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Level 2 - Site Carpentry

DMR Training is an approved assessment centre for Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry.

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The NVQ Level 2 in Site Carpentry course is for carpenters and joiners who meet the recognised occupational standards. The qualification validates the skills and experience you have acquired during your construction career.

Please see the ‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Assessment Process’ sections of this page for examples of assessment criteria for the site carpentry NVQ.

We deliver the course through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route. This assessment method allows you to work towards the qualification at your own pace. It is a workplace and evidence-based qualification; classroom or workshop learning is rarely required. You will not need to take any time off work.

Once you have completed your NVQ Level 2 and received your certificate, you can apply for the blue CSCS card (skilled worker card).

Please note that the official title of this qualification is Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry.

To undertake a carpentry and joinery NVQ, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum of three years experience in carpentry and joinery.
  • Must currently be working as a joiner.
  • Aged 19+.
 

 To plan your assessment programme, your assessor will check your level of experience in some of the skills listed below. This skills scan will also confirm that you have enough trade experience to successfully achieve your carpentry NVQ.

  • Interpreting and working with drawings, specifications, architects’ drawings and schedules.
  • Protecting the surrounding area while working and maintaining a clean workspace by disposing of waste products.
  • Working in line with risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) whilst carrying out various carpentry tasks.
  • Knowledge and application of carpentry hand and power tools.
  • Protecting the surrounding area while working.
  • Knowledge and application of carpentry skills and competence in first fix, second fix, structural carcassing, fire door installation, sets and maintenance and repairs.
 

The list above is not exhaustive. It is designed to give you examples of the skills you will need to achieve your NVQ Level 2 in Site Carpentry.

In addition to general joinery skills, you will also be assessed in one of the following specialist areas (to be discussed with your assessor):

  • Structural carcassing components.
  • Fire-resistant timber doors.
  • First fixing components (e.g. building partition walls, installation of staircases, installation of frames/casings, etc.).
  • Second fixing components (e.g. door installation with ironmongery, installation of mouldings, installation of kitchen units, etc.).
  • Maintaining non-structural carpentry work.
  • Transportable cutting and shaping machines.

At the beginning of your Carpentry NVQ, we will assign you an experienced assessor who will work with you for the entirety of the course as you build a portfolio of work-based evidence.

Types of evidence may include:

  • An on-site observation while you work, carried out by your assessor in your workplace. An observation is not a test or a practical exam; your assessor is simply looking for evidence of your competency and that you follow safe working practices.
  • Photographs or videos of you working. You can take these yourself or ask a workmate to take them for you. Your assessor will provide guidance on photographic evidence during your induction phone call.
  • References, employer endorsements or witness testimonies verifying your work as a joiner. You can submit historical references and testimonies from work you have done in the past.
  • Detailed job logs of work you have completed during your Site Carpentry NVQ.
  • A recorded professional discussion with your assessor, either face-to-face or over the telephone.
  • A knowledge Q&A for the occupational area.
 

During the NVQ, your assessor will help you gather evidence of your joinery competency (some examples are listed in the ‘Entry Requirements’ section). You will also need to provide evidence of your knowledge and application of construction health and safety. This will include:

  • Complying with information presented in risk assessments.
  • Knowledge of procedures for reporting accidents and emergencies.
  • Proper use of PPE such as hi vis clothing and hard hats.
  • Disposing of waste safely in accordance with legislation.
 

Once your assessor is satisfied you have submitted sufficient evidence, our internal verification team will check your portfolio. They will then claim your NVQ certificate with the awarding organisation

Although joiners can take up to six months or more to achieve their Level 2 NVQ, we find that most complete the qualification in 2 to 3 months.

Ultimately, the qualification will fit around your professional and personal commitments. Work towards it at a speed you feel comfortable with.

On completion of your Site Carpentry NVQ course, you can apply for your Skilled Worker card (blue card).

If you require a CSCS card while you are working towards your NVQ, you can apply for your temporary Experienced Worker card (red card).

