Carpentry & Joinery Level 1

This course will give you a basic understanding of the construction industry and help you to start developing specific skills in carpentry. We know most learners would like to learn as apprentices but, if you don’t have an employer who is able to offer you an apprenticeship place when you leave school, this is a great alternative way to start learning your chosen trade. The course includes lots of opportunities to learn the practical skills needed by a carpenter in their every day work. Employers’ organisations were involved in writing this qualification and because of this you can be confident that the course reflects what employers need. Employers want workers who are skilful, but who also really understand why they need to work in a particular way. This is where the theory part of your course comes in. The theory helps you to understand the principles behind the practical skills. You will need this level of understanding to work on site in the modern construction industry. You will also need to understand the theory element in order to progress and succeed at the next level. To succeed on the course, you need to accept the need to work on both the theory as well as the practical and give it your best efforts. Employers also value people who can work independently and you will be supported to develop independent working skills whilst you are on the course. Your practical and theory lessons will not fill the whole of the working week, so you should plan to give at least an extra half day to the independent learning tasks your tutors will give you.

Minimum two grade 2 at GCSE including English and/or maths.

By a series of practical tasks in the workshop and on-line and written end of unit tests.

Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry from City and Guilds

On successful completion of the course at Level 1, and with good progress on English and Maths, you will be able to progress to Level 2 the following year in Carpentry or Bench Joinery. Alternatively, you may obtain suitable employment in the construction industry and continue your studies as an apprentice.

Course contribution fees are currently £230. Full details will be confirmed at interview. You will also need to provide steel toe capped boots and overalls

To progress on this course, and to go further in any area of training or at work, it’s essential to have good Maths and English alongside vocational expertise. You should aim to achieve GCSE English and Maths before leaving school if at all possible. However, if you have not achieved a GCSE in Maths and/or English (grades A*-C) before your College course starts you will continue to study these subjects as a compulsory part of your programme. If you are not ready to retake your GCSE, you will study these subjects as Functional Skills. Functional Skills put English and maths in their everyday context and develop your skills in the areas used by everyone to function in modern life and at work. They are also a compulsory part of apprenticeships in all trades. We will work with you to improve your Maths and English skills and help you to achieve Functional Skills qualifications. We will also offer you the opportunity to retake your English and/or maths GCSEs if you are ready to do so during your time at College