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What qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to do to apply for a CITB Apprenticeship and what funding is available.

Generally, there are no set entry requirements for Construction Trade apprenticeships, but there may be specific GCSE requirements for some supervisory and technical apprenticeships. 

What's more important is commitment, a willingness to learn and to work as part of a team.

Read the entry requirements for each region in the UK:

What do you need?

It would be helpful to have GCSEs in Maths and English, technology subjects or a Skills for Work Construction Crafts qualification so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.

However, there are a number of ways for you to enter an apprenticeship programme. You could progress on to one from any of these routes: 

  • GCSEs achieved in school or college
  • Experience Construction Initiative
  • Pathways to Construction
  • Young Apprenticeship Scheme in Construction (14-16)
  • Construction and Built Environment Diploma (14-19)
  • Functional Skills in English and Maths
  • Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication
  • Foundation Learning Tier (a craft occupation at Level 1)
  • Women and Work Sector Pathways initiative (W&WSPI)
  • Construction Youth Trust which supports young people's journey to work
  • Skills for Work Construction Crafts courses
  • National Progression Award (prevocational or pre-apprenticeship courses) at college
  • Get Ready for Work or Training for Work programmes
  • Projects like Youthbuild which support young people's journey to work.

You'll also need to have a suitable level of physical fitness to do some jobs as they involve moving and handling resources, placing and fixing materials.

Don't worry if you have a disability though as there are apprenticeships that may still suit you.

Am I eligible for funding?

Most new entrants to the construction industry are eligible for some form of funding - speak to us to check.

How will my application be assessed?

You will be assessed once you are ready to begin your apprenticeship.

This assessment is about seeing what you can do in case you need extra support or guidance. It will help CITB see what qualifications and experience you have so your programme can be tailored to meet your needs.

Some apprenticeships also need you to be comfortable with working at height and outside in all weather conditions. You may also need to travel to sites and stay in lodgings while working away.

What do I need?

It would be helpful to have Standard Grades in Maths and English, technology subjects or a Skills for Work Construction Crafts qualification so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.

However, there are a number of ways for you to enter an apprenticeship programme. You could progress on to one from any of these routes: 

  • Standard Grades, Intermediate 1 or 2, Highers or Advanced Highers achieved in school or college
  • Women and Work Sector Pathways initiative (W&WSPI)
  • Skills for Work Construction Crafts courses
  • National Progression Award (prevocational or pre-apprenticeship courses) at college
  • Employability Fund
  • projects like Youthbuild which support young people's journey to work

You'll also need a suitable level of physical fitness to do some jobs as they involve moving and handling resources and placing and fixing materials.

Don't worry if you have a disability though as there are apprenticeships that may still suit you.

Am I eligible for funding?

If you already have some knowledge, qualifications or experience you won't have to repeat the same things again, but we will need to check your eligibility for government funding.

You will need to contact CITB if you do have prior learning, such as having started or completed another construction SVQ/NVQ.

Once you have applied you will also be assessed.

How will my application be assessed?

You will be assessed once you are ready to begin your apprenticeship.

This assessment is not about making it difficult to get on to an apprenticeship, but about seeing what you can do in case you need extra support or guidance. It will help CITB see what qualifications and experience you have so your programme can be tailored to meet your needs.

Some apprenticeships also need you to be comfortable with working at height and outside in all weather conditions. You may also need to travel to sites and stay in lodgings whilst working away.

Once you have become an apprentice you will continue to be assessed to see how suitable you are to move onto an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3).

It would be helpful to have GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English/Welsh or Technology so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.

However, there are a number of ways for you to enter an apprenticeship programme. You could progress on to one from any of these routes: 

  • GCSEs achieved in school or college
  • Pathways to Apprentices
  • Workbased Learning Pathways in Construction
  • Principle Learning in Construction and the Built Environment (14-19)
  • Welsh Baccaulaurate
  • Key Skills/Essential Skills Application of Number and Communication
  • Entry/Craft Qualification at Level 1 Qualifications in Construction
  • Women and Work Sector Pathways Initiative (W&WSPI)
  • Construction Youth Trust which supports young people's journey into work
  • Training to Work Programmes (e.g. Traineeships, Steps to Employment)

You'll also need a suitable level of physical fitness to do some jobs as they involve moving and handling resources and placing and fixing materials.

Don't worry if you have a disability though as there are apprenticeships that may still suit you.

Am I eligible for funding?

If you already have some knowledge, qualifications or experience you won't have to repeat the same things again, but we will need to check that you are eligible for government funding.

In Wales, you will be eligible for Welsh Assembly Government funding if you:

  • have legally left school or are not of compulsory school age
  • are not attending school or college fulltime or in full time higher education
  • are ordinarily resident in Wales or your work is located in Wales
  • are not an overseas national
  • are not in custody or on remand
  • are not in a receipt of an assembly learning grant or education maintenance allowance
  • are not being supported by an employment zone activity
  • not taking part in any other employment, learning or enterprise programme funded directly by UK Government or the Welsh Ministers
  • are not taking part in any other EU funded vocational training programme

Once you have applied you will also be assessed.

How will my application be assessed?

You will be assessed once you are ready to begin your apprenticeship.

This assessment is about seeing what you can do in case you need extra support or guidance. It will help CITB see what qualifications and experience you have so your programme can be tailored to meet your needs.

Some apprenticeships also need you to be comfortable with working at height and outside in all weather conditions. You may also need to travel to sites and stay in lodgings whilst working away.

Once you have become an apprentice you will continue to be assessed to see how suitable you are to move onto an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3).