What qualifications do I need?

What do I need?

It would be helpful, but not essential, to have GCSEs in Maths and English, technology subjects or a Skills for Work Construction Crafts qualification so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.

The level of apprenticeship you can do is dependent on your qualifications

There are many ways for you to enter an apprenticeship programme, and a variety of routes into the industry. Find out more on Go Construct How to get into Construction. 

Am I eligible for funding?

All apprentices receive the national minimum wage for apprentices, as set by the Government. As well as that most new-entrants to the construction industry are eligible for some form of funding for college and travel - speak to your employer or training provider.

What do I need?

While there are no strict academic requirements to begin a construction apprenticeship, having National 4 or 5 qualifications in subjects like Maths, English, or technical areas can be beneficial. Additionally, completing a Skills for Work Construction Crafts course or a National Progression Award (NPA) in construction can provide a solid foundation.

There are many routes into an apprenticeship, including:

• National 4 or 5 qualifications, Highers, or Advanced Highers achieved in school or college
• Skills for Work Construction Crafts courses
• National Progression Awards (NPAs) or pre-apprenticeship courses at college
• Initiatives like Youthbuild that support young people entering the workforce

It would be helpful to have Standard Grades in Maths and English, technology subjects or a Skills for Work Construction Crafts qualification so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.

Am I eligible for funding?

All apprentices receive the minimum wage for apprentices, as set by the Government. As well as that most new-entrants to the construction industry are eligible for some form of funding for college and travel.

You will need to contact us if you do have prior learning, such as having started or completed another construction SVQ/NVQ.

Once you have applied you will also be assessed.

How will my application be assessed?

Once you’ve completed the online application and are ready to start your apprenticeship an Apprenticeship Development Office (ADO) will arrange to meet with you and your employer to complete the registration paperwork and go through the Initial Assessment.

We’ll ask you about your interests, qualifications, experience and aspirations, and discuss any learning needs or additional support you might want.

When you start College your ADO will go through a full induction into the apprenticeship with you. This will include an English and Maths assessment to help us ensure you’re provided with all the support you need, from the college and our Additional Learning Support team.

What do I need?

It would be helpful to have GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English/Welsh or Technology so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.

The level of apprenticeship you can do is dependent on your qualifications

Levels of apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeships (Level 2)

A foundation apprenticeship is the first step on the apprenticeship ladder. It is equivalent to five good GCSE passes. They typically take 12 to 24 months to complete.

Apprenticeships (Level 3)

An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to two A Levels. Applicants for technical apprenticeships should ideally have five C’s in GCSEs Maths and English or Welsh first language or above.

Applicants for trade apprenticeships should two GCSEs Maths and English or Welsh first language at grade D and above, or have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 full time equivalent construction course.

They typically take 12 to 42 months to complete.

Apprentices can work towards Level 3 work-based qualifications, such as a NVQ or an apprenticeship qualification.

Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 - 5)

Higher apprenticeships are programmes designed to meet employers’ needs at advanced skill levels and include qualifications at a level equivalent to higher education (HE). Applicants should ideally have five C in GCSEs Maths and English or Welsh. They take two years to complete, and often specialise in management-based skills.

Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 – 7)

Degree apprenticeships typically last three to five years and are a popular training route in sectors such as quantity surveying and commercial management, building surveying, construction management and civil engineering. CITB are supporting a fully funded pathway in these areas at the following universities – University of South Wales, Wrexham University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids. The universities will have set entry requirements for candidates.

Am I eligible for funding?

All apprentices receive the minimum wage for apprentices, as set by the Government. As well as that most new-entrants to the construction industry are eligible for some form of funding for college and travel.

If you already have some knowledge, qualifications or experience you won't have to repeat the same things again, but we will need to check that you are eligible for government funding.

In Wales, you will be eligible for Welsh Government funding if you:

• Have legally left school or are not of compulsory school age
• Are not attending school or college full time or in full time higher education
• Are ordinarily resident in Wales or your work is located in Wales
• Are not an overseas national
• Are not in custody or on remand
• Are not in a receipt of an assembly learning grant or education maintenance allowance
• Are not being supported by an employment zone activity
• Not taking part in any other employment, learning or enterprise programme funded directly by UK Government or the Welsh Ministers
• Are not taking part in any other EU funded vocational training programme.

Once you have applied you will also be assessed.

How will my application be assessed?

You will be assessed once you are ready to begin your apprenticeship.

This assessment is about seeing what you can do in case you need extra support or guidance. It will help you, CITB, your employer and college/training provider, see what qualifications and experience you have so your programme can be tailored to meet your needs.

Some apprenticeships also need you to be comfortable with working at height and outside in all weather conditions. You may also need to travel to sites and stay in lodgings whilst working or learning away.