Manufacturing and engineering

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• School or college leavers who want to start a career in wood product manufacturing and enjoy practical, hands-on work
• Individuals seeking to develop technical skills in areas such as joinery, cabinet making, or furniture production
• New or existing employees working in factories, workshops, or businesses producing wooden products, including bespoke furniture and fittings

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to further your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

The Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship will develop the knowledge and understanding of:

Knowledge Areas

• Industry & Role: Know the wood manufacturing sector, your responsibilities, and when to escalate issues
• Planning & Interpretation: Read specs and drawings; plan work, resources, and production steps
• Health & Safety: Follow legal requirements and safe systems; use PPE correctly
• Environment & Sustainability: Use resources efficiently; recycle and dispose of waste responsibly
• Tools & Machinery: Identify, set up, and maintain hand tools, power tools, and CNC machines
• Processes & Quality: Apply cutting, assembly, finishing techniques; maintain quality standards
• Procedures & Communication: Handle and store materials safely; check work, fix faults, and communicate clearly

Skills Development

• Health, Safety & Environment: Work safely using PPE; identify hazards; follow environmental and sustainability practices
• Communication: Share information clearly with colleagues and customers, verbally and in writing
• Planning & Preparation: Plan tasks; read and follow specifications; select materials; prepare work area
• Faults & Quality: Identify and fix defects; check work meets specifications; report outcomes; complete documentation
• Tools & Machinery: Set up and operate hand tools, power tools, and CNC equipment; maintain jigs and templates
• Manufacturing Processes: Measure, cut, assemble, sand, apply adhesives and finishes; install fittings and glazing
• Workflow & Handover: Pack and store products; hand over work to other teams; support efficient production flow

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Multiple-choice test
• Practical observation with questioning
• Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Team Leader 
• CNC Machining Specialist
• Production or Workshop Supervisor
• Furniture Production Coordinator

Higher-level qualifications:

• Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Furniture Manufacturer Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Lean Manufacturing Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Operations Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship

Professional recognition with organisations such as:

• The Institute of Carpenters
• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• British Woodworking Federation (BWF)

Where and when will I learn? 

The programme is delivered through blended learning, with a strong emphasis on remote sessions. Apprentices will join online tutorials and webinars via Microsoft Teams, complete e-learning modules, build portfolios on Google Drive, and have weekly reviews to prepare for End Point Assessment.

To participate, apprentices need a reliable internet connection, a computer with webcam and microphone, and basic IT skills. Remote learning supports knowledge and skills but does not replace hands-on experience, which is gained in the workplace.

Local apprentices can attend our Darlington training centre (Lingfield Way, DL1 4QZ) for up to six hours weekly to develop practical skills in a controlled environment.

This course will typically take 24 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us

Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for:

• School or college leavers interested in practical, hands-on work within a manufacturing environment
• Individuals looking to develop technical skills in lean production processes and continuous improvement
• New or existing employees working in factories, production lines, or businesses focused on efficient manufacturing practices

Entry Requirements

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to further your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the apprenticeship cover?

A specialist job role must be chosen from Production/Assembly, Inspection/Quality assurance, Logistics/Material handling or Production processing/finishing role.

Knowledge Areas

• Industry & Role: Understand lean manufacturing environments, your responsibilities, and when to escalate issues
• Health, Safety & Environment: Follow statutory regulations, safe practices, and environmental standards
• Planning & Production: Plan resources and time effectively; meet customer cost and delivery targets using lean principles
• Tools, Machinery & SOPs: Operate and maintain equipment; adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and support lean processes
• Quality & Problem Solving: Monitor processes, collect data, apply error-proofing, and use problem-solving tools
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in safety, quality, cost, and efficiency using lean tools
• Communication & Workplace Organisation: Share information clearly and maintain a safe, efficient workspace using 5S principles
• Additional knowledge will be required depending on the specialist job role of the apprentice

Skills Development

• Industry & Role: Understand lean manufacturing environments, your responsibilities, and when to escalate issues
• Health, Safety & Environment: Work safely always, manage risks, comply with legislation and environmental standards, and apply the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover)
• Planning & Production: Carry out your role effectively and flexibly, maintaining lean principles to meet customer demands
• Tools, Machinery & SOPs: Select, use, and maintain tools, equipment, and materials; follow Standard Operating Procedures and build versatility across processes
• Quality & Problem Solving: Complete documentation accurately, monitor processes, and use problem-solving tools to resolve issues within your responsibility and escalate when needed
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas and support activities to improve safety, quality, cost, and efficiency; identify and eliminate the 7 wastes using lean tools
• Communication & Workplace Organisation: Share information clearly using oral, written, and visual methods; maintain an efficient workspace using 5S principles
• Additional skills will be required depending on the specialist job role of the apprentice

Additional Qualification

• The Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing will be delivered as part of this apprenticeship and must be successfully completed during the programme, unless the apprentice has already achieved it prior to enrolment

End Point Assessment methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Practical observation with questioning
• Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Lean Manufacturing Team Leader or Supervisor
• Continuous Improvement Technician
• Production or Assembly Supervisor
• Quality Assurance Technician

Higher-level qualifications:

• Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Improvement Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Professional recognition with organisations such as:

• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) – via further study and experience
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – for leadership roles

Where and when will I learn?

