With the industry booming in the UK, there has never been a better time to get hands-on and build your future. This course offers an in-depth view of the construction industry by allowing you to try a variety of construction skills.
Taught by expert lecturers in purpose-built workshops, you will practice trades like brickwork, carpentry, and plumbing. With the right skills and knowledge, you will be prepared for an apprenticeship or progression to a Level 3 qualification.
What you will learn
You will learn about the construction industry, and you will be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge and understanding of a varied range of construction trades, including:
Brickwork
Joinery
Wall and floor tiling
Construction operations
Painting and decorating
Carpentry
Plastering
Plumbing
Our fully equipped workshops are packed with all the tools you will need, and our expert lecturers will be there to guide you every step of the way. You will develop English and maths skills, and you will also get to work on real projects as you learn new techniques, bringing your new skillset to life.
At Gloucestershire College, we are also proud to work closely with local and national construction companies to give you valuable insights and placements.
Highlights
Last year, students have been able to:
Collaborate with local charities on various building projects for valuable hands-on experience
Visit working construction sites, such as the Kier construction site for the Gloucester Forum regeneration and the Beard construction site for the new sustainable Construction Centre at Cheltenham Campus
Take part in a furniture-building project that raises funds for extra-curricular trips and activities
Hear from guest speakers who are experts in the industry, including former students and employers looking for fresh talent
Assessment
The awarding body for this course is NOCN. The course is assessed through a combination of practical assessments, assessed by tutors, and online theory-based exams. You’ll complete 12 topics, and must pass all units to complete the course.
Anything else?
You will be required to wear steel toe capped boots and appropriate clothing for practical sessions.
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 3 and above:
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.
Now you have had a try at a variety of trades, you can look for an apprenticeship or higher level qualification in your chosen subject.
Shortlist and Apply
Please select the specific course you would like to apply for.
What You Will Pay
Please select a course to see 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.
Open Events & Campus Tours
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Application FAQs
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Cheltenham
Forest of Dean
Gloucester
