At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Apprentice Carpenter, learning hands-on skills in carpentry and joinery.
- Company: Mears Group is a leading UK provider of housing and care services, focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, tools provided, and discounts on groceries and holidays.
- Why this job: Gain real-life experience while making a positive impact in people's lives and communities.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and maths grade 4 or above; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Complete a basic Math & English test during the selection process.
Annual salary: up to £26,984.10
Location: Brentwood, Kent & Essex
Salary:
- 16yrs - 17yrs: £7.71ph 40 hours per week including time at college.
- Over 18yrs: £10.71ph - 42.5 hours per week including time at college.
- Over 21yrs: £12.21ph - 42.5 hours per week including time at college.
Tools, Chromebook and uniform will be provided plus an industry recognised qualification and excellent benefits.
The NVQ L2 Carpenter / Joiner apprenticeship programme will take up to 27 months to complete.
About apprenticeships at Mears Group:
Apprenticeships are an underpinning part of Mears' philosophy; we are committed to developing the next generation of our workforce. Many of our most senior people started their working life as an apprentice. Whether you are fresh out of school or college or looking for a complete career change, Mears can offer you a great foundation to your future career and beyond. All our Apprentices are paid above the national minimum wage, and you will be paid for your normal working hours plus your attendance at college, with the opportunity to get real life experiences such as working in people's homes, getting involved in community projects and improving people's lives by being customer focused.
What does a life as a Carpenter & Joiner look like?
A Site Carpenter & Joiner will usually work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and fixing building components from the initial erection of a new building, through to the installation of all necessary fixtures and fittings, as well as a range of repair and maintenance activities in both new and old buildings. A Site Carpenter would generally liaise with other trades such as bricklayers, plasterers and plumbers, supervisors, site management and contractors.
The apprenticeship course will cover the following:
- Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Identify and use safety control equipment, for example, RPE, dust suppression, PPE and LEV.
- Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Comply with industry regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Prepare and maintain a safe working area.
- Interpret and use information from drawings and specifications.
- Estimate required materials and produce a cutting list.
- Verbally communicate with others, applying construction terminology.
- Apply site carpenter techniques and practices to construction of rafter roofs, including trussed (prefabricated) and traditional (built on site) including the construction of verge, eaves and fitting loft access.
- Use and store laser levels for example cross line laser.
- Form connections, for example, using joints, nails, screws, bolts and adhesive.
- Apply measuring, marking out, cutting (square and angled), mitring, hinging and recessing techniques.
- Carrying out splicing and scribing techniques.
What do you need to be a successful applicant:
- GCSEs in English and maths grade 4 or above.
- The ability and desire to learn and develop a thorough knowledge of the skills, technology and safety procedures required to carry out the full range of tasks.
- You must live in Kent or Essex or the surrounding area to independently travel to and from the branch.
- Strong communication skills.
- Be able to establish and maintain good customer/client relationships.
Please note due to the nature of the role successful applicants are required to complete a basic Math & English test with potential of a practical test at interview stage.
What you will get:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
- Chrome book provided - So you can study with the right equipment.
- Tools - We will help fund your first set of work tools.
- Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more.
Application Process:
To be considered for a Mears apprenticeship all applicants must submit their CV and a Cover Letter detailing why you are interested in Mears Group and why you would like to be an apprentice. The closing date for applications is 31/03/2025, following this date we will contact you to confirm if you have been selected for the next round, which would either be an invitation to an assessment centre or individual interviews. Please note that you will be required to complete a basic Math & English test during the selection process, which are similar to the assessments you would need to take in order to join the college.
All our roles require candidates to have the right to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
A bit about us:
Mears Group PLC is a leading provider of housing and care services in the UK. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community well-being, Mears specialises in delivering housing solutions, maintenance services, and care support to a diverse client base. The group's expertise encompasses responsive repairs, planned maintenance, and housing management, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions for individuals and communities. Mears Group is committed to fostering a positive impact on society, making it an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a career in a socially responsible and dynamic organisation. A career with Mears Group means putting people and customers at the heart of what you do, every day. Our culture is built on what we call our Red Thread - the common values we share that make us what we are.
Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact: Laura Bourne (laura.bourne@mearsgroup.co.uk)
Mears Group is a disability confident employer and recognise our people as our greatest asset, we Hire Individuality, recognising and valuing everyone is individual and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all regardless of social economic background or individual make up. To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your license over 3 months and have less than 9 points. Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant DBS/Security checks before commencement of employment.
Apprentice Carpenter employer: Mears Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Mears Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Carpenter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the basics of carpentry and joinery. Understanding key terms and techniques will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the trade.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices in the field. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience at Mears Group and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the basic Math & English tests by practising relevant questions. There are many online resources available that can help you brush up on these skills, which are crucial for success in the apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and engage with the interviewers will showcase your ability to build good customer/client relationships, which is essential for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Carpenter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences related to carpentry and joinery. Include any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in carpentry, that demonstrates your ability to learn and work with your hands.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship at Mears Group. Explain why you are interested in carpentry and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals. Be specific about what excites you about working with Mears Group.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Clearly state your GCSE results in English and Maths, as these are essential for the role. If you have any additional qualifications or certifications related to construction or carpentry, be sure to mention them.
Prepare for Assessments: Since you'll need to complete a basic Math & English test during the selection process, brush up on your skills beforehand. Practice sample questions to ensure you're ready to demonstrate your abilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group PLC
✨Know Your Basics
Make sure you brush up on your GCSE English and Maths, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding during the interview. Be prepared for a basic test, so practice some sample questions beforehand.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Express your eagerness to learn and develop your skills in carpentry. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on, even if they're just personal or school-related. This will show your passion for the trade.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with what a Site Carpenter & Joiner does. Be ready to discuss how you would handle tasks like interpreting drawings, using tools, and working safely on-site. This shows that you're serious about the apprenticeship.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice explaining your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would interact with clients and other tradespeople, as teamwork is essential in carpentry.