Are you looking for a job in construction, but are yet to find the right path for you? Or perhaps you have, or would like to gain, a set of interests and skills that would serve you well in a construction apprenticeship? If that’s the case, read on to see if the level 2 mastic asphalter apprenticeship is something you’d wish to pursue.
What is a Mastic Asphalter?
As a mastic asphalter, your duty is to apply mastic asphalt onto a variety of different constructs and surfaces. This job role is of importance, as you would be applying protection and durable waterproofing to various surfaces. The surfaces that are in need of mastic asphalt, typically, are those exposed to the climate, for example:
- Flat roofs.
- Basements – to create asphalt membranes to combat the damp conditions.
- Walkways – the high level of footfall and exposure to rain means a waterproof finish is needed.
To perform your duties as a mastic asphalt spreader, you need to have a certain set of KSBs (knowledge, skills and behaviours). For example, it’s essential to know how asphalt is heated and agitated, so that it changes from solid to the correct molten solution which can be applied. We will delve into some of the other KSB’s later in this article.
Level 2 Mastic Asphalter core competencies
To be successful in this apprenticeship there are a range of KSB’s you will need to develop and display. Here we will go through some examples of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you will need to develop in order to get the most out of the course.
Examples of the knowledge you will develop:
- The ability to interpret information: including plans, drawings, risk assessments, etc.
- Health and safety: including understanding the health, safety, welfare and environmental legislation.
- Understanding the composition, preparation and application of mastic asphalt.
Alongside the knowledge you acquire, you are also expected to be able to learn or already obtain certain skills and behaviours. Some of these include:
- Communication skills (listening skills as well as written and verbal communication skills).
- Literacy and numeracy – later in this article you will see the maths and English requirements for this course.
- To be positive and professional.
- To be a self-motivated individual. This could include being able to work with minimal supervision and completing tasks in a timely manner.
Entry requirements for the Level 2 Mastic Asphalter Apprenticeship
For this apprenticeship, English and maths qualifications are required. If you don’t have these qualifications, you will need to complete them before the end-point assessment (EPA). The EPA contains 3 different assessment methods: a practical assessment, a professional interview and a knowledge test. Upon completing these, you will be given an overall apprenticeship grade of either a: fail, pass or distinction.
Job progression after the apprenticeship
Once you obtain the qualification and become a mastic asphalt spreader, you can then advance to become a site engineer or even a project manager.
Or you could follow in your apprenticeship provider’s footsteps and become a teacher yourself – sharing your skills and knowledge with others.
Conclusion
In summary, the level 2 mastic asphalter apprenticeship teaches you a range of skills and behaviours. Those skills and behaviours are not only essential to the job role, but many are also easily transferrable in all walks of life. You will learn niche competencies such as the preparation of mastic asphalt, alongside developing core behaviours which will mould you into a more professional and effective worker.
Completing this level 2 apprenticeship enables you to secure a future career as a mastic asphalt spreader. In addition, you can progress and become a site manager or even a project manager. You are not limited!
Is this course not quite what you were looking for? Perhaps you’d like to take a look through our engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship blogs!