Course overview
Thinking About a Career in Construction?
Ifyou'reinterested in the construction industry, this course is the perfect starting point!It'san exciting opportunity to take yourfirst step toward a careerthat'sboth satisfying and rewarding.
Delivered overone half-day per week, thispractical, hands-on coursegives you an insight into several key construction trades, including:
- Bricklaying
- Decorative Painting
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Plumbing
You'lllearn a variety of trade-specific skills through practical units, helping you makeinformed choices about your future careerin construction.
Butit'snot just about trade skills€”you'llalso developemployability skills and positive attitudesthat employers value, such as:
- Setting goals and working towards them
- Reflecting and learning from experience
- Timekeeping and reliability
This course is designed to give you areal taste of the construction industry, build your confidence, and prepare you for progression to further study or an apprenticeship.
Course description
This course is delivered throughfully practical classes, giving you hands-on experience in learning the basic skills and techniques from four key construction craft trades:
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Plumbing
- Plastering
These practical sessions are designed to help you explore different trades and discover which area of construction interests you most.
Please note:Course content is subject to change, ensuring it stays relevant to industry needs and provides the best learning experience for students
Entry requirements
There areno formal academic qualificationsrequiredfor this course.
However, applicants must be able todemonstratethe ability to work atSCQF Level 4, which means showing a willingness to learn, follow instructions, and engage positively in practical activities.
This course is designed for school pupils who want to take theirfirst step into the construction industryand explore different trades in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Applicants whose first language is not English should upload evidence that they have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses.English language ability may be evidenced through prior study, work experience, or assessment at interview. All applicants will be considered and language suitability will be confirmed by the curriculum team at interview.
Learning outcome
Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the construction industry. Many students progress to:
œ…Apprenticeship Programs
The most common next step is securing anSVQ Level 3 Craft Apprenticeshipin a trade such as carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, or painting and decorating.
œ…Employment in Construction
You could also move directly into employment in roles such as:
- Site Operative€“assistingon building sites and gaining valuable hands-on experience
- Building Supplies and Merchandising€“ working with suppliers and customers in the construction materials sector
œ…Further Training and Specialisation
Ifyou'rekeen to keep learning, you can progress totrade-specific coursesor advanced qualifications to specialise in your chosen area.
The construction industry offersexcellent long-term career prospects, with opportunities to develop into supervisory roles, site management, or even start your own business once you gain experience.
Progression
Completing this course gives you a guaranteed pathway into construction.
- Automatic entrywill be granted to anyCollege Academy candidatewho wishes toenrolin afull-time construction coursefor the next academic year€”provided thatyou have shown theappropriate levelof commitment, attitude, and passionfor a career in construction.
- Successful completion of this course will guarantee access toConstruction Skills @ SCQF Level 4as thebaseline entry point, withno further formal qualificationsrequired.
- If you already hold the necessary qualifications, you may be able to progress directly intoany suitable full-time construction courseat a higher level.
This means your performance, attendance, and engagement during this course are key to unlocking your next step. Demonstrating reliability, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn will help secure your progression.
Course options
Course Type: Part-time
Details
Venue details
Stranraer Campus
Lewis Street
Stranraer