How Long Does It Take To Train As A Joiner?
If you are fresh out of school and considering what your next steps will be in choosing a career then you might have considered a skilled job like a joiner. This is also a great career change for older people who want a new challenge. But in order to be the best and guarantee employment, you must complete the relevant training. But how long does it take to train as a joiner?
How long it takes to become a joiner will vary depending on what qualifications you choose to complete and the path you wish to take. Most people will complete an NVQ Level 1 and an NVQ Level 2. These courses typically take around ten week each but if you decide to go down the apprenticeship route, it may take longer as you’ll spend part of your time studying and part of your time gaining hands-on experience.
What is important to keep in mind is that, in order to work as a joiner, there are no legal requirements as far as qualifications are concerned. You could, in theory, set up as a self-employed joiner without qualifications, provided that you have the relevant skills to deliver the work. That said, if you are looking to become employed by a company, you would normally be expected to have completed some kind of qualification.
What Skills Does A Joiner Need?
A joiner is a great job choice for anyone that likes the idea of doing manual work that requires a keen eye for detail and excellent precision. In addition to this passion, you will need to be physically fit as joinery can be quite active and might involve things like climbing onto scaffolding or roofs. For this reason, you’ll also need to be good with heights.
Being a joiner will also require you to have the ability to solve problems including having a good grasp of basic mathematics as well as being able to take accurate measurements.
Another key skill of a joiner is to be able to safely manage themselves and others in the workplace. Since the job usually involves the use of potentially dangerous tools as well as several people working in one place at the same time, this is an imperative skill. Communication with other people working onsite is also essential.
In many cases, a joiner may be expected to work away from home, so being able to drive is helpful, although this is by no means a requirement for the job.
What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A Joiner UK?
You do not need to have any formal qualifications in order to become a joiner in the United Kingdom. But most people will seek out some form of education as this makes it much easier to find a job. The good news is that there are several ways you might work towards becoming a joiner depending on your preference.
One of the most common routes is to go for an apprenticeship. In the UK, apprentices must be paid at least £4.30 an hour up until the age of 19, at which point, you are entitled to the National Living Wage in line with your age group. So, the good thing about this route is that you will be paid while you learn. An apprenticeship involves spending part of your time doing formal study, often at a college or through distance learning while the other part of your time is spent learning on the job.
Alternatively, you might choose to complete either an NVQ Level 1 and then an NVQ Level 2 which can be taken through a college of your choice. You might do this in either carpentry and joinery or bench joinery. There is also a newer type of qualification known as a T Level and for those looking to get into joinery, you would opt for On site construction.
To get onto any of these courses, you will typically need to have GCSE grades 9-4 in at least English and Maths.
Can I Be A Joiner Without An Apprenticeship?
If you want to become a joiner in the UK, the good news is that you aren’t required to have any formal qualifications. You could set up a joinery business with self taught knowledge and charge people for your work.
However, when you are applying for jobs, it is only ever going to work in your favour if you have formal qualifications or have completed an apprenticeship. Most employers are looking for people with a vast knowledge of the job and the qualifications to back this up. You’ll also have to complete some kind of training if you were to get a job without qualifications so you wouldn’t entirely get out of education even if it was as simple as shadowing another joiner.
How Long Is A Joinery Apprenticeship UK?
In the UK, the length of time it takes to complete a joinery apprenticeship will depend on what level you are trying to achieve. If you are working towards a Level 2 qualification, then this will normally be achieved in around 24 months. However, there is also the option to continue and earn a Level 3 qualification, in which case, you will need to study for a further 12 to 15 months.
While many people see it as an inconvenience to continue on to Level 3, especially when the previous qualification more than entitles you to a career in the trade, you will open up more pathways.
Recent Article: How Much Does A Joiner Charge Per Hour In The UK
Conclusion
People looking to become a joiner in the UK have a series of options to achieve their goal. Whether you opt for an apprenticeship, an NVQ or a T Level, you’ll learn a multitude of skills that will help you progress in your career.