Construction apprentices with Housing Maintenance could be working in people’s homes, in empty properties preparing them for letting or involved on new build site placement working alongside partnering contractors. There could also be times when work is carried out in council buildings or schools within the borough.
What does the programme entail?
The apprentice will follow either a national framework or standard for Apprenticeships which will include:
- Main trade qualification to level 2: brickwork, plastering, carpentry, roofing or main trade of level 3 for electrical and plumbing/gas qualifications
- Key Skills Level 2 Application of Number and Communication (plus ICT for level 3 apprenticeships)
- Employment Rights and Responsibilities
In addition, in some cases for those that have completed a first level 2 trade, we offer:
- A second trade qualification to level 2 so that apprentices are multi trade qualified
Additional employer requirements training to include mandatory training such as:
- Health and Safety related training
- Infection Control
- Moving and Handling
Programme Structure
The program length is variable up to a four year period (dependent on trade qualifications agreed and qualifications already achieved which can be accredited to the apprenticeship as prior learning). All apprentices will be employed within Housing Maintenance for 37 hours a week. Apprentices will be released from the workplace to attend college usually one day per week, although from time to time they may attend extra days or for block weeks.
Entry requirements
All apprentices will be expected to show a genuine interest in construction and trade skills and have commitment and motivation to achieve the national apprenticeship framework or standard within the given timescale. Applicants must have GCSE ‘C’, grade 4 or key skills level 2 or above in Maths, English and a practical subject.
What you can expect from Housing Maintenance
Apprentices will be employed for 37 hours working over five days per week. The apprenticeship contract will include paid holiday entitlement and will lay out the terms and conditions. Apprentices are allocated a supervisor and mentor within the workplace who will give support needed whilst in the workplace. Apprentices will likely work with different mentors over the duration of their apprenticeship as this allows for a wider learning experience. In addition placements may well be arranged with other council teams or contractors to give further experiential opportunities and to support the evidence requirements of the qualifications. All personal protective clothing will be provided as necessary to undertake the construction work required.
Ongoing support
Apprentices receive regular reviews, three in their first year and two per year thereafter. This is where the apprentice, their current mentor, their supervisor and the Apprentice Program Manager from the Learning and Development team meet to discuss progress and to put in place any actions to support the apprentice in their development or line of study.
The Apprentice Program Manager maintains regular contact with the college or qualification provider. Close working relationships are fostered to enable practical experience and competence to back up the trade theory and for assessors to carry out workplace observations as required.
Completion of Apprenticeship
Once the Apprenticeship contract is completed, apprentices will be trade qualified and have had valid work experience enabling them to seek employment in their given professional area. Construction apprentices will be advised of any suitable vacancies within Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) so that they may apply. Apprentices are also provided with training to support them in applying for jobs and with interview skills.
Apprenticeship vacancies
Vacancies are advertised via WMJobs.co.uk Generally if Construction Apprenticeships vacancies are available they will be advertised in February/March/April.
Shortlisting and interviews will take place over the following months and successful applicants will start their Apprenticeships in September.
What our current construction apprentices say
I feel I am learning something new each day, the staff have treated me great and my mentor has taught me well. I enjoy seeing jobs progress from start to finish and knowing I have been involved in the process. I will continue to work hard and look forward to completing my apprenticeship with a view to a long term future with the Council.
I think my apprenticeship is a great opportunity for me to get the knowledge, experience and confidence to get where I want to be. I feel like I have come so far in 12 months and it has made me feel proud of myself. The help and support is always there and I get the opportunity to go on different training courses which will better my skills and knowledge.
I really enjoy my job and the training. I would recommend an apprenticeship with Dudley MBC to young people who want not just a job but a career with prospects and chance of progression. If you work hard you will get there. I am looking forward to completing my second trade apprenticeship and hope to secure a permanent position with Dudley MBC. Then I will really feel I can give back properly to the company and can support other apprentices in turn and mentor them.
