Construction

All of our courses are led by expert tutors with personal experience working in the sector. Their first-hand experience helps us make sure that our courses prepare you for the real world of work. We provide work experience as part of your programme, to help you build relationships with local employers and prepare for work whilst you’re with us.

As well as theory classes, through which we’ll equip you with the technical know-how you need to succeed in your chosen trade, our construction courses also include lots of practical sessions, through which you will develop and hone your skills. You’ll also improve your English and maths skills as part of your programme, to make sure that you’re ready to get where you want to be in life.

• Brickwork: Brickwork involves more than just laying bricks to build walls, arches and partitions. With the NHC level 1-3 bricklaying courses, you will learn how to draw and follow building plans, use machinery to cut materials to size, erect scaffolding as well as lay and damp-proof foundations for a range of different structures. There is plenty of variety of in this trade - the work will take you both indoors and outdoors, up high-rise structures and even down tunnels.
• Carpentry: Carpentry is the skilled trade of working primarily with wood. A carpenter will use their skills to cut, join, shape and construct timber structures such as floors, studwork and roofs and to install items such skirting boards, doors, kitchen units and staircases. Learning is taken step by step starting with basic joints, progressing through simple frames and then moving onto larger projects. In order to perform these tasks you will learn how to use and maintain a wide variety of both hand tools and power tools. You will develop and use a keen eye for detail and accurate measurement in the reading and producing of plans and drawings. Carpentry is one of the most necessary and varied of the building trades as it has an influence on so many other construction areas.
• Electrical: Electrical construction is varied and challenging. You will work on many different small and large - scale projects from basic domestic circuits to industrial 3 phase circuits. You will learn how to install different types of cable types and containment including steel wire armoured, micc, conduit, trunking and cable tray. You will also learn how to inspect and test these circuits to industrial standards to prove they are safe. You will study the underpinning theory that all Electricians require including, principles of science and in-depth knowledge of the I.E.T regulations. Electricians perform a crucial role in ensuring that the electrical systems we all use comply with national standards of health and safety.
• Painting and decorating: Being a painter and decorator will develop both your practical and creative skills to prepare, decorate and protect surfaces such as plaster, metal and wood. You may work on domestic jobs (painting, varnishing and wallpapering peoples’ homes), commercial projects (re-decorating offices and shopping centres), or industrial projects (applying heavy-duty, weather-resistant coats to structures like bridges and pylons). Attention to detail is important to mix the right shade of paint by hand or by computer, as well as the ability to measure materials and surface areas accurately.
• Plastering: Plasterers add plaster to walls and ceilings to give them a smooth, finished look that can later be decorated. You will also learn how to design and apply mouldings, cornicing and coving to enhance the look of interior spaces. You may work on new construction projects or perhaps repair work on existing buildings. Plastering requires you to work to tight deadlines and also be physically active as you will be lifting and climbing every day.
• Plumbing: The qualification covers many areas within plumbing and domestic heating, such as hot and cold water supplies, sanitation and understanding health and safety within Building Services Engineering. Candidates will be assessed by on-demand multiple choice tests (available through the City & Guilds assessment platform e-volve) and practical assignments. Our qualifications can lead directly into employment, offering learners the chance to develop their skills and knowledge to a high standard recognised by the industry. Learners may also progress from the Level 2 qualifications to Level 3.

All of our construction courses are delivered at a purpose-built campus in Stevenage with workshop areas and equipment that look and feel like a real working environment. The campus is equipped with some of the latest tools and equipment that you’ll use when you progress into work. For example, our motor vehicle courses are sponsored by Snap-On – a global manufacturer of high-end, cutting-edge construction tools – and our plumbing programmes are delivered with support from Worcester Bosch – one of the UK’s leading companies for heating and hot water systems.