construction apprentice uk Archives

Construction Operative Apprenticeship – Level 2

April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Grace Hall

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Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a great way to join an established company and kick start your career. You will have the opportunity to learn directly by industry experts, giving you the benefit of long term salary prospects and progression opportunities. You will benefit from support from your employer, mentor, coaches and the apprenticeship provider, Apprentice Now. One of the greatest benefits of apprenticeships is the opportunity to earn a wage whilst you are gaining a qualification. Below is information on the Construction Operative Apprenticeship.

An Overview of the Construction Operative Apprenticeship Role

What will you be doing on the job?

As a construction operative apprentice you will be working to check, prepare, and operate a number of construction machines (known as plant). The construction machines used onsite in the construction sector including railways, demolition, and utility works (water/gas/electricity supply). During the apprenticeship you will learn on four common types of construction plant, these include a 360-degree excavator, dumper/dump truck, fork-lift, and finally, a ride-on roller. Progression opportunities include training as a lead operator, supervisor, site or plant manager or even setting up your own contracting company.

You will undertake a range of non-operational activities with each machine, for example, checking, maintaining, and cleaning of their machine. Learn to direct and guide other plant and vehicles. Enjoy having the opportunity as an apprentice to learn how to signal and marshal other plant and vehicles. You will also be undertaking site deliveries, carry out checks on the work they do and help load their plant on and off a transporter when required.

What does a day in the life look like?

During your daily work, you will be interacting with a wide range of different people, including the clients, contractors/customers, members of the public, supervisors, other trades people, managers, suppliers, safety professionals, manufacturers and administration staff. You will be working in an outdoor environment in all seasons and weathers. Work patterns will include overnight, weekend and anti-social hours to complete projects which have fixed completion timescales such as roadworks, rail maintenance etc. This is a factor that should be considered when applying.

As an employee in this occupation, you will be responsible for preparing, setting up and operating several designated construction plant types. You will follow a site plan and in most cases, you will be under direct and indirect supervision. However, you will occasionally be the lead operative working with supporting staff. This means you will be the only worker who has full understanding of your machine’s capabilities and limitations. Operating plant is a safety critical activity and means that your actions have a direct and significant consequence to the safety and welfare of others. You should consider the general public. A very high level of burden and responsibility comes with this role.

Construction Job Titles

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Some of the typical job titles for this role would include Concrete pump operator, Dozer Operator, Dump Truck Operator, Equipment Operator, Machine Driver, and Plant Operator. When you complete this course, there are many opportunities for progression. Apprentice Now offers a level 4 apprenticeship to train to become a Construction site supervisor. They also offer a range of degree level apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Details

The Construction Operative Apprenticeship is a level 2 apprenticeship which has a duration of 15 months. During this time frame you will learn knowledge, skills and behaviours that are relevant to the construction industry. It is mandatory that you have valid qualifications in both Maths and English to pass through gateway. You will benefit from support from your employer, coaches and the apprenticeship provider, Apprentice Now. You will also have access to the forum on Apprentice Tips where you can share tips and advice with fellow apprentices. For more information on engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships in the UK, click here.

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Level 3 – Refrigeration air conditioning and heat pump engineering technician

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022 by Rikhil Lakhani

Do you have an interest in the Construction industry? Preferably with a focus in refrigeration air conditioning and heat pump engineering technician? This Level 3 Apprenticeship will provide you with understanding how to plan, prepare and safely carry out work in process, product and space cooling. This is a 36 month program with the EQA Provider as Ofqual.

Entry Requirements

You should have English or Maths at Level 2 or above, however if not, your employer should ensure you achieve this before the completion of the apprenticeship.

Mandatory qualifications

All apprentices must achieve a “Level 2 Certificate in F Gas and ODS Regulations Category 1” as this is a legal requirement under the EU F Gas Regulation 517/2014 to work on equipment containing Fluorinated Refrigerants.

What could you be doing?

The design, installation, routine maintenance, reactive service, commissioning and de-commissioning of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump systems. Technicians require a thorough competency in their understanding of the engineering principles of thermodynamics and the vapour compression cycle in order to perform operations. A fully competent technician works without immediate supervision, and liaises effectively with other trades and with end users.

What knowledge is required?

