K10 apprentices | construction apprenticeships in London

An apprenticeship is genuinely the start of an incredibly exciting  journey into the world of construction.

Apply Now NUS Apprenticeship Card

The ONLY discount card for apprentices

100s of discount in-store and online FOR ONLY £11

Just enter ‘K10 Apprenticeships’ as your place of study when you sign up


Benefits

There are lots of benefits to being a K10 apprentice:

  • You get paid weekly
  • You gain a trade specific nationally recognised qualification
  • You gain valuable site experience, trade and workplace skills
  • You start to build a network of industry contacts
  • You get paid holidays
  • You get a PAYE contract
  • You build confidence, self-belief and a greater sense of optimism about your future
  • K10 will arrange and fund your CSCS training, test and card
  • You get dependable and consistent support from your K10 Apprentice Manager and Wellbeing Manager which is accessible daily, as well as a Mentor on-hand to show you how things are done and be there should any problems arise on site
  • You are given an allowance towards PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and tools
  • You are employed by an impactful, pioneering, supportive and energetic organisation
  • You can save 30% against the price of adult rate Travel cards and Bus & Tram Passes, if you are in the first 12 months of your apprenticeship and living in a London borough

Apprenticeships we offer

  • Electrical

    Job Role

    You will be expected to carry out skilled tasks. Examples of the work you will be carrying out include:

    • Plan, prepare and install wiring systems and associated equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
    • Terminate and connect conductors, cables and flexible cords in electrical systems
    • Install electrical equipment and accessories eg. isolators and switches, distribution boards and socket outlets
    • Inspect, test, commission and certify electrotechnical systems and equipment
    • Diagnose and correct electrical faults in electrical systems

    Minimum Requirements

    • Good written and verbal communication skills, including the skill of listening and following both simple and complex instructions.
    • At least a Level 1 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths.
    • Candidates applying for an electrical apprenticeship must have completed a City & Guilds Level 2 qualification.

    Desired Requirements

    The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified electrician. It will be an advantage if you have previous related work experience, CSCS and or PASMA, but this is not essential.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 36 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • Plumbing

    Job Role

    You will be expected to carry out skilled tasks. Examples of the work you will be carrying out include:

    • Install and maintain domestic plumbing and heating systems
    • Use and work to risk assessments including heating equipment
    • Remove, prepare, set up, install and test hot, cold, central and gravity rainwater systems
    • Isolate supply
    • Install taps and fittings
    • Remove and install baths, basins, toilets and radiators
    • Connect pipes
    • Re-connect supply and test it afterwards

    Minimum Requirements

    Good written and verbal communication skills, including the skill of listening and following both simple and complex instructions.

    • At least a Level 1 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths.

    Desired Requirements

    The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified plumber. It will be advantageous if you already have a City & Guilds L1 or 2 in plumbing and/or have previous related work experience, CSCS and or PASMA.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 36 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • Carpentry

    Job Role

    You will be expected to carry out skilled tasks. Examples of the work you will be carrying out include:

    • Install door/window frames, floor joist coverings, partitions, cladding, stair components
    • Erect inclined roofs with gables
    • Repair or replace doors, windows, mouldings, frames
    • Set up and use saw, drills, biscuit jointer, disc cutter

    Minimum Requirements

    Applicants need to have at least an Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 3 or above in English and Maths.

    Desired Requirements

    The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified carpenter. It will be advantageous if you have already completed technical certificates in carpentry or multi-skills, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • Dry Lining

    Job Role

    Dry Liners build internal walls and ceilings in residential and commercial structures. They use plasterboard panels to reduce cost and time and also to make the walls easier to move or be removed. Dry Liners need have a good fitness level. Some of the tasks that you will undertake include:

    • Fixing stage – measuring, cutting and installing stud work
    • Finishing stage – Sealing, taping, skimming and sanding

    Dry lining methods are used to hide wiring or pipes, to improve a room’s acoustics, to improve a cavity space for insulation or to smooth out uneven walls during renovation work. This role can be combined with traditional plastering or other types of work, for example sectioning off areas in open-plan offices.

    Minimum Requirements

    Applicants need to have at least an Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 3 or above in English and Maths.

    Desired Requirements

    The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified dry liner. It will be advantageous if you have already completed technical certificates in interior systems or multi-skills, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 24 months to complete this apprenticeship (this does not include EPA period).

  • Painting &
    Decorating

    Job Role

    Painters and decorators use a range of coverings to enhance and protect surfaces. Examples of the work you will be carrying out include:

    • Prepare, prime and seal exterior and/or interior surfaces for decoration
    • Apply water-borne and/or solvent-borne coatings to internal and/or external surfaces
    • Erect and dismantle equipment such as stepladders and mobile scaffold towers

    Minimum Requirements

    Applicants need to have at least an Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 3 or above in English and Maths.

