Skip to main content

Tell us whether you accept cookies

We use cookies to collect information about how you use this service. We use this information to make the service work as well as possible and improve this service.

Set cookie preferences

You've accepted all cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Find apprenticeship training for your apprentice
  1. Search
  2. Course search results
Apprenticeship training course

Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)

There are 15 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

Apprentice's work location

View providers for this course

Information about Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)

Producing wood products for the construction and furniture industries.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • The wood product manufacturing industry, its background and importance.
  • Commercial operations and how they contribute; key functions involved in the wood product manufacturing process.
  • Manufacturing processes used to produce the end-product, such as selecting and using the appropriate machinery to perform the task/operation required, sequence of the production process including finishing, packaging and storing products.
  • Types of customers (for example supplier, client) and customer requirements in terms of product quality, packaging and delivery, for example satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
  • Quality standards and product accreditation processes for wood product manufacture, for example ISO 9001:2, independent third-party accreditation.
  • Health and safety, including the safe use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, local exhaust ventilation, compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), organisational and statutory safe systems of work, controlling dust and manual handling.
  • Different materials used to manufacture wood products and components, including different species and types of wood, composite panels (for example, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), plywood), adhesives, glass, ironmongery, fixings; their properties, characteristics, how they interrelate and the use of appropriate joining methods.
  • How different products, for example doors, door-sets, windows, staircases and interior joinery are expected to perform, and how they interact with the wider built environment.
  • Procedures for the safe handling and storage of wood components, products and glazing systems.
  • Environmental and sustainability considerations, regulations and good practice, for example the appropriate disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
  • Machines, equipment and tools used in wood product manufacturing including static machinery, portable powered tools and hand tools, what they are used for and their capabilities, correct set-up, use and storage, checks and adjustments, start-up and shut-down procedures.
  • Principles and uses of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machinery in wood product manufacturing, their programming requirements and associated tooling.
  • Work and product specifications, what they are and how to use them.
  • Checking and clarifying work requirements, including what needs checking and why.
  • Types of faults and errors that do occur, investigation and rectification techniques.
  • Techniques for measuring and cutting components and products.
  • Assembly methods, how a product is assembled using prepared components from the manufacturing process, appropriate jointing and fixing methods to use and why (mortice and tenonning, butt jointing, screws, dowels, glues etc).
  • Techniques for installing fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example ironmongery, seals, ancillary metal work and fixings, nail plates and staples, glazing.
  • Different grit sizes and the sequence of sanding for full finish paint and stain systems.
  • Different types of adhesives, and processes for their use including application methods.
  • Techniques for applying specified finishes to components and products.
  • Requirements for glazing wood products, for example, windows, door leaves, balustrading.
  • Processes for handover to other manufacturing process functions, for example component production to assembly.
  • Documentation requirements; written and verbal communication techniques.

Skills

  • Comply with health, safety and environmental requirements, for example safe use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, local exhaust ventilation, statutory regulations and industry standards/codes of practice.
  • Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures.
  • Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations, for example disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
  • Communicate - verbal and/or written, for example with colleagues and/or customers.
  • Plan work to undertake wood product manufacturing operations.
  • Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and following these instructions.
  • Select the correct type and quantity of components and materials.
  • Prepare the work area before undertaking the work.
  • Identify faults and issues, for example incorrect or defective wood, defective machinery; and applying solutions.
  • Pack and store products and components.
  • Select, set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce wood components.
  • Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment.
  • Use and maintain jigs and templates for wood product manufacturing operations.
  • Position wood components and apply manual and mechanical cramps to ensure products are secured and in accordance with the work specification.
  • Assemble wood components to the work specification and given tolerances.
  • Sand materials and de-nib.
  • Apply adhesives to wood components.
  • Apply finishes to wood products, for example stains, sealers, basecoats and paint finishes.
  • Instal fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example ironmongery, seals, ancillary metal work and fixings, nail plates and staples.
  • Carry out glazing operations, for example install glass to window or door.
  • Check and and inspect work to ensure it meets the work specification; undertake rectification or rework where necessary
  • Report work outcomes and/or problems.
  • Complete the handover process to other manufacturing process functions/teams.
  • Complete work documentation, for example job sheets, time cards.

Behaviours

  • Safety first attitude, for example applies a safety-first attitude when undertaking the work.
  • Adaptable, for example willing to accept changing priorities and working requirements.
  • Collaborates, for example works with others.
  • Pride in the workplace, for example organises work space efficiently and effectively.
  • Self-motivated, for example manages own time effectively.
  • Quality workmanship, for example works to agreed quality targets and standards.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Engineering and manufacturing
Qualification level
2
Equal to GCSE
Course duration
24 months
Maximum funding
£8,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • machinist
  • CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) operative
  • finishing operative/sprayer and assembler

View more information about Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.