This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progression is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship standard.

This course will typically take 12 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• School or college leavers who want to start a career in a practical, hands-on trade
• Individuals seeking to develop technical skills in furniture making, including working with wood, tools, and machinery
• New or existing employees in furniture manufacturing businesses, workshops, or bespoke furniture companies who want to gain a recognised qualification

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to further your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

The Furniture Making Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship will develop the knowledge and understanding of:

Knowledge Areas

• Industry & Role: Know your responsibilities, limits, and when to escalate
• Planning: Interpret specs and drawings; plan work, resources, and time
• Safety: Apply safe systems, risk assessments, and comply with regulations
• Sustainability: Use resources efficiently; recycle and dispose responsibly
• Tools & Machinery: Select, store, set up, and maintain tools and machines
• Processes & Quality: Prepare materials; measure, cut, assemble, finish, repair; ensure quality
• Procedures & Communication: Follow procedures; document work; improve continuously; work in teams; communicate clearly

Skills Development

• Planning: Interpret job specs and drawings; plan tasks, timescales, and organise resources
• Safety & Environment: Maintain work area; apply safe systems and risk assessments; follow health, safety, and sustainability procedures
• Tools & Machinery: Select, store, maintain, and set up tools and machinery; perform basic checks and calibration
• Materials & Processes: Prepare materials; use jigs/templates; measure accurately; cut, shape, joint, assemble, and fit components
• Quality & Repairs: Apply quality checks; repair and rework; pack and store products
• Documentation & Improvement: Record work; apply continuous improvement techniques
• Teamwork & Communication: Work collaboratively; escalate issues; follow inclusion principles; communicate verbally and in writing

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Practical observation with questioning
• Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Furniture Maker Team Leader or Supervisor
• CNC Furniture Production Specialist
• Workshop or Production Supervisor

Higher-level qualifications:

• Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Furniture Design or Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship

Professional recognition with organisations such as:

• The Institute of Carpenters
• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) – via further study and experience

Where and when will I learn?

The programme is delivered through blended learning, with a strong emphasis on remote sessions. Apprentices will join online tutorials and webinars via Microsoft Teams, complete e-learning modules, build portfolios on Google Drive, and have weekly reviews to prepare for End Point Assessment.

To participate, apprentices need a reliable internet connection, a computer with webcam and microphone, and basic IT skills. Remote learning supports knowledge and skills but does not replace hands-on experience, which is gained in the workplace.

Local apprentices can attend our Darlington training centre (Lingfield Way, DL1 4QZ) for up to six hours weekly to develop practical skills in a controlled environment.

This course will typically take 18 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• School or college leavers interested in practical, hands-on work
• Individuals looking to develop technical skills in furniture production
• New or existing employees in factories, workshops, or bespoke furniture businesses

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to further your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

The Wood Machinist Level 2 Apprenticeship will develop the knowledge and understanding of:

Knowledge Areas

• Industry & Role: Know where wood machining happens, your responsibilities, and when to escalate issues
• Planning & Interpretation: Read job specs and drawings; plan work, resources, and time effectively
• Health & Safety: Follow safe systems, risk assessments, and legal requirements
• Environment & Sustainability: Use resources efficiently; recycle and dispose of waste responsibly
• Tools & Machinery: Identify, store, set up, and maintain tools and CNC/conventional machinery
• Processes & Quality: Apply machining techniques, material prep, assembly, repair, and quality checks
• Procedures & Communication: Follow workplace procedures, improve continuously, work in teams, and communicate clearly

Skills Development

• Interpret & Plan Work: Read job specs and drawings; plan machining tasks, timescales, and resources
• Prepare & Maintain Workspace: Set up, maintain, and restore work areas following safe systems and procedures
• Health, Safety & Environment: Apply risk assessments, follow H&S and sustainability rules, and segregate waste
• Tools & Machinery: Store, select, set up, operate, and maintain tools, equipment, and CNC/conventional machinery
• Woodworking Processes: Measure, mark out, use jigs/templates, machine materials, assemble components, and apply finishing and repair techniques
• Quality & Documentation: Follow QA processes, pack/store components, and record work electronically or on paper
• Teamwork & Communication: Apply continuous improvement, escalate issues, work inclusively, and communicate verbally, in writing, and digitally

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Practical observation with questioning
• Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Wood Machinist Team Leader or Supervisor
• CNC Furniture Production Specialist
• Workshop or Production Supervisor

Higher-level qualifications:

• Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Furniture Design or Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship

Professional recognition with organisations such as:

• The Institute of Carpenters
• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) – via further study and experience

Where and when will I learn?

The programme is delivered through blended learning, with a strong emphasis on remote sessions. Apprentices will join online tutorials and webinars via Microsoft Teams, complete e-learning modules, build portfolios on Google Drive, and have weekly reviews to prepare for End Point Assessment.

To participate, apprentices need a reliable internet connection, a computer with webcam and microphone, and basic IT skills. Remote learning supports knowledge and skills but does not replace hands-on experience, which is gained in the workplace.

Local apprentices can attend our Darlington training centre (Lingfield Way, DL1 4QZ) for up to six hours weekly to develop practical skills in a controlled environment.

This course will typically take 24 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us