All CSCS card applicants must first pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (HS&E test).

Please visit our Funding & Grants page to check if funding is available for your NVQ.

If you are ineligible for government support, we offer an affordable self-funded assessment payable in four instalments of 25%.

Please Contact us to discuss funding and costs.

MANDATORY UNITS

learners must complete the three mandatory units:

  • Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
  • Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace
  • Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace

ADDITIONAL UNITS

Learners must complete three units from the optional unit group:

  • Erecting structural carcassing components in the workplace
  • Installing Fire-Resisting Timber Door Assemblies and Doorsets in the Workplace
  • Installing the first fixing components in the workplace
  • Installing second fixing components in the workplace
  • Maintaining non-structural carpentry work in the workplace
  • Setting up and using transportable cutting and shaping machines in the workplace

After achieving Level 2 and depending on your experience, you may have the option to advance to NVQ Level 3 in Site Carpentry, NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) or NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision.

When you decide to proceed with your NVQ, we will carry out a quick skills scan to confirm your suitability for the qualification and the on-site assessment route.

We will then enrol you on the qualification with the awarding organisation and issue your welcome email. Your assessor will contact you for your introductory telephone conversation and put together your assessment action plan.

For an initial commitment-free consultation, please call us on 01942 673047 or send us your details, and we will get back to you.

Course Information

The NVQ Level 2 in Site Carpentry course is for carpenters and joiners who meet the recognised occupational standards. 

The qualification validates the skills and experience you have acquired during your construction career.

  • 2-3 Months
  • Funding Available
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Ready to take the next step in your career?

Contact us today to discuss your training needs and discover how we can help you achieve your goals with our flexible courses and funding options.

Frequently Asked QUESTIONS

Common queries about the CITB Levy and Grant system

What are the benefits of gaining a joinery NVQ Level 2?

There are several reasons you might take an NVQ, ranging from increased earning potential and career prospects to gaining your CSCS card. See our short guide – Why Should You Do an NVQ?

Before starting your qualification, an assessor will be assigned to work with you and provide ongoing support.

DMR assessors are former construction workers with at least five years’ experience in NVQ assessment.

They hold an A1 or TAQA assessor’s qualification, a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in their occupational area and a blue or gold CSCS card.

We provide full training to all our assessors in supporting people with a learning disability or dyslexia. If you need extra support and guidance with the written elements of your site carpentry NVQ, your assessor will draw up an assessment plan tailored to your needs.

An NVQ is a workplace competency qualification. As a competent joiner, you will be expected to document your skills and experience through various types of ‘evidence’.

Your assessor will carry out at least one observation in your place of work. You will also complete coursework in your own time.

To achieve your qualification, you will not need to travel, there are no exams to sit, and you will not need to take time off work. Your assessor will provide support and guidance face-to-face, by phone and by email.

CITB-registered employers can claim a grant of £600 for every employee or contractor who completes an NVQ Level 2 to 7. You can find more information on the CITB website.

Government NVQ funding is available for joiners who meet specific criteria. Please get in touch with us to find out if you are eligible for funding, or visit our Funding & Grants page.

When you have completed your NVQ portfolio, our internal verification team will check it for compliance. They will then claim your certificate with NOCN. Once we have received your certificate from the awarding body, we will forward it to you by recorded delivery. This process usually takes between two and four weeks.

To get your CSCS Skilled Worker card, you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test at your local test centre.

You can apply for your card by visiting www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards. You will need to upload a copy of your NVQ certificate and have a debit or credit card ready to pay the £36 fee.

Yes, if you need a CSCS card while you are doing your site carpentry qualification, you can apply for the Experienced Worker card. You can request this card as soon as we have enrolled you on the NVQ (you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test).

To apply for the temporary card, we will email you your proof of enrolment, which you must submit to CSCS.

You will then upgrade to the Skilled Worker card once you have finished the qualification.

You can call us on 01942 673047 or get in touch through our contact form.