Understanding of relevant UK and international standards, technical and environmental legislation including health & safety, environmental protection, working with pressure systems, electrical circuits and flammable substances.
Familiarising yourself with industry Codes of Practice and other sources of up to date information and advice on technical safety and legislative aspects of their work.
A comprehensive understanding of principles of thermodynamics, gas laws, psychrometrics, fluid flow, electricity, properties of refrigerant fluids and lubricants.
Ability to understand relevant diagrams, calculations, tools, charts, tables and formulae and apply them as appropriate.
A strong understanding of the function and operation of system components and how they interact in a range of different systems and applications.
Knowledge of environmental impact of refrigerants, maximising efficient system performance and mitigation of direct and indirect carbon emissions.
Understanding of environmental technologies such as heat recovery, low GWP refrigerants, and other equipment which can be used to reduce heat gain, cooling load or energy use.

What skills are required?

Installation, commissioning, testing, fault diagnostics, rectification of systems, component/refrigerant suitability and selection
Working with pressure systems and electrical circuits and systems
Evaluating and mitigating risks of refrigerants including toxicity, flammability and other potential risks or hazards to self and the general public.
Decommissioning, safe recovery and disposal of equipment and hazardous waste transfer
Electrical and electronic control systems setting, testing and fault finding; and their integration with system-associated communication networks.
Positioning, fixing, jointing and testing of pipework, electrical circuits and water circuits where relevant.
Determining heating and cooling loads and selecting and balancing appropriate components and systems for maximum performance and efficiency.
Using system operating parameters for efficient performance to achieve measurable and sustained reductions in carbon emissions.
Routine and reactive service and maintenance, testing, fault finding, reporting and rectification.
Retrofitting and retrofilling of existing equipment to lower GWP refrigerants including safety, reliability and environmental considerations.

What behaviours are required?

Disciplined approach to assessing, managing, mitigating and avoiding risk in a variety of situations to themselves, colleagues, the public and the environment.
Positive ethical attitude and behaviours including reliability, willingness to take responsibility. Commitment to completing tasks and ability to work as part of a multidisciplined team.
Employs logical thinking, and determined attitude to problem solving and technical challenges.
A strong Attention to detail, following procedures, planning and preparation and verifying compliance.
Takes responsibility for work and interactions with colleagues, customers, suppliers or subcontractors.
Uses a range of communications methods effectively, positively and in timely fashion.
Able to adapt to changes in conditions, technologies, situations and a wide variety of different working environments.
Willingness to learn and commitment to professional development and to applying principles of sound engineering and sustainability of engineering systems.

Conclusion

Completing this Level 3 Qualification, you will build the foundations for a successful career and eventually work towards being a; Refrigeration Technician/Engineer, Air Conditioning Technician/Engineering, Heat pump Technician/Engineer, Service Technician/Engineer, Maintenance Technician/Engineer or Commissioning Engineer. You can find more information via the apprenticeship standard document.

If you have any questions or queries regarding this apprenticeship or any others, feel free to reach out to us via our LinkedIn, Twitter or Website!

Level 2 Floor Layer Apprenticeship

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 by Eliana Brown

Do installation and construction sound up your alley? If so, read on to find out how the level 2 floor layer apprenticeship could kick-start your career. You will constantly be changing scenery with a chance to work in some of London’s most iconic buildings.

Entry criteria and duration for the level 2 floor layer apprenticeship

This apprenticeship consists of a core and options and apprentices are required to select one option depending on their job role. The occupations covered by this standard are:

Textile & Resilient Floorlayer – will prepare subfloors and install textile floorcoverings (e.g. carpet from a roll and carpet tiles) and also resilient floorcoverings (e.g. vinyl, linoleum and rubber, in sheet and tile formats)
Wood Floorlayer – will prepare subfloors and install laminate and wood flooring in various formats.
Completion of the apprenticeship will allow individuals to meet the requirements (Skilled Worker) of construction industry registration schemes (Construction Skills Certification Scheme – CSCS)

The floor layer apprenticeship will provide opportunities to learn the skills needed for typical craftsmanship roles. You will be involved with the installation of carpets, vinyl, linoleum and rubber or laminate and wood flooring and will work for large and small employers. You will work in all types of buildings within a diverse range of commercial and domestic environments. As a Floor layer, you will need to be able to work in an efficient and safe manner, and ensure high levels of customer care, particularly within the domestic environment; working alone or within a team. This is a Level 2 apprenticeship standard and the typical completion time is likely to be 30-36 months.

