Construction crafts - level 3 apprenticeship framework

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 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 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 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 level 3 diploma in site carpentry 600/8604/X
• NOCN  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:

• City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Decorative Finishing – Painting and Decorating (Construction) 603/7634/X
• NOCN Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing – Painting and Decorating (Construction) 610/1945/8

Knowledge-based qualification:

• NOCN 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 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 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:

• NOCNlevel 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 level 3 diploma in plastering (construction) 600/8613/0

Pathway 2 – stonemasonry

Competence-based qualification:

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

Knowledge-based qualification:

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

Pathway 3 – wall and floor tiling

Competence-based qualification:

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

Knowledge-based qualification:

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

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 25: 02/25) 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

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (bricklaying) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

This occupation involves carrying out skilled work primarily on a construction site, to given specifications, setting out basic structures, building brick and block walling, laying domestic drainage, placing and finishing concrete and render surfaces.  Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures for example chimney stacks.  They might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects. The range of sites and projects that bricklayers will work on include large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations, extensions and restorations.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

Core occupational standard

Bricklaying skills and knowledge requirements

On completion of this apprenticeship, bricklayers will have acquired occupational skills and knowledge to be able to:

• understand the technical principles of bricklaying and how these are applied to prepare and carry out a range of job tasks including Identify the materials and resources required including levels, lines, profiles, tape measures, pegs, bricks, blocks, mortars, frames, insulation, damp-proof barriers, lintels, fixings and ties
• measure and mark out the work area to specification
• set out and build walls to specification
• erect corner profiles
• determine brick and block bonds
• form joint finishes and openings for doors and windows
• position damp proof barriers, ties, insulation and lintels
• mix mortar
•  identify the materials and resources required including
• use maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment
• understand why, when and how health and safety control equipment should be used when undertaking site work (for example personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• understand how to work safely at height and use access equipment correctly
• know how to use, maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment

Progression

Progression from this level 3 apprenticeship is expected to be in an occupational work supervision role such as team leader, charge hand or higher.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Occupational profile – carpentry and joinery

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (carpentry and joinery) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work, primarily using timber products, either on a construction site, or in a workshop, creating and installing building components. The level 3 carpenter and joiner can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences between a level 2 site carpenter/bench joiner, and a level 3 site carpenter / bench joiner are that the level 3 carpenter/joiner has responsibility for managing their own and other people’s work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work. Examples of complex tasks include curved products, irregular joints and bespoke work.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units and has two pathways:

Pathway 1: level 3 site carpenter will normally work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and installing complex and often bespoke building components for example high-quality doors, shaped linings, staircases with turns, complex wall and floor units, erecting bespoke structural carpentry (inclined roofs and joists) and erecting complex roof structures (for example inclined roofs with hips, valleys and dormers).

Pathway 2: level 3 bench joiner will normally be employed in a workshop, producing complex building components by setting out, marking out and manufacturing bespoke architectural products (for example doors, windows, staircases with turns and panelling/cladding).

Core occupational standard

Pathway 1: specific level 3 site carpenter standard

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 site carpenters will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 site carpenter but also be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• utilise a range of advanced trade skills which allow them to carry out complex carpentry work to highly skilled standards and tolerances, to include measuring, marking out, fitting, cutting, splicing, finishing, positioning and securing
• install complex and non-standard doors and window frames, shaped door and hatch linings, partitions with openings and changes of direction and staircases with turns
• install accessible service encasements, bespoke wall/ floor units and fitments, panelling and stair components (for example balustrades, handrails and spindles with turns)
• erect inclined roofs with gables, roof verges and eaves, including finishing’s, joists and roof coverings
• repair and or replace frames, mouldings, floor or flat roof joist coverings, door and window ironmongery, window components, structural joists and rafters, window components, guttering and downpipes

Pathway 2: specific level 3 bench joiner standard

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 bench joiners will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 bench joiner but will also be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• utilise advanced trade skills to carry out complex architectural joinery work to a high standard and to demanding tolerances
• set out complex work tasks for non-standard architectural joinery products, including complex door sets, doors, windows, units and fitments, staircases (straight and with turns) and products with single/double curvature features
• mark out accurately from setting out details for the manufacture of complex doors, opening windows, units and fitments and staircases
• manufacture complex and non-standard architectural joinery products including doors, windows with opening lights, units and fitments, panelling/cladding, staircases (straight and with turns) and veneers
• use, maintain and store marking and testing tools, hand tools, power tools and associated equipment required for advanced work
• set up and use fixed machinery such as circular saws, planers, thicknessers, bandsaws, morticers, tenoners, spindle moulders, drills, grinders and sanders

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Occupational profile – painting and decorating

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (painting and decorating) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work. The level 3 painter and decorator can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences between a level 2 painter and decorator are that the level 3 painter and decorator has responsibility for managing their own and other people’s work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

Painters work on domestic, commercial or industrial premises, to given specifications. The work can range from redecorating homes or offices to applying heavy-duty finishes to structures like bridges.

