Mastic asphalter
Level 2 · IntermediateConstruction and the built environment 2.8 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Mastic asphalting is a specialist waterproofing and flooring trade used in roofing, flooring, tanking, and bridge decks. Apprentices learn to heat and lay mastic asphalt - a mixture of limestone and bitumen - to create durable, watertight surfaces. Qualified mastic asphalters work in construction and infrastructure, and can progress to supervisory or estimating roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Properties and uses of mastic asphalt materials
Safe handling of hot bituminous materials on site
Reading construction drawings and specifications
Waterproofing principles for roofs, floors, and basements
Health, safety, and fire risk on hot-works sites
Quality checking finished asphalt surfaces
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Heat asphalt cauldrons to correct working temperatures
Apply mastic asphalt to roofs, floors, and tanking areas
Cut, shape, and finish asphalt around outlets and edges
Check finished surfaces for thickness and adhesion
Follow hot-works permits and site safety procedures
Clean and maintain tools and equipment after use
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
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