Key responsibilities and skills needed for a floor layer

The main duties of a floor layer include preparing the work area and subfloor to a suitable standard. This is to make sure the installation of floor coverings is to the client’s specifications. Floor layers need to be good at communicating. They need to be able to interact effectively with colleagues, clients and associated trades e.g. plumbers, electricians, and painters. They must also be able to interpret drawings and extract relevant information to complete the installation of the flooring, but be flexible, in adapting their approach and techniques when faced with unexpected site conditions.

Finished wood flooring from apprentice work

Floor layer apprenticeship knowledge and further understanding

Featured below are key understandings that will help you get the most out of this apprenticeship:

Current legislation and the principles of health, safety, welfare and environmentally responsible work practices and how they must be applied in relation to their work, self and to others
Employment rights and responsibilities, keeping floor-laying skills and knowledge up to date, career progression, industry card registration
Organisational policies, procedures and documentation and their relevance and importance for installing floorcovering
When, why and what personal protective equipment should be used and how to use it correctly whilst floor-laying
Principles of construction, utility supplies, and their impact on installing floorcovering
How and when flooring installations need to be adapted to accommodate the needs of disabled people or people with learning disabilities

Conclusion

In summary, the level 2 floor layer apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for a career. Especially for anyone looking to pursue a career in construction or craftsmanship. The overflowing amount of skills you’ll gain from this apprenticeship will open doors to many job opportunities. Also, you will be earning while learning which will give you a great opportunity for progression, if you want to pursue a career in craftsmanship. Employers use apprenticeships to shape how their employees learn and progress. This is a great opportunity to build connections in the industry. The type of job roles that will open up over the coming years could be endless. If you want to commit to a career in craftsmanship, look no further, we’re here to help.

To keep track of similar roles, have a look at the overall page on our website, and why not follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Level 4 Civil Engineering senior Technician Apprenticeship

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 by Anisa Husein

If you are interested in construction, design and planning buildings, then this apprenticeship might just be for you. Find out how you can kick-start your career in the construction field.

Jobs opportunities and the criteria needed to apply for the Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship can take you into roles such as a senior engineering technician and senior design technician. The average salaries for these roles in the UK is 39K, the highest being up to 44K.

The entry requirements for this apprenticeship:

A pass in GCSE Math’s and English
You can also complete a level 2 English and math’s qualification. This needs to be completed before the end point assessment (EPA).

What to expect in the 36-month program?

There will be a list of responsibilities you will have as an apprentice, and, you will be allocated time to complete these.

Firstly, you will complete a portfolio, this will include all of the evidence of work you have completed and align with various competencies. Secondly, You will complete exams and training sessions to develop your knowledge according to the occupational standards.

Finally, the remaining 4 months of your apprenticeship will consistent of an independent project and interview process. All three will determine the final grade you receive at the end.

Core duties of the Apprenticeship

As part of your apprenticeship, there are a list of duties you will need to demonstrate in your job role, some examples of these are:

Producing solutions to technical problems, by preparing and presenting diagrams and documents, include best industry practice and comply with regulations
Use a range of practical skills learnt from workshops to aid you in supplying materials, equipment, and technologies.
Identify risks in projects you are responsible for and ways to mitigate this.

Conclusion

Based on the information above, this apprenticeship program is a great way to join the construction industry. The competencies you will cover give you the foundations to progress into a range of roles.

For more technical information and depth click on the Occupational standards for Civil engineering. You can also sign-up below to receive emails on the latest news and updates .

Building control surveyor apprenticeship – Level 6

October 12, 2022October 12, 2022 by Enrico Quddus

Looking for an exciting opportunity within the construction sector? Then you might want to consider the Building control surveyor apprenticeship. This is an opportunity to build your career as a building surveyor, read on to find out more.

Overview of the role

This role is not just simple surveying, but also requires an ability to enforce compliance with the Building Act 1984. Becoming a building control surveyor turns you into a third party service to certificate that building work meets the minimum standard of the building regulation through unbiased and fair judgement. This is also to ensure health and safety, as the surveyor needs to be ready to deliver their decisions to customers in a diplomatic and assertive manner.

