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  7. Level 3 apprenticeship framework
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Construction crafts - level 3 apprenticeship framework

This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level three construction crafts. This is the only level 3 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.

About this framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of a level 3 apprenticeship framework to achieve qualified status within the construction crafts industry.

Successful completion of the framework will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification showing recognition as a qualified person within the industry.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in construction will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification from one of the pathways below, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:

  • application of number – level 2
  • communication – level 2
  • information and communication technology (ICT) – level 2

The essential skills are mandatory and are to be completed as part of the apprenticeship. 

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competence and knowledge qualifications – pathway options

You need to complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification in your chosen pathway, selected from the list below.

Route 1 – construction building sector

Pathway 1 – bricklaying

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in trowel occupations (Construction) 603/5461/6
  • City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction) 603/5923/7

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in bricklaying (construction) 600/8607/5
  • City & Guilds level 3 diploma in bricklaying 600/8083/8

Pathway 2 – carpentry and joinery

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in wood occupations (construction) 603/5470/7
  • City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) 603/5962/6

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in shopfitting bench joinery 500/4049/2
  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in site carpentry 600/8604/X
  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in bench joinery (construction) 600/8617/8
  • City & Guilds level 3 diploma in bench joinery 600/8050/4
  • City & Guilds level 3 diploma in shopfitting joinery 601/1284/0
  • City & Guilds level 3 diploma in site carpentry 600/7995/2

Pathway 3 – painting and decorating

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in decorative finishing – painting and decorating (construction) 600/7237/4
  • City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Decorative Finishing – Painting and Decorating (Construction) 603/7634/X

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in painting and decorating (construction) 600/8610/5
  • City & Guilds level 3 diploma in painting and decorating 600/8592/7

Route 2 – construction civil engineering sectors

Pathway 1 – plant maintenance

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in construction plant or machinery maintenance 601/1974/3
  • IMI Level 3 NVQ diploma in construction plant or machinery maintenance (construction) 601/3308/9

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in construction plant or machinery maintenance (construction) 601/3115/9
  • IMI level 3 diploma in construction plant or machinery maintenance (construction) (VRQ) 601/3092/1

Route 3 – construction specialist sector

Pathway 1 – plastering

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in plastering (construction), pathways - solid plastering, fibrous plastering 603/2370/X
  • City & Guilds level 3 NVQ diploma in plastering (construction) 603/3081/8

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in plastering (construction) 600/8613/0
  • City & Guilds level 3 diploma In plastering 601/1001/6

Pathway 2 – roofing occupations

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in roofing occupations (construction), pathways - roof slater, roof slater and tiler, roof tiler  603/2378/4

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in roof slating and tiling 500/4093/5

Pathway 3 – stonemasonry

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in stonemasonry (construction) 603/3626/2

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in stonemasonry - banker (construction) 600/8626/9

Pathway 4 – wall and floor tiling

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in wall and floor tiling (construction) 603/5463/X

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in wall and floor tiling 500/4254/3

Pathway 5 – heritage skills

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in heritage skills (construction) 600/6766/4

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN level 3 diploma in underpinning knowledge for heritage skills (construction): traditional wood occupations 601/1447/2
  • NOCN level 3 diploma in underpinning knowledge for heritage skills (construction): traditional craft masonry 601/1378/9

Pathway 6 – mastic asphalting

Competence-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 NVQ diploma in mastic asphalting (construction) 600/7816/9

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • NOCN_Cskills Awards level 3 diploma in mastic asphalting (construction) 600/9148/4

Eligibility and entry to the programme

Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications and/or medical/physical requirements.

Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is via progression from the relevant level 2 apprenticeship in construction. The level 3 apprenticeship may, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, also be directly accessed by those candidates;

  • who have already gained significant work experience in their occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the relevant L2 framework and who also demonstrate the capacity to achieve a L3 standard
  • who have previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the Level 2 apprenticeshipsni construction framework pathway

See also the DfE operational requirements for eligibility guidance.

Duration

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

Assessment

Qualification providers and assessors must meet the requirements of the awarding organisations for the delivery of the qualifications, and in addition meet the overarching principles of the CITB Consolidated assessment strategy.

The competence qualification assessment method is: Portfolio of Evidence.

The knowledge qualification assessment method is: Coursework, Multiple Choice Examination, Portfolio of Evidence, Practical Demonstration/Assignment.

Related Knowledge

All pathways must include mandatory induction. You are required to complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the ERR has been completed.

Apprentices should also complete a minimum of 10 hours Health and Safety training and test, and attain a recognised registration scheme card.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework Number 310 Issue 19: 09/22) has been developed between the Department for the Economy and the Built Environment Sectoral Partnership (working with CITBNI).  For further information, contact:

  • Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch
  • CITBNI
  • Occupational profile - bricklaying
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