Ideal if: you want to progress your career in a technical, professional or management role within the construction industry.
You’ll learn: surveying, project management, building regulations and design procedures.
Expect: plenty of trips to visit local employers and trade exhibitions.
You’ll love: the broad range of subjects taught by industry professionals that relate to the wide range of employment opportunities in the sector.
Construction contributes nearly £90bn to the UK economy, 6.7% of the total. There are 2.9 million jobs filled in the Construction industry, around 10% of all jobs (in over 280,000 businesses). The global construction output is forecast to increase from around $8.5 trillion today to $12 trillion in 2025. The UK has the sixth largest green construction sector in the world and around 60,000 jobs are expected to be supported by the insulation sector alone by 2015.
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National qualification suite is designed in close collaboration with industry to help people become occupationally ready to take up employment in the construction sector. This can follow either directly after achieving the qualification, or via the stepping stone of Higher Education in university or college.
There are several options for you to consider:
60 credit subsidiary diploma (part time over 1 year) equivalent to 1 A level
90 credit diploma (full time over 1 year) equivalent to 1.5 A levels
120 credit diploma (part time over 2 years) equivalent to 2 A levels
180 credit extended diploma (full time over 2 years) equivalent to 3 A levels
The part time routes are ideal for those already in construction industry related employment.
Example subject areas within the qualifications include; science and materials, mathematics, surveying, principles of design, construction technology, sustainability, health & safety and project management.
By studying these primarily technical qualifications, learners develop knowledge, understanding and skills, including essential employability skills, and apply them in real work contexts
A minimum of four GCSEs at grades A*-C or 4 and above, including both English and maths (higher tier/grade 5). Or a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A*-C including higher tier maths or new grade 5.
Upon completion, you may move on to Higher Education courses specialising in construction or civil engineering.
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.
Open Events & Campus Tours
Join us for our next event and check us out for yourself. We hold Open Evenings several times a year where you can explore our campuses, meet the teaching teams and explore life at GC.
Application FAQs
Check out some of our most frequently asked admissions questions or get in touch with the team.
Cheltenham
