Foundation

Carpentry & Joinery Apprentice

ECKFORD CHONG DESIGN LTD

LONDON (E7 0HU)

Closes in 9 days (Friday 4 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 24 August 2026


Summary

Foundation apprenticeships are introductory courses that help young people get started in an industry. You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply.

Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship.

If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you:

  • have an EHC plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison

This apprenticeship provides practical training in workshop joinery, bespoke furniture manufacture and site carpentry while studying towards a foundation qualification in Carpentry with Waltham Forest College.

Wage

£12,480 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The hourly wage will initially be £10.85.  Potential increase after 1 year

Training course
Onsite trades foundation apprenticeship (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm, shifts, may work evenings and weekends.

30 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 2026

Duration

8 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Measuring and marking timber accurately
  • Using hand tools such as saws, chisels, planes and hammers
  • Using power tools safely
  • Cutting and shaping timber
  • Making basic timber joints, such as butt, mitre and housing joints
  • Constructing simple timber frames
  • Installing doors, frames and skirting
  • Fixing flooring and other timber components
  • Reading basic drawings and measurements
  • Checking levels, plumb and square
  • Preparing and maintaining tools
  • Keeping the work area clean and safe
  • Following health and safety and PPE requirements
  • Working under supervision and learning site procedures
  • Recording completed work and developing evidence for your apprenticeship

Where you'll work

UNIT 5 KUBRICK BUSINESS ESTATE
STATION APPROACH
LONDON
E7 0HU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

WALTHAM FOREST COLLEGE

Training course

Onsite trades foundation apprenticeship (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

The apprentice will attend Waltham Forest College, located at 707 Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 4JB, as part of their apprenticeship training.

  • 1 day per week at college
  • On-site college-based training
  • The remaining days will be spent working with Eckford Chong, gaining practical experience and developing carpentry skills in the workplace
  • Training will support the apprentice in building the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to successfully complete their apprenticeship

More training information

As part of the apprenticeship, you will work towards a Foundation Carpentry Apprenticeship, combining college-based learning with practical workplace experience at Eckford Chong.

Your training will help you develop skills in:

  • Communication - speaking clearly and listening to others
  • Teamwork - working well with colleagues and contributing to a group
  • Time management - meeting deadlines and organising your workload
  • Reliability - being punctual, responsible and completing tasks
  • Willingness to learn - being open to feedback and developing new skills
  • Problem-solving - thinking through problems and finding solutions
  • Adaptability - being able to handle new tasks and changes
  • Organisation - keeping work, information and tasks organised
  • Basic digital skills - using computers, email and common software
  • Confidence – asking questions and taking part in discussions
  • Attention to detail - checking your work and avoiding mistakes
  • Professionalism - having a positive attitude and behaving appropriately in a workplace

You will attend Waltham Forest College one day per week, with the remaining days spent at Eckford Chong gaining hands-on experience and applying your learning in a real workplace.

This apprenticeship will give you a recognised qualification, valuable practical experience and transferable skills to support your future career in carpentry.

Requirements

You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship.

Other requirements

None.

About this employer

Eckford Chong is a London-based architecture practice, workshop and construction company specialising in bespoke residential, commercial and architectural projects. The apprentice will gain experience from concept through to manufacture and installation.

 

https://www.eckfordchong.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

None.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Successful completion may lead to roles including Qualified Carpenter, Bench Joiner, Bespoke Furniture Maker, Architectural Joiner or permanent employment with Eckford Chong Design Ltd.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WALTHAM FOREST COLLEGE

apprenticeships@waltham.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000049809.

Apply now

Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship.

If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you:

  • have an EHC plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison

Closes in 9 days (Friday 4 September 2026 at 11:59pm)