Construction Skills Level 1

Our Foundation Year Construction Skills programme is ideal if you are interested in construction but are not yet sure which trade is right for you.

This practical Level 1 course gives you the opportunity to experience a range of construction activities, develop essential hands-on skills and gain an understanding of the construction industry. It can help you discover the trade you enjoy most while building the skills, confidence and knowledge needed for your next step.

Throughout the course, you will develop practical construction skills while learning how to work safely and effectively in a workshop environment.

The qualification offers a wide range of practical units, meaning the exact combination of trades and activities you study may depend on the programme offered by the College.

You could develop skills in areas such as:

• Bricklaying
• Carpentry and joinery
• Painting and decorating
• Plastering
• Wall and floor tiling
• Construction operations
• Plumbing
• Electrical installation
• Health and safety in construction
• An introduction to the construction industry

Practical activities could include constructing brick and block walls, producing carpentry joints, painting and decorating, fixing tiles, laying paving, mixing and using concrete, working with pipes and fittings, and carrying out introductory electrical installation tasks.

A large part of the course is practical, giving you the opportunity to experience different construction trades while developing your confidence, accuracy and ability to work safely.

You will also need to find and complete a work experience placement and take part in social action projects in the local community.

You will be issued with a uniform that must be worn in all sessions at College. Personal protective equipment will be supplied.

Assessment takes place throughout the course and is designed to demonstrate the practical skills and knowledge you develop.

You will be assessed through practical and written tasks. This could include completing practical construction activities in the workshop and answering questions to demonstrate your understanding of the work you have carried out.

Lessons include practical workshop sessions and classroom-based learning, giving you the opportunity to develop both your practical skills and knowledge.

Your tutors will observe your practical work and provide regular feedback to help you improve your skills and achieve the required standard.

The qualification is graded Pass or Fail, so the focus is on demonstrating that you can complete the required tasks safely and successfully.

Successfully completing the Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills can help you decide which area of construction you would like to specialise in and prepare you for further training.

Depending on your interests, achievements and the courses available, you could progress to a trade-specific Level 1 programme, such as:

• Brickwork
• Carpentry and joinery
• Construction operations
• Plumbing
• Electrical installation

You could also consider an apprenticeship or other work-based training route within the construction industry.

With further qualifications and experience, you could move into employment in your chosen construction trade. Longer-term opportunities could include supervisory or management roles, or becoming self-employed.