New Start Construction Year 10

New Start Construction Year 10 WRL0032
Course title
IFP6 Level 1 Construction.

Is it for me?
This course for pupils aged 14-16.

We will always need roads, highways, airports, schools and houses and on this course you will develop the skills it takes to build them. A career in construction is exciting and challenging.
Construction is the largest industry in the country, bigger than steel and car manufacture combined. The industry needs craft workers every year to contribute to construction projects nationwide. There are lots of options and opportunities, as the industry is large and diverse. You can train as a Joiner, Bricklayer, Plasterer, or Painter and Decorator. This is one profession where you can see the results of your efforts, there is a feeling of pride knowing that you contributed to the construction of a building, highway or hospital. You need to be highly-motivated and looking for challenging work.
Joiners cut, fit, and assemble wood and other building materials. They make frames and foundations for buildings and maintain and repair structures. Joiners are versatile and know how to use different tools, read blueprints, and change structures. They are physically fit and have good communication skills. Joiners prepare and put into place most of the wooden parts of buildings - from floorboards and roof trusses to expertly-crafted windows and doors. Joiners need to enjoy working as part of a team, need to calculate angles and dimensions to make sure things fit, so they need to be good at maths.
Bricklayers construct walls of brick, block, or panels. The work is done by hand and is labour-intensive. This is probably the job that most people think of in the construction industry. Bricklayers use many different types of material and effects such as ornamental walls and vaulted archways. They also use a variety of specialist tools to spread mortar, cut bricks or blocks to size and to check that walls are perfect. Bricklayers like working outdoors and do not mind working at heights. They are physically fit, careful, accurate and are able to follow detailed instructions from architects.
Painters and Decorators apply paints and coatings on a range of structural surfaces. They decide what type of paint or coating to apply to a surface and know how the environment will affect the painted or coated surface. Painters and Decorators work with a variety of hand and power tools to prepare the surface and apply the paint or coating, these tasks require precision and knowledge. Decorators need to be good with their hands, most of the work is indoors, but some is outdoors.

What do I need?
You will need:

• parental support for your application
• above average attendance
• an interest in learning construction skills
• a combined Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessment Score of 11 or higher comprising 4, 4, 3 across English, maths and science
• to attend an interview with the teaching team, if possible, together with a parent, or guardian.

What will I study?
The course lasts for two years and gives learners the opportunity to develop basic building and construction skills from a range of trade occupations including:

Painting and Decorating
Tiling
Brickwork
Joinery and
Plumbing

How will I be taught?
Initially the course will be taught at Gateshead Colleges Construction Centre at its Durham Road Campus, but the course will move to the new Vocational Learning Centre on the Team Valley Industrial Estate during the academic year 2007/8. Pupils will have access to industry standard equipment and training facilities. Whilst the majority of the course is practically based and much of the learning will be in the workshop, some written work will need to be undertaken.
All staff are from the relevant industrial background with specialist qualifications, teaching certificates and have undergone enhanced Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks.

What qualification will I get?
The qualification that you will receive is the C&G Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Scheme 6217. QCA Accreditation Number: 100/5404/2.

This qualification is the equivalent of 3 GCSEs Grade D-G.

Can I go onto further study?
The course is designed to give school pupils the opportunity to progress onto an Apprenticeship in the Construction Industry at 16 years old. Successful students can also apply to the First Diploma in Construction which is also taught at Gateshead College.

Financial Support
14-16 year old pupils are not required to pay for any element of their vocational provision.

How do I apply?
You can apply for this course through your school.
1. Ask your Deputy Head Teacher or teacher in charge of KS4 Options for a Vocational Options Application Form
2. Return the Application form to School by their deadline
3. You will then be invited for an interview with the course leader.
4. You will be informed if you have been successful after the Easter Holiday