About the Wood Occupations - Architectural Joinery NVQ

The Level 2 NVQ Technical Occupational Entry in Architectural Joinery is designed for individuals looking to start or formalise a career in carpentry and joinery, with a focus on workshop-based and site-based architectural joinery tasks. This NOCN qualification develops essential technical knowledge, practical joinery skills, and an understanding of construction principles and safe working practices.

It is ideal for learners progressing from entry-level construction roles, apprentices, or those aiming to move into specialist joinery environments such as workshops, manufacturing units, or on-site fit-out projects.

Who Is This Qualification For?

This NVQ diploma is ideal for:

  • Aspiring architectural joiners and carpenters
  • Learners starting a career in joinery manufacturing or installation
  • Individuals seeking an industry-recognised Level 2 construction qualification
  • Workers looking to progress to further NVQs in carpentry or joinery
  • Employers training entry-level joinery staff to industry standards

This qualification provides a strong foundation before progressing to occupational NVQs or advanced carpentry routes.

What you will learn with this NVQ

This qualification develops both practical joinery skills and essential construction knowledge, including:

  • Manufacturing and assembling standard joinery products
  • Marking out and producing setting-out details for joinery components
  • Operating cutting and shaping machinery safely
  • Understanding construction principles, drawings, and quantities
  • Health, safety, environmental awareness, and sustainability in construction
  • Personal skills, wellbeing, and employability within the construction industry
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Level 2 NVQ - Carpenters and Joiners

Title Credit Value Level
Construction Health and Safety 5 Level 1
Construction Information, Quantities and Communications 4 Level 2
Construction Principles 4 Level 2
Employment in The Construction Industry 5 Level 1
Environmental Awareness and Sustainability in Construction 1 Level 1
Manufacturing Standard Joinery Products 17 Level 2
Marking Out Routine Joinery Products from Setting Out Details 6 Level 2
Personal Skills in the Construction Industry 1 Level 1
Personal Wellbeing in Construction 2 Level 1
Produce Setting Out Details for Routine Joinery Products 5 Level 2
Setting Up and Operating Cutting and Shaping Machinery 6 Level 2
Title Credit Value Level
Erect and Dismantle Access Equipment or Working Platforms 2 Level 1
Establish Work Area Protection and Safety 3 Level 2
Handle, Move and Store Resources 1 Level 1
Maintaining Non-Structural Carpentry Work 6 Level 2
The Construction Industry 3 Level 1

Wood Occupations - Architectural Joinery NVQ FAQs

It is an entry-level technical qualification designed to develop practical joinery skills and core construction knowledge for those starting or progressing in carpentry and joinery.

Yes. It is ideal for learners new to architectural joinery or those building foundational skills before moving into occupational NVQs.

Yes. It covers manufacturing joinery products, marking out, machinery operation, and maintaining carpentry work.

  • Obtain an NVQ Level 6: Complete an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management, demonstrating your skills and knowledge.
  • Get a Black CSCS Card: Achieve the NVQ Level 6 qualification to be eligible for the Black CSCS card, which is necessary for Managing onsite.
  • Meet Additional Requirements: Fulfil other requirements, such as relevant work experience and passing the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test.

It supports roles in joinery workshops, manufacturing environments, site carpentry support roles, and further training in architectural joinery.

A Level 2 NVQ in construction, including the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations – Architectural Joinery, is equivalent to five GCSEs (grades A-C / 9-4)* in the UK education system. It is a recognised industry qualification for skilled tradespeople. Read more about NVQ Level 2 qualifications on our Construction NVQ Level 2 page.

See our NVQ equivalence chart here.

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Get your Level 2 NVQ Technical Occupational Entry for Carpenters and Joiners – Architectural Joinery