Student Hub · School & college

Thinking about carpentry?

Whether you’re still choosing your GCSEs or ready to start an apprenticeship, here’s a clear guide to your first steps into carpentry and joinery.

How to get started Back to the Student Hub

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Still at school?

Getting ready for the trade

Choosing your GCSEs

There’s no official list of subjects you need to become a carpenter, but these will all help:

EnglishMathsDesign & TechnologyScience

Look up the entry requirements for apprenticeships or college courses you might want to apply for later – many ask for English and Maths.

Skills to practise now

1Recognising shapes and how they fit together
2Telling left from right quickly and confidently
3Spatial awareness – picturing objects in 3D

Want to know more about careers in carpentry and construction? Visit Go Construct.

Finished school?

Your route into the trade

In England, most people train through an apprenticeship – working for an employer while studying at college.

Apprenticeship

Carpentry apprenticeship

You build up evidence of your work on the job and attend college for training. It finishes with an End-Point Assessment: a multiple-choice exam and a full-day practical assessment covering the skills you’ve learned.

Typically 18–24 months

Next step

Advanced carpentry apprenticeship

Once you’ve completed the carpentry apprenticeship, you can move on to the advanced apprenticeship. It follows the same format, building more advanced skills.

Typically 12 months

College

College courses

Colleges also run carpentry and joinery courses. Your local college can tell you about courses, funding and apprenticeship opportunities – and may know local employers taking on apprentices.

Ask your local college

Every apprenticeship standard covers

SkillsWhat you can do with your hands and tools

KnowledgeWhat you need to understand about materials, methods and safety

BehavioursHow you work – with customers, colleagues and on site

Apprenticeship information with thanks to J Howe, Newcastle College. Apprenticeships work differently in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – your local college can advise.

Getting started