Course overview
Shape your future with skills that last a lifetime.
The NQ Carpentry and Joinery (Pre-Apprenticeship Level 5) course provides the hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and confidence you need to begin your career as a Carpentry or Joinery Apprentice.
You’ll develop essential craft skills in bench joinery, site joinery, and repair work, along with transferable construction knowledge and problem-solving abilities. The course also includes Health & Safety training and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) preparation, helping you work safely and effectively on site.
Delivered through a mix of classroom, digital, and practical workshop learning, this course equips you for employment, further study, or an apprenticeship in the construction sector.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have an interest in woodworking, construction, or interior building trades.
- Want to learn practical skills for a Carpentry & Joinery apprenticeship.
- Enjoy creative, hands-on learning and working as part of a team.
- Are looking to build employability and ICT skills for the workplace.
ℹ️ Please note that while we aim to prepare you as much as possible, an apprenticeship is not guaranteed after the course, as this is up to the employers.
Course description
You’ll gain a strong foundation in joinery and construction through practical and theory-based learning.
Key Learning Areas
- Carpentry & Joinery Fundamentals – introduction to tools, materials, and safe working practices.
- Bench Joinery Skills – making and assembling components to precise measurements.
- Site Joinery and Construction Carpentry – developing skills for installation and repair work on site.
- Manufacture Joinery Components – creating items such as doors, frames, and fittings.
- Repair and Maintenance – learning to fix and refurbish joinery structures.
- Construction Drawing, Numeracy & ICT – improving technical accuracy and digital literacy.
- Health & Safety Qualification and CSCS Preparation – preparing for industry certification.
This course is delivered through blended learning, combining classroom study with digital and hands-on practical sessions in the workshop.
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications required, however you should have:
✅ A genuine interest in carpentry, joinery, or woodworking.
✅ The motivation to develop skills and progress to an apprenticeship.
✅ A willingness to participate fully in both classroom and workshop learning.
ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old at the start of this course.
ℹ️ If you have already completed an NQ Construction Pre-Apprenticeship course, you are not eligible to apply.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Progression
Further study
On completion of the course, you can progress to:
You’ll leave with the practical skills and professional attitude employers are looking for in the modern construction industry.
Career opportunities
This qualification opens the door to a range of skilled trade and entry-level roles within the construction industry, including:
🪚 Carpenter or Joiner Apprentice
🪵 Bench Joiner
🧰 Site Joiner or Fitter
🏗 Construction or Maintenance Operative
🧾 Trade Counter or Materials Assistant
With further study and experience, you could progress to senior roles such as Master Joiner, Site Supervisor, or move into Furniture Making or Interior Fit-Out.
Course options
Course Type: Full-time
Details
Venue details
East End Campus
John Wheatley Building
Glasgow
Course provider
Glasgow Kelvin College
East End Campus
John Wheatley Building
Glasgow