Construction apprentice

Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician

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Does training to be a multi-skilled soldier, combat engineer and tradesman, to work on construction sites globally in a military environment interest you? If so, read on to find out all about the Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician and how it could kickstart your career in construction.

Jobs and entry criteria 

The Military Engineering Construction Technician apprenticeship provides a plethora of opportunities for you to learn the skills required to not only operate in a potentially hostile environment but also to gain a qualification recognised by the Construction Industry training board (CITB) – enabling you to work on civilian construction sites, if you were to decide the military wasn’t for you. 

Entering this role makes you a Royal Engineer with the option of going into any of the following construction related trades: Carpenter & Joiner, Bricklayer and Concreter, Building and Structural Finisher, Plumbing and Heating Engineer or Plant Operator & Mechanic.

This is an incredibly unique opportunity and provides you with a solid foundation in order to start your construction related career. All that’s left is the entry requirements: All soldiers entering onto one of the three options are required to have successfully completed phase 1 basic military training and phase 2A combat engineering training. You will also need to take or already have Level 2 English and Maths before your End-Point Assessment.

Key responsibilities and duties of Military Engineering Construction Technician (M.E.C.T)

Arguably, one of the best parts of an apprenticeship is getting to have duties on a job that you may not ordinarily get without lots more industry experience. This apprenticeship is no different, with some incredibly exciting duties and roles to partake in, during your time on the apprenticeship. Another benefit of doing these tasks is that they actually tick off competencies that are required to complete the apprenticeship.  Here’s the kind of thing you’ll get up to in your core role:

  • Undertake combat engineer tasks to support the formation requirements
  • Carry out all combat engineering tasks safely and with due consideration for others, using necessary protective equipment and guiding unloading tasks
  • Ensure all tasks meet the requirements laid down in any instructions/plans and that tasks meet any budgets set
  • Deal with injuries appropriate to their severity
  •  Be prepared to take responsibility in cases where others are unable to continue with tasks adapting to the environment accordingly
  • Communicate clearly at all levels ensuring the message has been understood

These are just your core responsibilities. Depending on which option you choose to pursue, you could find yourself partaking in some of the following:

  • Undertake bricklaying and concreting tasks as instructed ensuring the final product meets the requirements and comes in on budget
  • Undertake plumbing and heating tasks as instructed ensuring the final product meets the requirements and comes in on budget
  • Operate plant machines as instructed in a safe and efficient manner

Level 3 M.E.C.T Competencies

The competencies you tick off during your 18 month training period vary according to the option you choose, below are some competencies that you may need to tick off in your role: 

  • Knowledge: The different techniques and methods used to move, handle and store resources in the workplace and be aware of potential hazards involved with these resources
  • Knowledge: Safety aspects and rules regarding the use of explosive and delivery of basic demolitions
  • Knowledge: Engineering principles to repair existing masonry structures to render them safe and prevent further collapse
  • Skills: Use personal protective equipment relevant to the task and the tactical situation
  • Skills: Demonstrate compliance with given information and relevant legislation in relation to the safe use of access equipment, safe handling of materials, safe use and storage of materials, tools, equipment and ancillaries
  • Skills: Finish concrete to the given working instructions for concrete slabs/bases (footing, oversites or paths), form slab edging, position reinforcement and form surface finish (tamped, floated, brushed and trowelled
  • Behaviours: An alert and tactical awareness prior to, during and after any construction project in a hostile environment and be able to adapt to a changing environment
  • Behaviours: The initiative to adapt, develop and overcome any situation that may arise during a task whilst maintaining a military approach
  • Behaviours:  A strong Team spirit and Corps values

Conclusion

As you can see, the Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician apprenticeship is a tremendous starting point for anyone looking to get a head start as a Royal Engineer or most construction based careers. The core skills you learn are incredibly valuable and put you in a great position to advance your career. Upon completion of their military service all servicemen and women have access to transitional modules and courses to assist them as they move into civilian life. These include – but are not limited to – refresher and progression courses related to their specific trade. Military servicemen and women are highly sought-after by civilian trade organisations due to the breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours they bring from their time in the military.

More info here – https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/military-engineering-construction-technician/

Building control surveyor apprenticeship – Level 6

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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.

Level 2 Structural Steelwork Erector Apprenticeship

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Have you just finished school and looking for a way into the construction industry? Have you got an eye for design and are adept at turning plans into reality? If I am describing you, you may be suited to a Level 2 apprenticeship as a Structural Steelwork Erector! Check out the rest of the post to find out more about the role and what it can offer!

Structural Steelwork Erector Apprenticeship: What is it? What do I need?

Put simply, this apprenticeship is a doorway into the construction industry via on the job training and experience. You will often be the first team on the construction site, creating a steel frame which will be the foundation for any site/building you are working on. As this is the first step in the construction of buildings, there is a high level of precision and planning required that can only be gained from the hands-on experience that this apprenticeship grants you. You will have exposure to many different construction methods and equipment which can help you specialise as a steelworker, or transfer into other areas of construction.

Typically, this apprenticeship lasts 24 months. However, this can be extended or shortened based on prior experience/performance. This apprenticeship offers a level two qualification upon completion of the End point assessment which is a well-respected qualification to be able to add to your CV. But arguably more important is the onsite experience you would be gaining whilst completing the qualification.

In terms of entry requirements, you will need to have:

  • English level 2 (if you do not have this it will be required before the EPA)
  • Maths level 2 (if you do not have this it will be required before the EPA)

What skills, knowledge and behaviours will I gain through the apprenticeship

Skills:

  • Plan and prepare effectively in the workplace and in the apprenticeship aspect
  • Identify and construct steel components effectively
  • Move steel and equipment safely and effectively
  • Complete work to international standards
  • Work in accordance with health and safety regulations.

Knowledge:

  • Typical material sizes
  • Bolts and joiners used
  • Different steel components, how they interact and when to use each one
  • Tools and equipment needed
  • How to avoid/rectify issues with construction, tools and the equipment
  • Knowledge to fill out any paperwork needed for the construction

Behaviours:

  • A questioning attitude
  • Challenge poor practices and evolve procedures
  • Reliable and dependable
  • Accountable

Overall, this level two apprenticeship offers the right candidate and opportunity to get their foot in the door of the construction industry, developing their skills and gaining a qualification at the same time.

Read more of our posts on the different apprenticeship standards you can apply for now – you might find something you had not thought of before!