Onsite trades foundation apprenticeship
Level 2 · IntermediateConstruction and the built environment 0.7 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The onsite trades foundation apprenticeship introduces young people to the practical skills and behaviours needed for a career in the construction trades, covering core skills applicable across multiple specialisms. It is designed as a stepping stone to a Level 2 or Level 3 trade apprenticeship in areas such as bricklaying, carpentry, or plastering. Apprentices gain site safety, basic trade skills, and an understanding of the built environment.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Construction site safety, induction, and hazard awareness
Basic skills across two or more construction trades
Reading construction drawings and understanding specifications
Use and care of hand tools and power tools
Working as part of a construction team and communicating on site
Sustainability and environmental awareness in construction
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out basic practical tasks across two construction trade areas
Work safely on a construction site following CSCS and site rules
Use hand tools, power tools, and measuring equipment correctly
Read and follow simple construction drawings and instructions
Maintain a tidy and safe working area at all times
Participate in team tasks and follow supervisory direction
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.