Construction and the built environment apprenticeships

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As the south’s premier provider of part-time construction and built environment courses, Solent’s higher and degree construction apprenticeships provide a combination of education and on the job training that works for both employers and apprentices. Apprentices spend one day a week at university working towards their nominated higher or degree qualification. At the same time, apprentices will be learning specified skills and behaviours in the workplace under the guidance of a mentor.

Apprenticeship standard approved

Construction Site Engineering Technician
This higher apprenticeship is for site engineers working towards their Eng Tech membership entry point of the I.C.E. These students will study our HNC in Civil Engineering.

Find out more about apprenticeships at Solent

Apprentices learn essential interpersonal, business and project management skills – all within the context of their day-to-day work.

What does this course lead to?

Apprentices will be supported as they develop their career and prepare to take on more responsibility within the workplace. Study at HNC or degree level provides graduates with a nationally recognised university qualification. This is in addition to the apprenticeship qualification earned by successfully completing the apprenticeship.

Combined, these qualifications give construction and built environment professionals the ability to demonstrate proven competence to employers.

Who is this course for?

Which level of construction apprenticeship is studied will depend on previous industry and academic experience.

Higher construction apprenticeships are generally more suited to someone who has previously studied at Level 3 (A levels or equivalent). Degree construction apprenticeships will be more suitable for those who have already studied at Level 4 (HNC or equivalent).

Tuition fees

Employers will be expected to enter into a formal contract with the University and support employees fully throughout their construction apprenticeship. This includes allowing day release for the course and paying contributions towards tuition costs and professional body membership fees alongside the employee’s normal wage.

Under the August 2016 funding proposals, post levy (from May 2017) levy paying employers (businesses with an annual payroll >£3million) will be able to use funds accrued in their digital levy account for payment of the training drawn from the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers.

Non-levy paying business, or those business that need to supplement their digital levy account will need to co-invest 10 per cent of the cost of the training with the government to pay the remaining 90 per cent.

Please see the relevant course pages, linked at the top of this page, for specific fee information.

An Edexcel registration fee will be payable in the first year. As a guide, the 2016-17 fee was £168.60.

Construction apprentices are also expected to purchase sturdy work boots. These can range from £30 - £100.

Information for employers

Graduation costs

Graduation is the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of your studies. For graduates in 2018, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost.

Please see the relevant course pages (linked at the top of this page) for the specific entry requirements for each course.

In additional to the course requirements, apprentices must have:

employment within the appropriate industry, and
a signed contract/agreement from the sponsoring employer.

Assessment

Assessments vary depending on the level of qualification being studied, but will typically include work-based projects, reports and presentations. For more details, please see the apprenticeship standards and qualification details linked to from the top section of this page.
Transferable skills

As well as learning skills that are directly relevant an apprentices day-to-day work, the course also offers an opportunity to improve on project management, critical thinking, presentation and academic writing skills.
The industry

The UK construction industry is once again performing well. As the economy develops, residential housing remains the fastest growing area in the sector. There is increasing demand for talented graduates equipped with the right skills. This course will help to prepare you for your next step in this exciting industry.
Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...

Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and general student advice. Find out more about our approach to student welfare.

University facilities - You will have access to a modern, comfortable and efficient study environment, including the Mountbatten library and learning resource centres. Solent offers a wide variety of sports halls, gyms and sports equipment, plus superb IT, media, and cutting-edge specialist facilities. Find out more about our first-class facilities here.

Living in Southampton - Southampton is a modern, vibrant student city brimming with arts and culture, top high street brands, green spaces and a buzzing nightlife. Studying at Solent means that you’ll be at the very heart of it. Find out more about being a student in Southampton.

Solent Students’ Union - Run by students for students, Solent Students’ Union is on hand to offer independent advice and support while you’re at university. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information.

Got a question about this course?

Contact our Ask Solent team:

admissions@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066

How to apply

If you are an employer and would like to have an in-depth conversation with us about potential opportunities, please send a message to admissions@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8201 5066.

If you are currently in work and are interested in undertaking a construction apprenticeship here at Solent, please speak directly with your employer to see if there is an existing agreement in place.

If you would like more general information about apprenticeships please see our apprenticeship homepage.

Year one

Building Technology
Construction Surveying
Construction Science and Materials

Year two

Principles of Business Environment
Principles of Construction Management
HNC Construction Technology Project

Year one

Principles of Construction Technology
Introduction to Architectural Technology
Science of the Built Environment

Year two

Architectural Technology Project
Management in the Built Environment
Principles of Business Environment

Year one

Construction Surveying
Construction Science and Materials
Building Technology

Year two

Principles of Business Environment
Principles of Management and Quantity Surveying
HNC Construction Technology Project

Programme specification document

Web-based learning

Solent's virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

The Student Hub

The Student Hub is a central space where you can access all of the information and support you need during your time at University.

Professional and experienced staff can help resolve any query, and if they cannot answer the question themselves they will find the person who can.

Career support

Apprentices will have access to all the facilities offered to full-time students. This includes access to all construction labs and equipment relevant to your course of study, as well as general facilities like our 24-hour library, learning resource centres and student support services.

Apprentices leave the programme with a more complete understanding of the leadership roles involved in the management and execution of construction projects.

Construction materials lab

Materials testing laboratory

Our close links with construction businesses both locally and nationally ensure that the academic elements of all our construction apprenticeships deliver the skills and knowledge that are in-demand in the sector today. These links also provide opportunities for apprentices to take part in guest lectures, site visits and case studies.