The job role will involve measuring surface areas and working out how much paint or wall covering is needed, preparing materials, stripping off old wallpaper or layers of paint, filling holes and cracks and making sure surfaces are level, covering surfaces with primer and undercoat, mixing paint to the right shade, often using computerised colour-matching equipment, applying coats of paint, hanging wallpaper and adding special finishes like glazes or marbling, tidying up after finishing, and cleaning tools and equipment.

On industrial jobs, painters will use abrasive methods like sandblasting to remove old paintwork and apply finishes with spray-painting equipment.

Painters and decorators need to work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues. Plan and carry out their work to commercial standards of quality and speed. Move, handle and store resources, complying with relevant legislation and guidance. Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from trade supervisors and site managers.

Select the required materials and resources to carry out the work. Install related materials and components as appropriate to the specification. Use maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment. Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications to carry out their work.

Skills and Knowledge requirement

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 painters and decorators will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 painter and decorator but will also be able to understand the technical principles of advanced painting and decorating and to utilise a range of advanced trade skills which allow them to carry out complex work to highly skilled standards and tolerances.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Occupational profile - plant equipment

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (plant equipment) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work. The level 3 plant mechanic can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences between a level 2 plant mechanic are that the level 3 plant mechanic has responsibility for managing their own and other people’s work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

Working on a construction site or in a workshop, to given specifications, repairing/servicing vehicles/machines for various construction operations, such as excavators, earth movers, forklifts, telescopic handlers, dumper trucks.

Regularly inspecting engines, gearboxes and hydraulics identifying faults and repairing or replacing faulty parts reassembling parts and testing them arranging for machinery to be moved to the repair workshop, carrying out routine servicing of plant and equipment, using hand and power tools and specialist equipment. Require excellent mechanical maintenance skills, communication skills for working with clients and other operators, problem-solving skills and the ability to work alone without direct supervision.

Require excellent communication skills for working with clients and others, problem-solving skills and the ability to work alone without direct supervision.

Plant and equipment mechanics need to work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues. Plan and carry out their work to commercial standards of quality and speed. Move, handle and store resources, complying with relevant legislation and guidance. Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from trade supervisors and site managers.

Select the required materials and resources to carry out the work. Install related materials and components as appropriate to the specification. Use maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment. Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications to carry out their work.

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 plant mechanics will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 plant mechanic but will also be able to understand the advanced technical principles and utilise a range of skills which allow them to carry out complex work to highly skilled standards and tolerances.

Progression

This apprenticeship will enable progression to occupational work supervision, depot management, sales, technical support areas, or HNC/HND civil engineering (plant operations), construction site management (plant operations), or foundation degree.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Occupational profile - plastering

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (plastering) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work. The level 3 plasterer can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences between a level 2 trowel occupations plasterer are that the level 3 plasterer has responsibility for managing their own and other people’s work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

Skills and knowledge requirements

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 plasterers will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 trowel occupations plasterer but will also be able to understand the technical principles of advanced plastering and to utilise a range of advanced trade skills which allow them to carry out complex work to highly skilled standards and tolerances.

Level 3 plasterers will be able to explain and carry out the methods of plastering arches and curved work. The principles of plastering plasterboard ceilings and walls, taping joints, skimming ceilings. Patch repairs to ceiling and wall. Apply scratch coat and top coat. They will be able to produce decorative features.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Occupational profile - stonemasonry

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (stonemasonry) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work. The level 3 stonemason can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences with a level 2 stonemason are that the level 3 stonemason has responsibility for managing their own and other people’s work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

Stonemasonry encompasses a wide variety of skills through different occupations. These skills can be used on new, restoration, maintenance and repair work, carried out in workshops, on-site or both. It can involve work on cottages, country houses, churches, cathedrals and bridges to mention just a few.

