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NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry
Fast-track your Level 2 NVQ in Carpentry with no classroom time or exams. Get assessed on-site while you work and qualify for your CSCS Blue Card in just 3–4 weeks.
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4.8(869 ratings)
Rated Excellent
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Course Features
Learning Options
What Is the NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry?
The NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry, officially titled the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations, is a recognised, work-based qualification for site carpenters. It assesses your skills on the job with no classroom time or exams required. This qualification proves you can carry out key carpentry tasks safely and to industry standards, and it’s a direct route to getting your CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card.
🎓 NVQ Level 2 Carpentry CSCS Card
Use this NVQ to apply for the CSCS Blue Card and prove your skills on-site — with no exams or classroom time.Who Should Take the Level 2 NVQ in Carpentry?
This qualification is designed for individuals already working in carpentry roles on construction sites who want to gain formal recognition for their skills. It’s ideal for tradespeople looking to progress their careers or apply for a CSCS Blue Card through a work-based route.
This NVQ is suitable for:
- Site Carpenters
- Bench Joiners
- Architectural Joiners
- Maintenance Carpenters
- Self-employed or subcontract carpenters
- Experienced workers without a formal qualification
What Does the NVQ Cover?
The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Carpentry covers the core skills required to work safely and competently as a carpenter or joiner on construction sites.
There are 11 specialist pathways available depending on your specific area of work. These allow your assessment to be tailored to the tasks you already carry out on-site. The pathways are:
- Site Carpentry
- Architectural Joinery
- Structural Post and Beam Carpentry
- Light Timber Frame Erection
- Timber Frame Erection
- Timber Decks and Cladding
- First Fixing and Second Fixing
- Shopfitting Site Work
- Shopfitting Bench Work
- Wheelwrighting
- Heritage and Conservation (Carpentry/Joinery)
Regardless of your chosen pathway, all learners must complete the following 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
🛠️ Note: Your assessor will help you choose the pathway that best reflects your current role and responsibilities on-site.
How Is The Qualification Structured?
The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations offers various pathways to cater to individual learners' needs. We firmly believe in a customised approach that takes into account each learner's experience and work history. Following the initial assessment, the assessor recommends a specialised pathway that aligns well with the learner's profile. Below, you will find a list of pathways available:
1 – Site Carpentry
2 – Architectural Joinery
3 – Structural Post and Beam Carpentry
4 – Light Structural Timber Framing
5 – Timber Frame Erection
6 – Timber Decks and Cladding
Is There Any Funding Available For This NVQ?
Yes, funding is available for this programme if you are a CITB Levy Registered Employer. For more detailed information, please visit the page dedicated to funding on the official website.
What Are The Entry Requirements For This Programme?
There are no formal academic requirements to enrol in this qualification. As long as you can demonstrate your experience, you will not encounter any difficulties. It is advantageous if you have prior experience as a carpenter or have access to a workplace where you can carry out your daily tasks. This will enable you to compile a portfolio of evidence that will be requested during the assessment process.
How Long Will It Take You To Complete This Qualification?
This question is subjective as NVQs are not typical qualifications that require a specific number of hours dedicated per day to pass. Instead, they assess learners based on a portfolio of evidence submitted to their assessor. The time it takes to complete the qualification depends on how quickly the learner can produce the required evidence. On average, learners tend to complete the qualification within a timeframe of approximately 6 weeks.
How Will You Be Assessed For This NVQ?
Once you have enrolled in the course, a qualified assessor will be assigned to you. Their role extends beyond evaluating you against specified criteria; they will also provide support and guidance throughout your journey. This is a work-based qualification, which means you will continue working at your job site while the assessor visits your workplace. You will carry out your routine tasks smoothly while simultaneously compiling a portfolio of evidence to submit to the assessor.
The assessor will review the evidence and provide feedback on your overall progress. The assessment process does not follow a typical pass-or-fail grading system. Instead, the assessor will offer instructions and guidance that you can incorporate to successfully complete the course. The evidence can be presented in various formats, and below is a list of acceptable formats:
- Assignments/Projects/Reports
- Worksheets
- Portfolio Of Evidence
- Record Of Oral And/Or Written Questioning
- Candidate Test Papers
Can This Qualification Be Done Remotely?