    Desired Requirements

    The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified painter & decorator. It will be advantageous if you have already completed technical certificates in painting & decorating or multi-skills, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • Groundworks

    Job Role

    To work in groundworks, you will need a good level of fitness, a basic knowledge of building methods and an understanding of the materials used in construction. At the start of a job, you will help to prepare the site, unload and store building materials and once the work gets underway, further duties could include:

    • Ground working – marking out and digging shallow trenches for foundations
    • Form working – putting up or dismantling the shuttering that holds the concrete in place
    • Steel fixing – bending and fixing the bars used to reinforce concrete structures
    • Steel piling – fixing steel sheets together to form temporary retaining walls for excavation work

    Minimum Requirements

    Applicants need to have at least an Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 3 or above in English and Maths.

    Desired Requirements

    The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified construction operative. It will be advantageous if you have any construction based qualifications, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 18 months to complete this apprenticeship (this does not include EPA period).

  • Business
    Administration / Document Control

    Job Role

    As an administrator, you will be making sure that day-to-day office tasks run smoothly. So it’s important that you are organised, accurate and pay attention to detail. It is likely that you will be working for a construction-orientated firm, with some tasks including:

    • Document control
    • Receptionist duties
    • Organising meetings and travel arrangements for management staff
    • Using office equipment and systems such as databases

    You will be expected to:

    • Manage and improve your own performance in a business environment
    • Solve problems
    • Work with other people in a business environment

    Minimum Requirements

    Applicants  need to have at least a Level 1 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths. You will also need an Entry Level 1 in ICT.

    Desired Requirements

    It will be an advantage if you have some previous related work experience and you should be confident using ICT.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 12-18 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • Quantity
    Surveying

    Job Role

    Quantity Surveyors have two very big jobs – to make sure a project meets every legal and quality standard and that the client gets value for their money. This career suits people who are very good with figures and enjoy the challenge of “balancing the books” throughout complex processes. The role of apprentice quantity surveyor is to support the more senior commercial staff in the administration of costs and contracts relating to projects. The role may involve all aspects of work from the initial tender to final account and close out, seeking to minimise the costs and enhance value for money whilst achieving the required standards and quality. This role will work under the close direction and supervision of a more senior Quantity Surveyor. Typical duties include:
    • preparing tender and contract documents
    • working out the cost of repair and maintenance work
    • establishing exactly what a client wants
    • weighing up commercial risks
    • allocating work to subcontractors
    • valuing completed work and arranging payments
    During your Apprenticeship, you will be supported by your site supervisor and tutor. The role requires you to be hard working and deter, mind due to the nature of work involved.

    Minimum Requirements

    Applicants  need to have at least a Level 1 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths. You will also need an Entry Level 3 in ICT.

    Desired Requirements

    It will be an advantage if you have some previous related work experience and you should be confident using ICT.

    Time Frame

    It is likely to take 12-18 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • Site Manager

    Job Role

    This is an entry level role, As an Apprentice Assistant Site Manager, you will report to the Site Manager and be directly involved in construction management and site operations. You will be tasked to carry out pre-start meetings, provide detailed reports for all project elements prior to start dates providing advice as to whether the recommended schedule, budgets and equipment are fit for purpose or require updating. Liaise closely with nominated external architects/fitters and all other consultants and contractors. Meeting agreed time-scales final layouts and fitting details and to represent the interests of the company at all times. Common tasks that you may be asked to carry out include:

    • Help to ensure that projects are planned and completed in a timely, safely manner.
    • Maintaining daily diary to record site events and requirements.
    • Learn standards for inspections of all operations to ensure they are carried out in a safe manner.
    • Comply with the site specific environmental action plan requirements.
    • Gain a thorough understanding of site boundaries, access points and site office procedures
    • Build relationships with other business unit teams like Sales and Commercial.
    • Shadow site management team on CITB inspection visits.
    • Manage and co-ordinate the safe and tidy storage of material delivered to the site.
    • Shadow and report to the business unit Production Director on specific development targets and objectives

    Typical Working Week

    You will work on site for five days per week. Most site hours are Monday to Friday, 08.00-17.00.

    Person Specification

    • Have a genuine interest and passion for pursuing a career within Construction
    • A team player
    • Goal orientated
    • Highly organised
    • Strong people skills
    • Attention to detail
    • The ability to focus

    Career Progression

    On completion of your apprenticeship you should think about higher education into construction. There are a vast array of progression routes and opportunities in site management/project management. The world is your oyster!

