Vocational Architectural Bench Joinery

Burnley College; Burnley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Unlock precision craftsmanship with the Level 2 Diploma in Architectural Bench Joinery, a practical, employer focused programme that turns potential into professional skill.

You will learn to interpret drawings, set out accurately, and manufacture high quality timber components using hand tools and approved machinery. Build confidence making doors, windows, frames, stair parts, and bespoke trims, while mastering jointing, laminating, veneering, adhesives, fixings, ironmongery, and professional finishing to tight tolerances.

Health and safety, quality control, and efficient workflows are embedded throughout, with industry experienced tutors guiding you through real projects that strengthen speed, accuracy, and your portfolio. Assessment combines online knowledge tests, observed practical tasks, and a synoptic assignment that proves you can plan, set out, and deliver to specification.

On completion, progress to an apprenticeship or Level 3 study in Site or Furniture Making, or step straight into employment with joinery manufacturers, fit out contractors, heritage workshops, or bespoke interiors and furniture firms.

3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Modules

• Health, safety and welfare
• Principles of building construction, information and communication
• Setting out bench joinery components
• Marking out from setting out details
• Manufacturing doors and frames
• Manufacturing windows and frames
• Architectural mouldings and bespoke trims
• Fittings and ironmongery
• Portable and fixed machinery for bench joinery
• Quality control and finishing
• Synoptic assignment and portfolio

Assessment

• Online knowledge tests: Unit based exams covering health and safety, building principles, materials, drawings, and process knowledge.
• Observed practical tasks: Assessor watches you plan, set out, and manufacture components to drawings, dimensions, and tolerances, demonstrating safe machine and tool use.
• Synoptic practical assignment: A timed, multi element project where you produce doors, windows, frames, or mouldings to specification, sequencing operations and meeting quality standards and deadlines.
• Portfolio of evidence: Drawings, cutting lists, templates and jigs, risk assessments and method statements, photographs, and quality inspection records mapped to the qualification outcomes.
• Professional discussion and questioning: Targeted questions to confirm understanding, problem solving, and rationale for method and tool selection.
• Ongoing skills reviews: Regular feedback on accuracy, finish quality, productivity, housekeeping, tool care, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.

On successful completion of this course you may progress to an Apprenticeship in a trade related area or to other courses that are available including L3 Furniture Making, Multi Trades Skills and HNC/D level programmes in Wood Crafts. Careers that this course may lead to includes self‑employed bench carpenter and joiner, cabinet maker, furniture design and development or could lead to a career in furniture manufacturing.

Equipment Needed

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety boots and workwear which must be durable trousers and long‑sleeve layers.

Equipment Supplied

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, High‑viz jackets, hard hats, dust mask/respirator, core hand tools, portable power tools, layout and fixing kit, and consumables.

You will have the opportunity to enter the national competition Skillbuild. Success may lead to entry into international competition at Worldskills. You will have the opportunity to visit a range of manufacturing and industry sites to see the development and use of state‑of‑the‑art equipment and materials. You will also benefit from a wide range of guest speakers.