No, you cannot do this NVQ remotely. You and the assessor must be at the same location to meet the requirements of the NVQ. Also, we believe in taking you on a journey, not just to sit a course, pass it, and obtain the certification. Our focus is on building your acumen, instilling a sense of openness to learning, and incorporating feedback into your practices so you can learn, improve, and grow in your field. That's why we do not offer a remote option to pursue this NVQ.
What Next After You Complete This Nvq?
If the academic route is working well for you, you may proceed to enrol in the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations. Additionally, if your goal is to obtain the CSCS Blue Skilled Workers Card, you can follow these steps:
1. Obtain the Level 2 Construction Related NVQ
This can be any construction-related or technical Level 2 NVQ, and the Level 2 NVQ Diploma is one of the accepted qualifications for this card.
2. Take the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test (HS&E Test)
This test is designed to assess your understanding of the health and safety principles expected of you when working on construction sites. We have a dedicated guide that covers the details of this test and provides preparation tips, which you can check out.
3. Apply for the CSCS card
You can apply for the CSCS card either online or via phone. The online application process is relatively quick, and after the initial approval, you can expect to receive your CSCS card within 3-5 working days.
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What you will learn
- Install first and second fixing components
- Set up and use transportable cutting and shaping machines
- Manufacture routine architectural joinery products
- Fabricate Timber framework
- Install frames, linings and internal mouldings
- Install specialised wall cladding and bespoke systems
Course content
In this unit, you will learn how to prioritise health, safety, and welfare in your workplace. You will develop an understanding of the essential safety regulations, procedures, and guidelines that need to be followed to maintain a secure working environment.
This unit focuses on developing your understanding of productive working practices within the wood occupations industry. You will learn how to organize and manage your work effectively, considering factors such as time, resources, and quality standards.
In this unit, you will gain essential skills related to moving, handling, and storing resources. You will learn how to safely handle and transport materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in your industry. Understanding the correct techniques for manual handling and applying them appropriately will help you prevent injuries and maintain a smooth workflow.
1. Site Carpentry
You will learn how to install the first and second fixing components, erect structural carcassing components and maintain non-structural carpentry work. You will also acquire skills to set up and use transportable cutting and sharpening machines.
2. Architectural Joinery
The Architectural Joinery pathway focuses on developing advanced joinery skills for the interpretation of detailed architectural plans and specifications to manufacture and assemble complex joinery components.
3. Structural Post and Beam Carpentry
The Structural Post and Beam Carpentry pathway emphasise the construction of load-bearing timber structures. You will learn how to interpret structural drawings, select appropriate materials, and assemble timber frameworks using traditional and modern techniques.
4. Light Structural Timber Framing
The Light Structural Timber Framing pathway focuses on the construction of lightweight timber structures, including garden buildings, extensions, and small-scale structures.
5. Timber Frame Erection
The Timber Frame Erection pathway concentrates on the safe and efficient assembly and installation of pre-fabricated timber frames.
6. Timber Decks and Cladding
The Timber Decks and Cladding pathway focuses on the installation and maintenance of timber decking and cladding systems. You will learn how to select appropriate materials, prepare surfaces, and install decking and cladding components effectively.
Brilliant nvq course my assessor was Kehinde, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for better support. Everything was explained clearly and I felt supported every step.
John helped me through every stage of the NVQ. Really friendly and always quick to respond to any queries I had. Would definitely recommend this course to others.
The nvq was easier than I expected thanks to Kehinde’s guidance. He made sure I was on track and always gave constructive feedback. Great experience all round.
I wasnt sure what to expect, but Kehinde was brilliant. He gave me the confidence to complete my NVQ and made the whole process stress free.
Got my nvq really quickly with hurak. My teacher was humza who was really helpful in helping me complete my nvq in just 4 weeks. Going to do my level 4 with them soon too.
A very helpful Staff and environment to achieve your goal. They are very helpful in any needs to make you comfortable and confident. Was a pleasure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, experience is a requirement to enrol on this course. As it is a competence-based qualification, the assessor will ask you to provide a portfolio of evidence, and without prior experience, it may be challenging to produce the required portfolio.
Similar to any course, it is possible to fail this program, but the likelihood of that happening is minimal. You can easily pass this course by being open to feedback and actively learning from the assessor.
No, this certificate is only recognised within the UK.
Yes, upon completion of this training, you will receive a certificate from ProQual, which is accredited onto the Regulated Quality Framework (RQF).