Introduction
A Modern Apprenticeship is a great way of gaining skills, qualifications and experience, without having to study full-time. You will be earning whilst you are learning! This is an opportunity to work towards an industry recognised qualification whilst you are learning ‘on the job’ and it’s a great way to kick-start your career. Whilst learning the foundation skills required for a career in the construction industry.
This Modern Apprenticeship is made up of two parts; the SVQ, this is the joinery-based qualification, which is carried out in the workplace and the Professional Development Award (PDA), which is the theorectical element of the qualifcation, which takes place at College.
This is a qualification designed to prove that the learning has met the standards of work demanded within the industry.
You must successfully complete both parts of this qualification plus core skills at required SCQF Levels to achieve your full Modern Apprenticeship.
Course code
MODERN21
Location
Dumfries and Stranraer Campus
Duration
4 years in duration, College attendance requirements: a total of 30 weeks college attendance is required over the first 3 years and in Year 4 there will be 1 weeks attandence required for the Skills Test.
Candidates will not sit the “Skills Test” unit of the SVQ before 3½ years have been completed from their start date.
Modern Apprentices over the age of 22 years, who can demonstrate that they have significant prior site experience, may be permitted to complete after a minimum of 2 years, where their achievement and competence has been recognised by BOTH the employer and the training provider. These candidates would need to meet the requirement of a full portfolio of evidence against the SVQ and they may not sit the “Skills Test” unit before the LAST 6 months of their apprenticeship. This must be agreed prior to being signed up as Modern Apprentice.
Entry Requirements
You must be in full-time employment and aged 16 years or over.
We recommend that candidates should have achieved as a minimum standard grades at general level in English and Maths, good drawing skills are an advantage.
Candidates should be well presented, committed to the Modern Apprenticeship and able to complete and attend College as required.
You should be physically fit and abe to work in different envoriments and be good at working with your hands.
Course Content
The course is delivered in an integrated and holistic manner using a series of “Tasks” and “Tests”. In addition to the subject specific content there are core units that need to be achieved, including Construction Drawing, Construction Materials, Building Craft Science and Construction Studies.
The on-site work experience (SVQ) will require individuals to record the types of work being undertaken whislt on-site, which will be entered as evidence in their porfolio.
By completing the the following you will achieve the full Modern Apprenticeship:
- Carpentry & Joinery (Wood Occupations) SVQ3 at SCQF Level 6
- PDA at SCQF Level 6
Throughout the programme core skills will be intergrated, achieving:
- Communication (SCQF Level 5)
- Numeracy (SCQF Level 5)
- Information Technology (SCQF Level 4)
- Working with Others (SCQF Level 5)
- Problem Solving (SCQF Level 5)
Assessments
Assessments take the form of written (using an on-line e-portfoio) and practical assignments which are integrated throughout the programme. Written assessments are carried out by candidates in their own time under the guidance of an assessor. The workbased training will be carried out and assessed in the workplace using candidate portfolios and evidence gathering of completencies met. This can include observations, witness testimonies, professional discussions and written accounts. Once all elements have been achieved there will be a “Skills Test” at the end of the entire programme, which will be undertaken at the College.
Progression
Once this Modern Apprenticeship has been completed and achieved you will become a fully qualified and time-served. You can remain in your specialist field or progress to supervisory or technical occupations within the sector.
Career Prospects
Continued employment within the Construction Industry as a tradesperson, also the ability to progress to a site manager or further with additional qualifcations being gained in the future.
Additional funding information
A modern apprenticeship can be funded through SDS, self-funded or paid for by your employer as a standalone SVQ3 qualification.
Course Contact Details
If you would like to find out more information please contact us via:
E-mail: apprenticeships@dumgal.ac.uk