people who are early on in their career and want to learn about their sector of interest, those who are looking to up-skill themselves in their role and those who are looking for a career change.

Stonemason Apprenticeship Overview

The purpose of this level 2 stonemason apprenticeship is to install new natural ethically/sustainable sourced stone. It is also to conserve existing stone in buildings/landscape projects. When conserving these amazing buildings (sometimes being historic heritage sites) it will likely they will have damage. As a result this will include repairing or replacing the current stone. For this particular standard, there are 6 specialism routes that you could choose to go down:

  1. Banker Masons – Mainly in workshops focused on producing finished stone components to specific degrees (end-to-end production)
  2. Interior Stone Fixers – Install stone components into walls and flooring, along with kitchens and bathrooms
  3. Exterior Stone Fixers – Install solid masonry and hand-set stone cladding to the outside of structures
  4. Memorial Masons – Produce, repair and install memorial stonework
  5. Stone Façade Preservationists – Assess, restore and clean stonework
  6. Heritage Stonemasons – Conserve, repair and replace stone in historic buildings

What is a typical day in the life of a Stonemason?

A stonemason’s office is never the same. For the stonemason apprenticeship, it could be in the workshop, outside on a construction site or in an office. Two days are never the same. Consequently, on Monday you could be drawing a new design plan and by Friday you are installing some of your stonework.

What is a highlight are the people you get to meet along the way. A stonemason’s work is never alone – you will need to work with bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and the list goes on! Therefore if you are someone who thrives in a social environment this could be the apprenticeship for you.

Stonemason on a construction site with those in other specialisms
People of different construction specialisms coming together on a construction site [Image by partystock on Freepik]

Stonemason Occupational Duties

As a stonemason apprentice there will be certain core duties that you will have to meet. For example:

‘Duty 1 – Select, use and maintain tools, components and equipment appropriate to the task being carried out’

There will also be some duties for your chosen specialism. There are an extra two per specialism and they will need to be completed alongside your core requirements. To see a full list of duties, take a look at the stonemason apprenticeship overview on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website. Within this overview, it will also cover the knowledge requirements that need to be demonstrated during your apprenticeship and core duties.

Stonemason Apprenticeship Key Information

This apprenticeship has a duration of 24 months. After the 24 months is when you will then enter the gateway period. The gateway period (also known as an EPA) is when you will complete your final apprenticeship assessments. The EPA will consist of 2 final assessments and will be graded as a pass or fail. Upon completion of these assessments, you will then receive a pass, fail or distinction. Take a look at the full assessment details. You will also need to have your English and Maths qualifications before entering gateway.

If you require funding for this apprenticeship there is a maximum limit of £11000.

Stonemason Apprenticeship Summary

Whilst that is a lot of information to take in, here are the three key points to take away with you when deliberating this apprenticeship:

  1. If this is the industry you are interested in, this is a great way to learn about stone-masonry and gain a qualification, whilst still being paid
  2. This is a level 2 apprenticeship, therefore it is open to anyone over the age of 16 who have their Maths and English Qualifications
  3. This could lead to a long-term career post qualification if you use the opportunity to its full potential

If you are interested in apprenticeships in general, take a look at our other opportunities. You can also follow us on X or LinkedIn. Following will keep you up-to-date with all the new tips and apprenticeship possibilities.

Telecoms Field Operative Level 2: The Challenges and Rewards

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Level-2-Telecoms-Field-Operative-Server

In this post we will discuss the challenges and rewards of becoming a level 2 Telecoms Field Operative. From the physical demands to the sense of accomplishment, this post will help you decide if this is the apprenticeship for you.

The primary objective of this profession is centred around the development, provision, and repair of telecommunication services that cater to both commercial and residential clients across the UK’s National Telecom Access Network. This entails undertaking work on both copper and fiber connections to ensure the provision of top-notch 4G and 5G services to homes and businesses alike. Additionally, this profession is responsible for delivering an array of services, including telephone, internet, data, and TV services, to households and businesses from local telephone exchanges.

Is a Telecoms Field Operative a Demanding Job?

Firstly one of the most significant challenges of being a Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative is the physical demands of the job. This role requires working in all weather conditions which are often in remote areas and while carrying heavy equipment, However because of the demands, If you enjoy being active and working outdoors, this aspect of the job can also be one of the most rewarding.

What Does a Telecoms Field Operative Do Day-To-Day?

Additionally your day-to-day responsibilities will encompass a wide variety of tasks. This will range from troubleshooting network issues and installing and configuring equipment. Other tasks include performing routine maintenance checks. To excel in this field, you must have a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications technology and be able to work independently or as part of a team to solve complex problems.

Is There a Lot of Problem Solving?

Furthermore, problem-solving is also a crucial skill that a Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative needs to possess. Every day, there are new challenges with various systems and equipment, which require quick thinking and adaptability. However, being able to solve these problems and restore connectivity for customers is incredibly rewarding.

Will I Need Communication Skills?

