Truro and Penwith College is incredibly proud to have been awarded the 2025 Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards (ATA).
C&G Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery
The role of the Bench Joiner is to accurately and consistently work with timber and timber-based products to construct bench joinery products and projects. The job role requires accuracy and attention to detail whilst producing products and work to industrial standards.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
This course is the next step to a career as a Carpenter. The course builds on what you would have studied at Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery; you will gain further understanding of the construction industry and have an opportunity to apply Bench Joinery skills in a practical and realistic way. You will follow a programme of study that enables progression to further courses and employment within the construction industry. You will gain confidence by developing independent learning skills and will learn how carpentry and joinery activities are carried out safely and how they contribute to our built environment.
Bench joiners predominantly work inside a joiner’s shop; however they may also work inside and outside of buildings repairing, renewing, and replacing Carpentry and Joinery components.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Small class sizes
experienced tutors
industry-standard facilities
links with employers
Learn from sector experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who have all been tradespeople themselves. You will learn to advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the construction industry and more specifically the job role of Bench Joiner.Â
Develop work-related skills
During your programme, you will also develop personal and work-related skills which will prepare you for progression to further studies or full-time work, following completion of your course.
Enjoy professional surroundings
Our Construction facilities are equipped with the latest industry standard carpentry and joinery equipment and resources. We enjoy partnerships with many large suppliers and employers and as a result, students will apply and develop industry standard bench joinery skills in a realistic working environment.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
You will be taught bench joinery skills in our first-class workshops, classrooms, and IT suites. You will quickly start to build additional carpentry items and structures on your own and in small teams. Of course, it’s not all about practical skills, employers need enthusiastic and engaged employees to meet the demands of the construction industry and to help their business grow. You will therefore need to further your knowledge of how the construction industry and other trades work together and operate. This will give you the very best opportunity to progress and forge a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry.
Units that you will study include:
- Principles of Building Construction, Information and Communication: The aim of this unit is to provide you with knowledge of building methods and construction technology. Including aspects of job roles, communication, documentation, drawings, energy efficiency, foundations, internal and external walls, floors and roofs.
- Setting up and Operating a Circular Saw: In this unit you will learn how to set up, maintain and operate a circular saw. You will produce timber and timber-based products during your studies of this unit.
- Producing Setting Out Details for Bench Joinery Products: This unit will assist you in learning the skills to set out a range of bench joinery products, such as windows, doors, straight staircases and bespoke joinery products.
- Marking Out from Setting Out Details for Bench Joinery Products: After setting out for bench joinery products you will then learn how to mark out for items such as windows, doors, straight staircases and bespoke joinery products.
- Manufacturing Bench Joinery Products: You will then learn how to bring these skills together to manufacture the final product and finish it ready for installation.
- Health, Safety, and Welfare in Construction: Within this unit you will learn about health and safety regulations, roles and responsibilities, accident and emergency reporting procedures and documentation. Together with hazards, health and welfare in the workplace, it also covers working at height, working with electrical equipment and fire emergency procedures.
If you are a full-time student aged 16-18, you will follow a study programme which will consist of your main Bench Joinery course, enterprise and enrichment activities, English and Mathematics * and work-related experience.
*Should you not achieve at least a 4 in English and Mathematics you will be required to continue to study these as an integral part of your course.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress onto a level 3 Diploma in Bench Joinery, which requires a further year of study. Alternatively, you could progress onto an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. There are many opportunities for skilled Carpenters and Joiners in the building industry.
Further study will enable you to work towards more senior roles within the construction industry such as a Working Foreperson, Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Architect, Clerk of Works, Building Surveyor.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGMENTS
The Bench Joinery practical coursework will be assessed through set practical tasks in our well-equipped workshops. Knowledge is assessed via internally set test papers and externally set online exams.
Entry Requirements
You will need a grade 2 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics and English language or literature. Should you not achieve this you should still apply, each applicant will be invited to attend an interview with the course manager, circumstances can be discussed and all successful candidates will gain a place on the programme. A keen interest in the role of the Bench Joiner will be advantageous in pursuing this rewarding and well-paid career.
Information & Support
The student support team is there to support you and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and pastoral issues. The Student Support team will work with your personal tutor to support you in successfully completing your course and pursuing pathways to progression as a Bench Joiner.
You will have one-to-one support, tuition and advice from our team of experienced and qualified tutors, assessors and advisors; this will be integral to your programme of study.
As in the workplace, PPE will be required for the course such as safety boots, goggles etc. You will be provided with a full list of the protective equipment requirements of the course before you start.
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£74,754
Entry Level Salary
£25,165
Average Salary
£42,611
Annual openings in Cornwall
12
Potential Salary
£67,885
Entry Level Salary
£25,244
Average Salary
£38,695
Annual openings in Cornwall
11
Potential Salary
£73,902
Entry Level Salary
£25,802
Average Salary
£42,125
Annual openings in Cornwall
2
Potential Salary
£98,396
Entry Level Salary
£18,992
Average Salary
£47,968
Annual openings in Cornwall
57
Potential Salary
£59,937
Entry Level Salary
£29,027
Average Salary
£42,253
Annual openings in Cornwall
13
Potential Salary
£34,975
Entry Level Salary
£11,087
Average Salary
£22,674
Annual openings in Cornwall
53
Potential Salary
£39,882
Entry Level Salary
£16,242
Average Salary
£26,217
Annual openings in Cornwall
35
Potential Salary
£68,085
Entry Level Salary
£27,728
Average Salary
£44,757
Annual openings in Cornwall
