At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and maintain structures while learning essential joinery skills.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Durham County Council, a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities with dedicated mentorship and support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in carpentry with hands-on experience and recognised qualifications.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent; passion for hands-on work.
The predicted salary is between 8 - 8 £ per hour.
Earn. Learn. Qualify. Are you looking for an opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a salary, and achieve a recognised qualification at the same time? Do you want to develop new skills, grow in confidence, and build a successful career? If so, an apprenticeship with Durham County Council could be the perfect place to start.
Why choose Durham County Council?
- A competitive rewards and benefits package, including a generous annual leave entitlement.
- A positive work-life balance, with many roles operating under our flexible hybrid working policy, offering a combination of home and office-based working where appropriate.
- Excellent career prospects, with a strong track record of apprentices progressing into permanent employment.
- Recognition as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer, demonstrating our commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Professional development and support, with the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification through a college, university or training provider.
- Dedicated guidance throughout your apprenticeship, including support from an experienced mentor and opportunities to network with other apprentices across the organisation.
Do you enjoy creating things, working with your hands, and paying close attention to detail? If so, this could be the ideal apprenticeship for you. Joiners play a vital role in the construction and maintenance industry, using a range of building materials—primarily timber and wood—to manufacture, install, and maintain structural and decorative components. With increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, a career in carpentry and joinery offers excellent long-term opportunities.
As an Apprentice Joiner, you will become part of Durham County Council’s highly skilled Repairs and Maintenance Team, gaining valuable practical experience while developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to support the delivery of building repair, maintenance, and construction services.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include assisting Construction, Repairs and Maintenance Managers and the wider team with joinery installation, repair, and maintenance activities. You will also contribute to the promotion and development of safe working practices, helping to strengthen the organisation’s health and safety culture. In addition, you will support compliance with relevant standards, policies, and procedures, while delivering a high-quality service to both existing and prospective customers.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will receive full support to achieve a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery qualification, with the opportunity to progress to Level 3 as your skills and experience develop. This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a rewarding career and is an ideal opportunity for individuals with the ambition to learn, develop, and progress within the construction/maintenance industry.
What qualification will I gain?
As part of your apprenticeship, you will study towards a Level 2 qualification in Carpentry and Joinery, progressing onto a relevant Level 3 with New College Durham.
What will I need?
Either have or expect to achieve 2 GCSE’s grade 2 or above in English and Maths or Functional Skills Level 1 or equivalent relevant qualification.
Very Important: Applicants who have enrolled for a Level 2 Joinery qualification which is due to commence in September or are currently studying towards a Level 2 qualification are welcome to apply. However, if you have already achieved a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Joinery, you will not be eligible for this apprenticeship.
Please look at the attached person specification to check that you meet the essential criteria. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
Further information: We encourage you to contact Matthew Jackson, Responsive Repairs and Minor Works Manager, or Beverley Grant, Planned Maintenance Service Manager, if you have any questions about this opportunity.
DurhamWorks: If you are aged 16-24 living in County Durham and not in education, employment, or training, you can take advantage of the help and support available from DurhamWorks.
Employability Durham: If you are aged 25 and over, unemployed and live in County Durham, Employability Durham can offer you help and support to get back into work or start your own business.
DurhamEnable: If you are 18+, have a neurodivergence or disability and fit the criteria, DurhamEnable offers dedicated Job Coaching support from pre-application to post employment.
OUR OFFER TO YOU: We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION: We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability.
HOW TO APPLY: Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Apprentice Joiner employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Joiner
✨Get Hands-On Experience
If you’re looking to break into the skilled trades, seek out volunteer opportunities or part-time gigs that let you flex your hands-on skills. Local community projects or workshops can give you some valuable experience and show potential employers your commitment and passion for the trade!
✨Join Trade Associations
Diving into local trade associations is a great way to connect with professionals in your field. These organisations often host events, training sessions, and networking opportunities that can put you right in front of hiring companies—who knows, you might even bump into someone from Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨Leverage Your Connections
Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances about your apprenticeship search. Sometimes, the best gigs come from word-of-mouth referrals. Let everyone know you’re on the hunt; you’d be surprised at who might have a contact in the industry!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Make sure to check out Kirklees Metropolitan Council's career page for the latest apprenticeship openings. We always have various roles available, and applying directly through our site can help you stand out as a candidate eager to start learning and working with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Joiner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:In skilled trades, your hands-on abilities say a lot. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience you've had—whether that's in school, past jobs, or personal projects. If you've got a knack for a certain technique or trade, make it shine on your CV!
Certifications Count!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications or training, don’t hesitate to showcase them. Details like your health and safety qualifications or any specific trade courses you've completed can set you apart from the competition. Just make sure they’re super clear and easy to find on your application!
Express Your Enthusiasm:For an apprenticeship, your motivation is key. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re eager to learn and grow in your chosen trade. Talk about what excites you about the industry and how working at Kirklees Metropolitan Council can help you achieve your goals.
Tailor Your Application for Kirklees Metropolitan Council:When you’re applying, make sure to personalise your application for Kirklees Metropolitan Council. Do a bit of research on the company’s values and goals in skilled trades, and mention how your aspirations and values align with theirs. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely keen on joining their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
As we're diving into the skilled trades for your apprenticeship, make sure you highlight any practical experience you’ve had. Whether you’ve done DIY projects or worked with tools before, let them know how comfortable you are getting your hands dirty and solving real-world problems.
✨Be Ready for Practical Assessments
Expect a hands-on assessment during the interview or as part of your apprenticeship application. You might be asked to demonstrate a specific skill or technique relevant to the trade—so brush up on your practical skills and come prepared to showcase what you’ve got!
✨Learn About the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the common tools and equipment used in your trade before the interview. They might ask about your experience with certain tools or methods, so having a basic understanding and mentioning any tools you’ve used can really set you apart.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, showing your eagerness to learn is crucial! Talk about your motivation for joining the industry and any steps you've taken to educate yourself, like online resources or workshops, to demonstrate you’re ready to grow with the company.
