This month we continue our exploration of the different types of apprenticeships. We’re focusing on Building and Construction in this post. Whether you’re just out of school and considering your next steps, or looking for a fresh career change, a building and construction apprenticeship can provide a great pathway.
Carpentry
Does the word ‘carpenter’ conjure an image of someone wielding a hammer? There’s good reason! Carpenters typically work on setting out, constructing wall and ceiling frames, pitched roofs, eaves, external stairs, flooring systems, as well as installing doors and windows.
Bricklaying
Bricklaying is a foundational apprenticeship (pardon the pun, but it’s true!) They lay bricks and blocks, construct masonry walls, build stairs, corners, curved walls, structural masonry systems, piers and columns. It’s an art in itself.
Cabinet Making
Cabinet makers’ jobs are many and varied. Starting from estimating and costing jobs, through building and installing furniture, to applying finishes, cabinet makers provide a range of services. Cabinet making also involves assembling furniture components, joining solid timber and hand making timber joints, fabricating custom furniture, and preparing surfaces for finishing.
Plumbing
Another critical trade is that of the plumber – they are often in demand! They lay out, test and maintain pipes, fixtures, gas meters, appliances and more. They also install equipment, such as heating and cooling systems, natural gas appliances, water tanks and solar hot water systems. They may also work with storm water or sewerage systems or drains, septic tanks and holding wells. A plumber may be licensed to perform a limited range of services like draining or gas fitting.
Painting
Usually applying paint with a brush and roller, a painting apprentice applies paint, applies texture coat finishes, clear stains and decorative finishes. They match specific paint colours, apply wallpaper and treat lead paint hazards.
Plastering (Solid, and Wall & Ceiling Lining)
When working with solid plaster, the apprentice will apply set coats and render and texture coats to straight and curved surfaces. They install precast and decorative mouldings, and restore and renovate solid plasterwork. It can be quite artistic! With wall and ceiling linings the apprentice works with plasterboard and fiber cement sheeting.
Tiling (Roof, and Wall & Floor)
A roof tiler will tile regular and irregular roofs, and repair and renovate roof tiles.
A wall and floor tiler will fix and lay wall tiles. They also use mosaic and decorative tiling techniques to lay flat and curved surfaces.
If you’re considering different types of apprenticeships, building and construction apprenticeships offer a number of possible pathways. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your skills and desires and we’ll help with your next steps.