Depending on the chosen route, occupations will need specific skills, for example Banker mason will develop skills with tools to work stone into shaped components, Fixers will develop an understanding of how to fix stone into place using a variety of fixings methods and materials. Façade maintenance: developing a knowledge of the correct application of various cleaning materials on a variety of stone and how they react, what protection to use for adjoining areas.

You will have an understanding of types of stone and how they react to various conditions will be part of the training for all aspects of stonemasonry. Occupations are: banker mason, stone fixer, stone cladding and façade preservation.

You will be working with hand tools and specialist equipment. You will require excellent communication skills for working with clients and others, problem-solving skills and the ability to work alone without direct supervision.

Stonemasons need to work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues and plan and carry out their work to the required standard. You will move, handle and store resources, whilst complying with relevant legislation and guidance. Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from trade supervisors and site managers.

You will select the required materials and resources to carry out the work. Install related materials and components as appropriate to the specification. Use maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment. Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications to carry out their work.

Skills and knowledge requirements

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 stonemasons will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 stonemason but will also be able to understand the technical principles of advanced stonemasonry and to utilise a range of advanced trade skills which allow them to carry out complex work to highly skilled standards and tolerances.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Occupational profile – wall and floor tiling

Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (wall and floor tiling) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work. The level 3 wall and floor tiler can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams.

The main differences with a level 2 wall and floor tiler are that the level 3 wall and floor tiler has responsibility for managing their own and other people’s work, as well as being required to complete complex and non-standard work.

This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

Wall and floor tilers will normally work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises using coloured and textured tiles to decorate the inside of buildings (for example kitchens, bathrooms) or working on large floor areas such as factories, shopping centres and airports to given specifications.

The job role involves: marking out an area to estimate the number of tiles and adhesive needed, cutting tiles to size and shape with hand-cutters or bench-mounted tools, preparing surfaces by levelling off with plaster, sand or cement, fixing the tiles and applying grout before finishing off. Repairing or removing old surfaces before the setting out stage, and working with various building materials including ceramics, glass, terracotta, stone, granite and marble. Other aspects could be buying materials and looking after budgets and talking to customers about requirements and ideas.

Wall and floor tilers need to:

• work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues
• plan and carry out their work to commercial standards of quality and speed
• move, handle and store resources, complying with relevant legislation and guidance
• interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from trade supervisors and site managers
• select the required materials and resources to carry out the work
• install related materials and components as appropriate to the specification
• use maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment
• access, interpret and use drawings and specifications to carry out their work

Skills and knowledge requirements

On completion of this apprenticeship, level 3 wall and floor tilers will have the same occupational skills as a level 2 wall and floor tiler but will also be able to understand the technical principles of advanced wall and floor tiling and to utilise a range of advanced trade skills which allow them to carry out complex work to highly skilled standards and tolerances.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Core NOS

Available NOS

Transversal skills

As an apprentice you'll gain the following transversal skills:

Self-management

Accept responsibility.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• identify own strengths and weaknesses
• ask for assistance if required
• take responsibility for actions
• manage one’s own feelings
• prioritise work and time
• take responsibility for own safety

Working with others

Work collaboratively with both internal and with external customers and an awareness of interdependence.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• get along with others
• put aside differences
• try to work effectively in a team
• see others’ points of view

Citizenship / participating in society

Understand and be considerate of the differing needs of different individuals and groups.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• value ideas from others
• respect individuals’ differences in terms of disability, ethnicity background, gender, sexuality and religion

Work professionalism

Behave appropriately and with a professional attitude.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• turn up on time
• follow instructions from seniors
• dress appropriately
• understand the nature of the business and the codes of conduct

Problem solving and decision making

Weigh up the pros and cons of new situations and identify key issues.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• adopt a problem solving attitude

Numeracy

Use data and arithmetic to support evidence or demonstrate a point.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• reason and apply simple numerical concepts such as percentages, decimals and fractions

Digital literacy

Find, evaluate, use, share and create content using information technologies and the Internet.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• use social media appropriately
• use Microsoft Office or equivalences

Communication & literacy

Use verbal, non-verbal and written communication and an awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• ask and respond to questions

• listen to others
• communicate considering people involved in terms of gender, background, age and position

Progression

This apprenticeship will enable progression to occupational work supervision, trainee site management or foundation degree. Any specific progression routes will be detailed under the relevant occupational profile.