Bench Joinery Apprentice

M J DERRICK JOINERY LTD

BRISTOL (BS14 9BZ)

Closes in 29 days (Thursday 8 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 7 September 2026


Summary

M J Derrick Joinery Ltd is looking for a hardworking and enthusiastic apprentice to join our busy joinery workshop. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in traditional and modern joinery. You will work alongside experienced joiners and receive practical, hands-on training while completing your apprenticeship.

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 19 October 2026

Duration

1 year 3 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

As a Bench Joinery Apprentice, you will learn and assist with:

  • Manufacturing timber windows, doors and door sets
  • Making traditional sliding sash windows
  • Using woodworking machinery and hand tools safely
  • Reading and understanding drawings and measurements
  • Cutting, machining and assembling timber components
  • Preparing timber for finishing and painting
  • Learning timber preparation, sanding and finishing techniques
  • Assisting with spray finishing of timber products
  • Learning how to use professional spray equipment safely and correctly
  • Assisting experienced joiners with workshop production
  • Keeping the workshop clean, tidy and organised
  • Following company health and safety procedures

Where you'll work

UNIT 501A
CENTRAL PARK
PETHERTON ROAD
BRISTOL
BS14 9BZ

Training

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

Training provider

DIDAC LIMITED

Training course

Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • 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.
  • 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.

Training schedule

Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2.

The training will take place at the employers site. 

The training provider will attend site once per calendar month however there will be support from your employer and training provider throughout the programme.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 or Above)
  • Maths (grade 4 or Above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Team working
  • Creative

Other requirements

Previous woodworking experience is not essential as full training will be provided. A willingness to learn and a good work ethic are more important.

About this employer

M.J.Derrick Joinery have been manufacturing excellent joinery products for over 30 years. The philosophy has always been to use the best materials and have the highest standards in the industry. Since our establishment in 1982 we have been providing high quality and affordable joinery services to both domestic and commercial customers 

https://www.mjderrick.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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

During your apprenticeship, you will gain practical experience in a professional joinery workshop while working towards a recognised Bench Joinery qualification.

You will develop skills in traditional and modern joinery techniques, timber selection, machining, assembly, preparation and spray finishing, giving you a strong foundation for a long-term career in the joinery industry.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DIDAC LIMITED

Shannon Eadie

shannon.eadie@didac.co.uk

01174620427

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000051948.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Thursday 8 October 2026 at 11:59pm)