    Key Training/College Information

    K10 will enrol and fund your qualifications through a SFA funded training provider. It is likely to take 18-24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

  • APPLY NOW Apply Now

Candidate criteria

ESSENTIAL:

K10 is looking to recruit committed, reliable and trustworthy individuals that are passionate about working in the construction sector. We want to hear from you if you can demonstrate your desire to commit, achieve your qualifications and to complete the site work in your chosen trade. You must also be:

  • Eligible to work in the UK
  • Have lived in the UK for 3 or more years or a national of any European Union (EU) country and ordinarily resident in the European Economic Area (EEA) for the previous 3 years
  • Willing to take a literacy and numeracy test to ensure you meet minimum entry level requirements
  • Please also note that there is zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol on site and individuals can be spot tested at random
  • If you are a graduate living in England, you are not eligible

DESIRED:

It will be advantageous if you have already completed technical certificates in the trade you are looking to do an apprenticeship in, have previous related work experience, CSCS or PASMA.

“Doing an apprenticeship has helped me get the break I needed. Everyone wants work experience and an apprenticeship gives you that as well as the opportunities for full-time employment, a career and a future. i was over the moon to be given this opportunity. I have already been given so much training and I would recommend that anyone thinking about an apprenticeship should jump into it because it’s definitely worth it.”

Kristian Galbraith, LB Tower Hamlets


FAQs

  • What is an Apprenticeship?

    An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work for an employer and, at the same time, to receive training on site and work towards gaining nationally recognised qualifications. It is a paid job and a full-time, 5 day a week commitment.

  • How much will I get paid?

    The Apprentice National Minimum Wage is currently £4.81 per hour. We pay above this so that, on average, you can expect to earn between £350 and £370 per week in your first year. This rises in your second year.  This link to NAS provides further information on apprentice pay. http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/be-an-apprentice/other-questions.aspx#Question12

  • Am I eligible to apply for a K10 Apprenticeship?

    You must be 18 years old + and be eligible to work in the UK. K10 is looking to recruit committed, reliable, trustworthy individuals that are passionate about working in the construction sector. If you can demonstrate this then we would be delighted to hear from you.

  • Do I need any previous experience or qualifications?

    No. As long as you can demonstrate your desire to commit, complete and achieve your chosen apprenticeship and trade, we would love to hear from you. However, previous experience and/or qualifications will be advantageous, especially in trades such as plumbing and electrics.

  • Am I too old?

    No, as long as you can afford to live on an apprentice wage.

  • What if I don't have a CSCS card?

    If you are successful through our recruitment process, we will arrange and fund your CSCS card prior to starting on site.

  • How is learning done through an apprenticeship?

    An apprenticeship combines experiential learning with academic qualifications, together creating a framework. These frameworks follow a standard format that comprises:

    • A National Vocational Qualification (e.g. Level 2 for Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Level Apprenticeships).
    • Knowledge based qualification (technical certificate)
    • Functional skills (Maths, English, ICT)
    • A module on employment rights and responsibilities
    • A module on Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)

    The learning provider supplies the knowledge and develops skills while the host employer supplies the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the trade you have chosen.

  • How long will it take?

    The length of your apprenticeship will vary depending on any previous qualifications and/or prior skills levels. Generally, apprenticeships take between 1 – 4 years.

  • When can I start?

    You can apply at any time of year. Availability will depend on the developments taking place in your local area.

  • How can I apply?

    Click here to complete our application form. Please take your time to complete the application form and provide as much detail as possible ensuring you answer all the questions.


Apprentices Case Studies

  • David
  • Kieran
  • Syma
  • Taahira
David Blyth

Age: 20
Apprenticeship: Carpentry
Borough: Hackney


“From the get go I found the atmosphere on site welcoming and I enjoyed the work I was assigned. I felt accepted as part of the team and that my skills were improving on a daily basis.”

David Blyth

David Blyth

Background:

David had always shown an interest in construction and had some previous work experience assisting his Uncle on building sites. He had achieved a Level 1 in Wall and Floor Tiling. Following successful completion of the K10 recruitment process David secured an apprenticeship with us to pursue his ambition of becoming a qualified Carpenter.

David’s Reflections:

‘From the get go I found the atmosphere on site welcoming and I enjoyed the work I was assigned. I felt accepted as part of the team and that my skills were improving on a daily basis. I have benefitted from working with different contractors and, as a result, my confidence and adaptability has grown. I now feel really comfortable to work in different environments’.