Building control surveyors analysing a building plan

Core duties of building control surveyor

The core duties and tasks of a Building Control Surveyor include the following:

To ensure a sustainable built environment in compliance with the Building Act 1984.
Evaluating plans, drawings, specifications and other documents submitted for building regulation approval.
Inspecting different types of building work and keeping records of the site visits.
Issuing certificates when the work has been carried out satisfactorily.
Communicating with members of the public, construction professionals, and delivering efficient customer service.
Keeping up to date with current regulations and legislations.
Enforce regulatory compliance in case there is defective construction work on site or demolitions and dangerous structures to ensure public safety.
Taking part in the administrative process of Building Regulation applications.

Entry requirements and Qualifications

The minimum entry requirements for this apprenticeship is three A-levels at grade C or higher. A level 3 apprenticeship qualification in a construction related discipline can also be accepted. Despite this requirements, the end decision to take in the apprentice is dependent on the employer. Apprentices also need to have a level 2 English and Math qualification to enter EPA (final stage of the apprenticeship).

The apprenticeship is estimated to be around 4 years long, excluding the EPA period. Once completed, the apprentice will have successfully achieved a level 6 qualification as a building control surveyor. This achievement also includes a BSc (Hons) degree in Building Control. The successful apprentices will also be eligible to apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Building and the Institute of Fire Engineers.

Building control surveyor apprentice inspecting a building

The construction industry is an amazing world to build your career in, and applying for a building control surveyor apprenticeship is an exciting way to begin in this line of work. To find out more about this apprenticeship, visit the institute for apprenticeships.

To learn about other apprenticeships, check out our blogs on ApprenticeTips.com. Also if you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up to our newsletter, providing a weekly summary of the latest news on apprenticeships.

Mineral Processing Mobile and Static Plant Operator | Career Opportunity

September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 by Sendy Sanchez

 For those who want to start a career in the mineral processing industry.

The Mineral Processing Mobile and Static Plant Operator apprenticeship program allows an individual to obtain the necessary skills needed to work in the manufacturing and engineering industry as a static or mobile plant operator. With the knowledge gained from this course, you will be able to use and maintain mobile and static heavy plant equipment. To learn more about the apprenticeship standard, as well as the skills you can gain during the program, continue reading below!

Apprenticeship entry requirements:

You must have achieved a level 1 English and Math and undertake the level 2 course for both subjects. Employers may set additional entry requirements for this apprenticeship.

Job position details:

This role involves operating either fixed or mobile heavy plant equipment safely and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures. Moreover, producing high quality merchandise such as construction products, ready mixed concrete, asphalt, cement, or prestressed concrete products. The apprentice’s main duties include executing preventative and routine maintenance on all machines, conducting risk assessments, and reporting stock availability and quality.

The level 2 apprenticeship has a minimum duration of 12 months without including the end-point-assessment (in which the apprentice is evaluated to decide whether it has developed the skills, knowledge, and behaviours described in the apprenticeship standard). It has an average duration of 18 months.

Plant machinery is high-value equipment that can be divided into two main categories, each with various associated job roles:

Static plant operator: Some of the positions company’s offers are concrete batcher, asphalt plant operator, mortar plant operator, crushing and screening plant operator, washing plant operator precast & prestressed concrete production operative, and more.

Mobile plant operator: Overseeing mobile plant equipment such as quarry dumpers, articulated dumpers, 360 excavators, telehandlers, loading shovels, and dozers are required.

Knowledge Modules

KNOWLEDGE	What is required
Operations	Understand the operational and technical aspects of the fixed or mobile plant equipment and the hazards and risks involved.
Health and safety	Report and evaluate all potential work hazards using approved assessment processes, identifying risk of activities, and encouraging other employees to display safety-conscious behaviours. Understand risk assessments, legislation, regulations, safe systems of work, and limits of responsibility.
Sustainability	Describe how operating mobile and static equipment has impact on the environment including the importance of minimising fuel/waste and environmental impact of work activities.
Effective Communications	Disclose the reporting lines in both day-to-day and emergency situations. Moreover, explain how to communicate effectively, develop, and maintain effective working relationships.
Product Knowledge	Understand product knowledge specifications required and identify flags of quality or stock levels

Following the apprenticeship standard requires a variety of skills:

Operations: conduct pre-start and post operations checks on plant machinery equipment. Follow company standards when operating with static or mobile plant equipment and be able to use in effectively.

