Course Details

The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors industry is of significant importance to the UK economy, particularly in the supply of end products for residential and commercial living and work places. The industry has an annual turnover well in excess of £12 billion. The ability to work to agreed targets in terms of output and quality standards is essential. Workplaces can be wide - ranging from small workshops to large factories. Furniture Manufacturers must be dexterous, have a good work ethic and able to demonstrate their ability to work individually and as part of a team. This programme is designed to give a wide range of skills appropriate to the different occupations in the industry. Off the Job Training A key requirement of an Apprenticeship is Off-the-job training. This must make up at least 20% of the apprentice’s contracted hours, over the total duration of the apprentice’s planned training period. Off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and must take place within the apprentice’s normal working hours. The new learning must be documented and reflected on through the Learner Journal on e-portfolio.

Assessment Used in Course outline and Lincoln College Website Before a candidate is offered a place on the Furniture Manufacturing Apprenticeship, both the candidate and the employer will be assessed to make sure they’re suitable to undertake the apprenticeship. The apprentice will need to meet academic entry requirements and the employer must be able to offer the apprentice the range of work required to enable the candidate to gather sufficient evidence throughout the course. Once accepted onto the course, the apprentice will attend college one day per week to study Practical training, theory work, undertake reviews, update their portfolio and record their ‘Off the job Training’. The apprentices will also attend several block weeks for their practical training. The apprentice will be assessed by a work-based assessor through practical work with their employer and at college. Review of progress and growth targets will be set every 4 – 10 weeks, depending on individual needs. A full delivery plan will be provided when the apprentice starts on the programme. During their time on-programme, the apprentice will build a portfolio of evidence of their work and their knowledge. The apprentice will study Functional Skills Maths & English if they have not already achieved a Grade 4 or above in their GCSE’s. 20% of the apprenticeship must be made up of ‘Off the Job Training’ which is explained within this information pack. Once both the assessor and employer are confident that the apprentice is ready for EPA then the apprentice will go through the gateway. In order for the apprentice to go through the gateway they must have passed their Maths & English GCSE’s at grade 4 or above OR have passed Level 1 Functional Skills and have taken an assessment at Level 2. End Point Assessment There will be an End Point Assessment (EPA) as the final stage of an Apprenticeship. The Apprentice must demonstrate their learning to an independent end point assessor and the overall grade available is distinction, pass or fail. End-Point Assessment includes: • Portfolio of Evidence: The portfolio will cover all skills, knowledge and behaviour requirements as detailed in the Assessment Modules available from British Furniture Manufacturers Association. • Knowledge Tests: There are two tests consisting of multiple-choice questions covering the core modules in health and safety and the industry. • Observation: The observed assessment will cover all the skills, knowledge and behaviours requirements as detailed in the relevant occupational assessment modules. It will also cover the core modules and be for a minimum of 120mins. Progression The Furniture Manufacturer apprenticeship will qualify apprentices to a good standard which will enable them to work independently. Apprentices could also move onto the Level 3 Advanced Bespoke Furniture Maker Apprenticeship or other Level 3 qualifications.