Apprenticeships are a well-established and respected route into the building trade, and they offer many benefits compared to other paths.
Not only can you learn a new skill, with hands-on teaching from mentors, you also have a nationally recognised qualification at the end. As an employed apprentice you’re also paid a wage and entitled to annual leave.
Many TRA member companies offer work experience, placements, trainee opportunities and apprenticeships to learn relevant vocational skills in timber engineering at college while also learning on-the-job. Search for your local TRA member company.
Several trussed rafter manufacturing roles offer carpentry and joinery apprenticeship opportunities, including site carpenter, wood machinist and maintenance operators.
Search and apply for an apprenticeship in England
Here are some of the roles that you could consider:
Design and estimating team
The design team uses the latest technology and software to create timber engineered products in the virtual world, which in the physical world become amazing construction structures that carry the loads of modern living.
The challenge here is making sure the trussed rafters and metal web joists do the job, can be built in the factory and can be delivered along the UK’s narrow and winding roads to where they are needed.
Ask about the TRA’s design training scheme – the first of its kind in the UK that gives designers the skills and experience they need to become the technology ‘super users’ of the future.
Manufacturing team
Working on the shop floor can be very rewarding. This is where the trusses and metal web joists are made from the virtual designs.
To join the manufacturing team you must have a keen eye for detail and a drive to use the technology available in the timber factory to create the very best products possible.
Safety and skills are the key words in timber engineering. You get full safety training from day one. We work hard to ensure that all production staff are protected from harm and can develop their skills.
Sales team
The sales team speaks to local builders to understand what they need. They go out on site to gather essential information, which then helps the business create the right products for customers, on time and within budget.
You’ll do well in the sales team if you’re confident, great at interacting with others and a self-motivated, goal-oriented person.
Management team
This is an industry where it is entirely possible (and not uncommon) to get right to the top of a business by working up from a trainee role.
Help is always available to ensure you progress, increasing your skills and experience through teamwork and time spent in all key parts of the business.
The trainees of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. Are you ready for the challenge?
Search and apply for an apprenticeship in England
