Building the Future
A new suite of qualifications has been introduced across Wales, developed with employers to better meet the skills needs of the built environment sector. The change aims to simplify the complex landscape of more than 400 qualifications in construction and building services in Wales and to ensure that you are better prepared for careers across the sector. There will be an increased focus on new and traditional techniques, on knowledge of the industry as a whole and on the generic skills needed to progress into work from education.
We offer a range of full and part-time construction courses to suit any level across several of our campuses. We focus on delivering excellence in teaching and learning whilst training to help all students achieve their potential. Our construction courses focus on skills that can be applied directly to the workplace or further study, giving you the knowledge to pursue a career in the construction industry.
Gateway into Construction
Gateway into Construction – Entry Level is a full-time further education course designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry. The course offers an opportunity to develop literacy and numeracy skills alongside employability skills to help progress on to the next level within construction. This is supported with a variety of hands-on practical activities, which may include brickwork, plastering, carpentry, painting and decorating, wall and floor tiling, and groundworks, depending on your chosen campus.
No entry requirement required.
Construction Skills (Multi-Trade – Pre-Foundation)
Construction Skills Level 1 is a full-time, further education course designed for students who are interested in a career in the construction industry. The course consists of knowledge of health and safety, practical and theory sessions from some of the following, depending on your chosen College: bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, painting or tiling.
Entry requirements include an F in GCSE Maths and an F in GCSE English.
The Level 2 Foundation in Construction and Built Environment
The Level 2 Foundation in Construction and Built Environment is a brand new qualification where you study two trade experiences from the following:
- Working with brick, block and stone
- Wood occupations
- Groundworks
- Painting and decorating
- Plastering and interior systems
- Wall and floor tiling
The construction and building services industry has around three million workers in the UK, making it one of the country’s biggest employers. The industry requires a large number of newly trained operatives each year in order to keep up with demand. Jobs are available across all areas, and there has never been a better time to join this rewarding industry.
Training takes place in spacious and well-equipped workshops where students have the chance to develop new knowledge and skills which will equip them for a successful career in the construction industry.
Entry requirements include a D in GCSE Maths and a D in GCSE English.
What will I do?
Tuition is carried out by qualified staff with industry experience who focus on developing students’ skills. Many of our staff are former students of the College and understand how to make learning interesting and enjoyable, and can get the best out of students. You will cover practical craft skills, job knowledge and advanced trade techniques in your chosen path. You will also learn the interpretation of construction drawings and the calculation of materials and costings. Students are also encouraged to participate in skills competitions as a means of enhancing their practical ability and developing higher-level skills.
Assessment
To achieve this qualification, learners must complete:
- One externally set, externally marked multiple-choice test
- One externally set, internally marked project covering two trade areas
- One externally set, internally marked guided discussion
Who is the qualification for?
It is suitable for:
- Learners aged 16+ currently working in or intending to work in the construction and built environment sector.
- Site operatives who want to widen their knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector more generally.
- Learners who have achieved, or are working towards, their Level 2 Essential Skills English and Maths (or equivalent). There are no additional entry requirements for this qualification
Progression
On completion, the qualification will provide a broad foundational knowledge across the construction or built environment industry as well as introductory knowledge and skills in two chosen pathways. The qualification provides the knowledge to progress on to further study:
- Progression in Construction Level 2 (Full-time) – City & Guilds
- Construction Level 3 Two-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds
- Construction Level 3 Three-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds
