Excellent student support services
We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.
Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship - Level 2
IMPORTANT
The following information is simply detailing the apprenticeship training course and is not a live vacancy to apply for. Please click the link below to view our current apprenticeship vacancies.
Overview
The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce high volume, repetitive, engineered products from timber. Presenting a wide and varied specification for both external and interior applications, products such as roofing components, windows, doors, door-sets, staircases and other timber construction items including trussed rafters, spandrel panels, metal web beams, and I-beams. As well as utilising traditional materials, they use engineered and modified timbers to support product design and delivery, for example Accoya and Thermowood. They cut, layout and assemble materials, working to a specification. Depending on the product, they may install fixtures and fittings, apply finishes and add glazing systems.
Wood product manufacturing operatives typically work individually but can also form part of a larger production team and will report to the production supervisor/manager. Workplaces can be wide ranging from small workshops to large state of the art manufacturing facilities.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with customers, delivery personnel, design office, internal stores and suppliers, depending on the size of the organisation.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their own work to specification, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with health and safety and environmental considerations.
What will I study
- Prepare a range of machinery, tools and equipment for the manufacturing process
- Operate a range of machinery, tools and equipment to produce wood components and products to specification using a variety of raw materials
- Identify defects with materials and machinery before and during the manufacturing process
- Prepare wood components for the assembly process including sanding, positioning and securing
- Use a range of fixing techniques including joint assembly, installing mechanical fixings and applying appropriate adhesives to form products to the given specification
- Apply stains, sealers and paints to wood products to comply with the specified product finish requirements
- Install appropriate fixtures, fittings and glazing in accordance with the product specification, for example install glass to window or door
- Undertake glazing operations in accordance with the product specification
- Assess for post manufacture and assembly product defects and undertake appropriate rectification work
- Package and store products in accordance with organisational procedures.
- Entry requirements
Each apprenticeship programme has its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme. You will need to be aged 16 years and over and meet residency criteria to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme.
As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevant role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme.
Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call 0800 121 8317 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can support you.As an applicant, you will undertake assessments in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels and will continue to maintain skills in both subjects throughout your apprenticeship. If you possess maths and English GCSE or equivalent, there is a requirement for this to be evidenced which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill exam alongside the apprenticeship.
- Assessment
In the UK, apprentices are assessed through a combination of on-programme assessment and a final Apprenticeship Assessment (formerly called the EPA). Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect:
- On-Programme Assessment (During Your Apprenticeship)
Throughout your apprenticeship you will complete ongoing assessments to show you’re developing the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs). These may include:
- Workplace observations
- Your assessor or tutor may watch you carry out tasks in your normal job role.
- Assignments or written tasks
- Some apprenticeships require reports, reflective journals or knowledge-based tasks.
- Professional discussions
- A structured conversation with an assessor about what you’ve learned and how you apply it.
- Portfolio of evidence
- You’ll collect proof of your competence—such as work products, photos, witness statements, or project work.
- Training reviews
- Regular progress reviews with you, your employer and your training provider.
These activities help build your confidence and prepare you for the final assessment.
2. Gateway
When you, your employer and training provider all agree that you’re ready—and you’ve met all mandatory requirements (e.g., maths/English qualifications if needed)—you’ll pass through Gateway.
This simply means you are ready to sit the Apprenticeship Assessment.3. Apprenticeship Assessment (AA)
The Apprenticeship Assessment is carried out by an independent assessment organisation and varies depending on your apprenticeship standard. It may include:- Practical observation
- Demonstrating real work tasks or scenarios.
- Knowledge test
- A multiple-choice or written exam.
- Professional discussion
- A conversation with an independent assessor exploring your role, competence and experience.
- Project or assignment
- Some apprenticeships require a work-based project followed by an interview.
- Portfolio-based interview
- Your portfolio supports the discussion but is not assessed on its own.
- You will receive a grade—usually Pass, Merit or Distinction, depending on the standard. You should remember that, upon taking your apprenticeship assessment, it is possible at this stage to achieve a Fail grade. If this happens, you will be offered the opportunity to retake the failed element.
4. Completion
Once you pass your Apprenticeship Assessment, you will be awarded:
Your apprenticeship certificate
Any industry qualifications linked to your standard (mandatory elements) - On-Programme Assessment (During Your Apprenticeship)
- Progression
Following the successful completion of this apprenticeship there is the opportunity for further development using other apprenticeship standards, depending on how your role has evolved and the potential to work towards career progression opportunities.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
Wood Product Manufacturing Operative - Intermediate Apprenticeship
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.