The UK construction sector is thriving, making now the ideal time to build a career in the trades.
This course will teach you essential carpentry and joinery skills making it an ideal starting point for beginners. You will get to work on a variety of projects, take on new challenges, and develop a strong foundation in carpentry for progression to Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery or other construction pathways.
With state-of-the-art workshops, specialised tools, and hands-on training this course offers unique, real-world training not available in sixth form, preparing you for immediate work or further study in the carpentry field.
What You Will Learn on This Course
Our spacious workshops and professional tools and equipment will develop your practical skills and knowledge, alongside expert lecturers with years in the industry. You’ll also work on community-led projects for valuable hands-on experience and real-world experiences to build confidence and technical ability.
During this one-year course, you will cover:
Using carpentry and joinery equipment and tools
Production of basic carpentry and joinery components
Health and safety in the construction industry
The construction industry with guest speakers and trips
Work experience placement
Anything else?
Learners will need to wear safety footwear, along with basic tools and stationery including pens, pencils, a tape measure, and an A4 notebook.
At Gloucestershire College we want students to develop their English and Maths skills so that they achieve their learning goals and future career aims. For this reason, all full-time students (16-18) who have not achieved Grade 4 or above English language or maths GCSE will study these subjects as part of their course.
We also have student development sessions which will support you towards your future career plans. You will have time for CPD (Continuous Professional Development), and you will be expected to complete at least one week’s work experience. Our Employability Team will support you to find a placement.
Typical Entry Criteria
Three GCSE Subjects at Grade 2:
Recommended Age Criteria: Under 19 (Learners with an Education Health Care Plan Under 23)
Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.
For 19+ applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.
All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.
After completing this Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery qualification, learners can progress to a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery course or choose another Level 2 construction qualification, depending on their career goals.
Shortlist and Apply
If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist
or continue to complete your application.
Please contact Student Services on 0345 155 2020 for pricing information.
Construction is a key industry sector in Gloucestershire and now is the perfect time to train for a qualification in any of the industry areas we offer. Our construction courses are a great way to develop skills and build the foundation for a successful career in domestic and industrial construction.
We are the first UK college to buy a house as a renovation project for our construction and building services students, to further develop their skills and provide them with practical experience of working on-site with other trades, and it’s initiatives like this that ensure our students leave us employment-ready.
“The people I’ve met – especially my lecturer – are really easy to talk to. The facilities are wonderful and all in order; it’s very easy to pick out and find what you need. Carpentry is fun and enjoyable, and sets you up for the rest of your life. I feel really prepared for life after college and the skills I’ve learnt are useful in daily life.
“To someone thinking of applying to GC I would say that it’s absolutely brilliant and somewhere you can learn lots and achieve a high grade. I’m working on sites at the moment so I get to travel and do renovations and house builds, which I want to continue after college.”
Ben Mason
Level 2 – Carpentry – Gloucester Campus
“Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I worked in plumbing and removals, but was ready for a career change. I’ve learnt many new skills in my apprenticeship, including fitting door linings, hanging doors and measuring and fitting kitchens.
The college side of my training has been very useful for when I’m working on site and my assessor has been helpful when showing me skills on a one-to-one basis.
An apprenticeship was the best route for me and I hope to become a self-employed carpenter once I complete my training”
Harry Taylor
Bench Joinery Apprentice at Pickering and Spencer
“The course gave me a great overview of the construction industry, which is exactly what I needed to progress in my career. I wanted a change and this equipped me with the knowledge and skills I required in order to do that. I now work as in Administration Manager in family run Construction business and I really enjoy it.
“The lecturers were very supportive and the knowledge they have is immeasurable. They have lots of experience in the industry. I very much enjoyed the variety in modules too, it allowed us to be creative and practically use what we had learnt.
“I made some great friends here, it was a very inclusive atmosphere.
“I would do it all again, it was such a brilliant experience. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to GC to not be afraid and make the jump!”
Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.
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