Sustainability: assess, identify and report on environmental impact and minimize the demand of natural resources when possible.

Maintenance techniques: conduct routine and reactive maintenance according to company procedures and use work-related material in safely manner following control of Substances Hazardous to Health data (COSHH) and manufacturer specifications.

Planning and organising work: plan and complete required activities in line with key company performance indicators and be able to monitor stocks of materials and report issues is needed.

Products: produce high quality end product in line with customer and company specifications and monitor end product quality and the report of any issues.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Level 2 Mineral Processing Mobile and Static Plant Operator Apprenticeship is a distinguished career opportunity for those with an interest on starting a career related to the engineering and manufacturing industry.

For more technical information on apprenticeships standards, please visit our site.

Engineering Construction Erector Rigger – Level 3

February 22, 2022February 22, 2022 by Jake Morgan

Does installing and dismantling infrastructure and lifting, moving, and positioning loads during engineering construction projects interest you? If so, read on, and discover what the day-to-day tasks of this job involve, as well as the entry requirements for this position and a potential career path in the future.

What is the job and entry criteria for the Level 3 Engineering Construction Erector Rigger?

This apprenticeship covers two roles: an Engineering Constructor Rigger and Engineering construction rigger. These two roles follow strictly defined processes and procedures covered in your apprenticeship. In your career in this field, you will be working on exciting large projects involving major infrastructure. These projects could overlap into various industries such as the power generation sector, renewable energy sector, and other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, human and animal food and cosmetics, and many others.

Are you interested in working on huge projects in various exciting industries! Well, the entry requirements for this apprenticeship, well e,mployers may have a different criteria of entry but the entry requirements for the Engineering Construction Erector Rigger apprenticeship are typically 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at C or above in Maths, English and a Science or Technology based subject. If you don’t have a GCSE at a C above (or equivalent) then don’t worry! If you are the right for a company, employers may still hire you. It will mean, however, as an apprentice you will need to achieve this level prior to completing your end-point-assessment. This means that during the apprenticeship you will have an opportunity to gain these certificates before you complete it!

Key responsibilities of a Engineering Construction Erector Rigger

Engineering construction erector role includes:

The installation and dismantling of the capital plant steel infrastructure in large engineering and construction projects.
The use of powered and non-powered hand tools to help assemble the infrastructure.
Operating static and mobile lifting equipment to help assemble dissemble infrastructure.
Operating any specialist equipment or acsessopries to assemble and disassemble infrastructure.
Assembling and the fixing of metal decking, safety nets and edge rails to create aa safe working environment for a project.

Engineering construction rigger role includes:

Involves the lifting, moving of materials and equipment during engineering projects
Being part of completing a detailed plan of lifting, moving and placing if materials and machinery safely
The lifting, moving and placing of specialist machinery such as skids and rollers and numerous types of winches and cranes.

Level 3 Engineering Construction Erector Rigger Core Competencies

As part of your job role and throughout the apprenticeship you will learn:

How to maintain personal site safety responsibilities, health and safety on site, safe working practices and procedures and how to respond to and provide solutions to problems and emergencies.
When to ask for assistance from others, without cauding undue disruption to a normal workload.
How to conduct risk assessments
Techniques for creating lift plans and how to determine the weight and differnt charteristics of equpitment and materials
How to correctly use power tools and any other specialist equipment that you may use in your role.
Lifting, moving and handling equipment methods and techniques.
The types of equipment and accessories used for moving, lifting, positioning and erecting loads and structures and their care, control procedures and inspection.

All Engineering Construction Erector Rigger apprentices should bne abnle to show the correct behaviour and be able to:

Work and respect others.
Be conscious of work safety and health and safety on site

The Apprenticeship

Depending on which role you end up holding their are two qualifications this apprenticeship standard covers:

For those following the erector pathway: Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Lifting, Positioning and Installing Structures, Plant and Equipment (RQF) – Erecting

For those following the rigger pathway: Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Lifting, Positioning and Installing Structures, Plant and Equipment (RQF) – Rigging

Conclusion

Whether you end up as a rigger or an erecter, the Engineering Construction Erector Rigger apprenticeship can offer a perfect starting point to a pathway into the engineering world. With the opportunity to work in various industries, on various sites it’s perfect for someone who is hungry and self-motivated who is interested on working on wide-scope of projects.

Click here to check out more apprenticeship standards!