David’s Journey:

  • K10 arranged and funded for David to do the CSCS training and test prior to starting on site
  • Completed NVQ Level 2 Carpentry and currently working towards his L3 with Tower Hamlets College
  • 1st placement – Pantera on Berkeley’s Woodberry Park in Hackney
  • 2nd placement – De Bouvoir Crescent
  • 3rd placement – returned to Woodberry Park to work on a different phase of the build with Landmark
  • 4th placement – remains on Berkeley’s Woodberry Park on another phase of the build and is back where he started with Pantera
  • In April 2013 Iain Duncan Smith visited the Berkeley Group’s development at Woodberry Park, and David was one of the apprentices he met and spoke with. David demonstrated a clear sense of pride by explaining to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions that he feels he can be a role model for other people who are finding it hard to get into employment.
Kieran Robinson-Malcolm

Age: 24
Apprenticeship: Plumbing
Borough: Brent


Kieran Robinson-Malcolm

Background:

Through our partnership with Wates to deliver the Wates Apprenticeship Training Agency (WATA) in the South of England, Kieran was invited to attend the Building Futures course where local unemployed people learn construction skills in plumbing, tiling and carpentry. The 2 week course includes visits to several Wates sites which provides a realistic perspective on life in the construction industry.

Prior to joining K10 Kieran had been unemployed for 18 months and had no previous experience within the construction industry.  He had worked as a stockroom assistant, a door to door salesman and had completed one year in labouring and logistics. He had 4 Cs at GCSE, his NVQ L 1 in plumbing and was an exam away from obtaining his C&G L2. Yet he struggled to obtain an apprenticeship to complete the practical part of his qualification. Kieran said “I had been trying to get an opportunity since December 2011, but I found that I came across a number of barriers like age and lack of projects in my local area due to the current economic climate.”

On successful completion of the course, K10 snapped Kieran up – his passion, dedication and work ethic were infectious.  He was hosted by SFJ on Wates Crest Academy Site and maximised the opportunity that lay before him. SFJ were so impressed with Kieran that they employed him directly. He will now complete his apprenticeship with the contractor. Congratulations Kieran, we wish you all the very best for the future and am sure you will inspire many other young Londoners to keep persevering with their goals.

Syma Khatun

Age: 36
Apprenticeship: Plumbing
Borough: Hackney


“I know it’s an unusual career for a young woman but I really enjoy it. I recently undertook some repairs in a middle aged Sri Lankan ladies home on the Stamford Hill estate. She seemed both surprised and delighted that I was doing the work. I think because I am a young woman it put her at ease.”

Syma Khatun

Syma Khatun

Background:

Syma was one of the first K10 apprentices, and to this day continues to be an ambassador and friend.

She had always harbored a passion for DIY and plumbing since childhood, but did not think a career in the trade was viable and spent 15 years working in retail.

“I’d always enjoyed helping my brothers and sisters installing their kitchens and bathrooms and wished I could do it as a job. I just didn’t know how to make it happen.”

Syma’s enthusiasm and zest for life proved to surge into her work and college life. Hosted by Breyer Group for the 3 year duration of her apprenticeship they have subsequently employed her directly.

Syma has represented K10 on a number of occasions and has enjoyed the privilege of meeting HRH Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of York.

Taahira Begum

Age: 20
Apprenticeship: Business Administration
Borough: Tower Hamlets


“The apprenticeship has been a great experience, not only in terms of the work skills and theory I have learned but all my friends, family and work colleagues have really noticed my increased confidence. I was really shy before I started but now I enjoy and join in with the banter of working life.”

Taahira Begum

Taahira Begum

Background:

Taahira was referred by her advisor at Poplar JCP to attend an employability course at Tower Hamlets College. The college was impressed with Taahira’s commitment and willingness to learn and on successful completion of the course suggested we consider her for a Business Administration Apprenticeship. Taahira became a ‘Legacy Apprentice’ and was hosted by BAM Nuttall on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Taahira took responsibility for managing the Accreditation Centre, having to work in a fast paced and very busy environment with approximately 20,000 Visitor Passes having been issued.

“She has shown great Customer Service skills dealing with a wide range of people from general contractors through to the client and has a professional manner at all times. Taahira is quick to pick up new challenges and happy to be involved in different aspects of the Accreditation Centre in order to support her colleagues. Taahira is a punctual and extremely reliable member of the team, understanding the need to attend work promptly in order to set up for the day ahead. She has been a valued member of the team.”

Accreditation Centre Manager, BAM Nuttall – QEOP

As transformation works on the park come to completion simultaneously with Taahira completing her apprenticeship, K10 have recruited her to become part of the HQ team. Congratulations and well done – we are delighted to have you working with us.


Pre-Employment Training

K10 offers a pre-employment training programme to support unemployed, young and disadvantaged people wanting to work within the construction sector. The programme provides the opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing ones and to demonstrate you have the potential to enter into our apprenticeship programme. The purpose of the course is to give you an introduction to the 6 trades in which we offer apprenticeships.

Throughout the course you will be assessed on your attitude to work, attendance, punctuality, teamwork and communication skills, as well as your ability to listen and carry out instructions and take guidance from your mentor. Candidates that perform well during this time will be invited to an interview for a K10 Apprenticeship. If you are interested in this programme or are working with a young person that you think could benefit from attending, please complete our application form by clicking on this link.


Meet your K10 team