Additionally strong communication skills are also essential in this role and requires high confidence to talk to other individuals. You’ll be interacting with customers, colleagues, and management regularly and being able to communicate effectively is vital. Technical issues must also be explained in a way that’s understandable to customers. Those of which may not be familiar with technical jargon.

Is There a Sense of Accomplishment In Being a Telecoms Field Operative?

Also One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. Knowing that you played a vital role in keeping people connected and making their lives easier is incredibly satisfying. This sense of accomplishment can be a great motivation for those working in this field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, working as a Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative can be challenging, the rewards can be well worth it. If you’re interested in this field, be prepared to work hard, stay flexible, and have a positive attitude. And always remember that you’re an essential part of keeping the world connected! To discover more level 2 apprenticeships, click here.

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Join the green industry with a landscape technician apprenticeship

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Are you considering a career in the green industry? How does the idea of gaining practical experience while learning sound to you?

A landscape technician apprenticeship could be a good place to start. As environmental concerns persist, the demand for knowledgeable experts who can design, build, and maintain sustainable landscapes grows.

And enrolling in an apprenticeship programme allows you to gain practical experience, develop important skills, and position yourself for a rewarding career in a demanding yet meaningful profession. This article will discuss the benefits of becoming an apprentice landscape technician as well as how to get started on this exciting career path.

Female landscape technician standing with digital tablet against wind turbine on sunny day

The Growing Demand for Skilled Landscaping Professionals

According to the Oxford Economics industry growth report, the total GDP footprint of the UK horticulture and landscaping industry is expected to be worth £41.8 billion in 2030. And employment is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029.

With climate change and environmental concerns at the forefront of public discourse, the demand for sustainable landscaping has increased significantly.

The UK government hopes to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which will necessitate major changes in how we design and maintain our landscapes. As more people and organisations work to reduce their environmental impact, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can design, install, and maintain eco-friendly landscapes.

Enrolling in a landscape technician apprenticeship can provide you with the necessary training and experience to enter this exciting and rewarding field.

What is a Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship?

A landscape technician’s prime focus is to collaborate with and support the design, planning, and management of spaces in both natural and built environments. They assist other professionals in protecting, conserving, and enhancing the built and natural environments for the benefit of the public, communities, stakeholders, and clients.

Apprentices will learn a variety of skills related to landscape design, planning, and management, as well as the use of technology and technical equipment, during the apprenticeship. You will gain hands-on experience in real-world settings while working alongside experienced landscape professionals.

And by the end of the apprenticeship, you will have obtained a nationally recognised qualification demonstrating your skills and knowledge in the field.

Typical job titles include:

Assistant parks manager

BIM technician

GIS technician

Junior landscape architect

Landscape assistant

Landscape clerk of works

Landscape technician

Landscape technologist

Landscape visualiser and CAD technician

2 male Junior landscape architects supervising the process of residential building and outdoor construction standing on the structure outdoors

Knowledge and skills gained

You will learn landscape design and management principles such as site analysis and technology selection as a Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprentice. You’ll also learn how to effectively communicate ideas and information to clients, as well as a solid understanding of materials and plant science, legal and regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices.

Finally, you will gain knowledge of data collection and management, which is an important aspect of the field. All of this will prepare you to face a wide range of landscape design and management challenges.

Behaviours

As a Landscape Technician apprentice, you will benefit from a variety of behaviours that will aid in your success. Adopting the Landscape Institute’s standards of conduct and practice, for example, will ensure that you uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in your work.

You will also be committed to continuing professional development, which will assist you in staying current with industry trends and techniques. Furthermore, you will be dependable and act with integrity and confidentiality, which are essential qualities for establishing trust with clients and colleagues alike. Another important trait that will assist you in ensuring that every project is completed with precision and care is attention to detail.

Ultimately, you will be adaptable, able to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances to give your clients the best results possible. You will be well-positioned to excel as a Landscape Technician and contribute to the success of your team and organisation if you exhibit these characteristics.

Landscape technician in the helmet Uses Touchscreen against open outdoor hilly backdrop

FAQs

What is the typical duration to gateway of the apprenticeship?

The typical duration to gateway is 24 months. This does not include the EPA period (end point assessment).

What is the maximum funding available for a landscape technician apprenticeship?

The maximum funding available is £9000.

What are the usual qualifications for entering the apprenticeship?

The standard entry criteria for the apprenticeship are five GCSEs at Grade 4 (Grade C) or above, including English and Maths, or a Level 2 apprenticeship in a similar discipline.  Before taking the end-point assessment, apprentices who don’t already have Level 2 English and Maths will need to obtain these skills.

Join the Green Industry as a Landscape Technician Apprentice today

Join the Green Industry as a Landscape Technician Apprentice today and begin an exciting journey to developing a diverse set of skills and knowledge required to excel in your chosen career path.

If you are interested in the Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship you can visit: www.instituteforapprenticeships.org for more information.

And If you would like to find out about all the other apprenticeships available visit: ApprenticeTips.com.