Building & Construction

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This 20-week part-time course is aimed at those wishing to further their academic qualifications and enhance their career opportunities within the construction industry. The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Modern Methods of Construction for England is to broaden employees' knowledge in anticipation of the inevitable changes on the horizon.
Entry Requirements:

All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills, and experience. You should have the desire to further your career in the Construction Industry and hold either a Level 3 NVQ Diploma or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction, a BTEC National Award, A Levels or equivalent. Ideally, applicants should also have GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent). If the applicant has the necessary experience within professional roles but not the appropriate qualification, then this will be assessed on evidence of work history.
What does the course involve?:

Unit 15: The Principles of Alternative Energy - the aim of this unit is to develop students’ knowledge of current and future energy technologies and to be able to apply that knowledge to the analysis and assessment of their effectiveness. Students will also apply their knowledge and research to a design activity. On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to research and design alternative energy systems and assess new technologies available to the construction industry.

Unit 24: The Principles of Off-site Construction - in this unit, students will explore different approaches to off-site construction, focusing on building development and delivery. This includes modular construction, factory construction, automation and robotics, and 3D printing. Students will consider the way in which off-site processes and technologies may influence building design and delivery. By the end of this unit, students will be able to assess potential options for off-site production and develop design and manufacturing strategies to enable building delivery.

For more information, open the below link and click on Units 15 and 24:

Unit Descriptors for the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals Construction Suite
How is the course assessed?:

Your work will be continually assessed throughout this flexible and blended programme. Attendance will be required at key points throughout the 20 weeks with online support and resources available throughout.

BTEC Higher Nationals in Modern Methods of Construction for England: Specification (pearson.com)
How much does it cost?:

This programme is fully funded by the Department for Education.
Additional Notes:

This course will run on Wednesdays from 16:00 until 17:30. Students will attend classes onsite at the London Road Campus and also via distance learning. 
What do I do next?:

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. If after reading this factsheet you are still undecided, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This is a general introductory 5-week course for adults covering the safe practice of basic DIY skills, advice, and tips across key areas of household jobs and home improvement. This course will give you the confidence needed for safe and enjoyable DIY!   
Entry Requirements:

 There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
What does the course involve?:

This 5-week course begins with an introductory session before progressing each week through various aspects of home DIY. You will practise essential skills, gain useful knowledge, and pick up handy hints on home improvement, whilst also knowing when to contact qualified specialists. The course comprises the following 5 sessions and below are just examples of each week's topics.

Week 1 Introduction

General health & safety; working at height; competent use of the right tools for the job; identifying wall types; zones for cablework; drilling; sawing; fixing types of wall plugs, screws, nails; etc.  

Week 2 Basic Jobs at home

Measuring accurately; checking levels, surfaces, angles; putting up shelves/blinds/curtains/bathroom cabinets/mirrors; hanging picture frames/notice boards; tiling & grouting; patch plastering; etc.

Week 3 Painting and Decorating at home

Preparation of surfaces (sanding, stripping, taping); indoor & outdoor painting; different types of paint/products; applying paint; wall papering; tidying up; cleaning equipment; etc.

Week 4 General Plumbing/Drainage at home

Plumbing in washing machines/dishwashers; location of stop taps/isolation valves; toilet cisterns - basic troubleshooting; frost protection for outside taps; gutters/drains/water butts; etc.

Week 5 General Electrical at home

Location and safe operation of fuse box switches for safe isolation; changing light fittings/moving sockets safely; safe operation & maintenance of smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors; etc. 
How is the course assessed?:

No formal assessment to be undertaken other than ongoing support and guidance.
Additional Notes:

Students should equip themselves with: Tape Measure, Pencil, Notebook, Gloves, Safety Shoes/Boots.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

The T Level Foundation Programme provides a high-quality route onto T Levels for students who would benefit from the additional study time and preparation that it will give them before they start their T Level.  Our T Level Foundation Programme is a one-year course designed to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to support progression onto, and success on, a T Level.
Entry Requirements:

You will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including Maths and English.
What does the course involve?:

There is a T Level Foundation Programme to prepare you for each T Level subject area. You’ll learn about the different T Levels within this subject area and their career opportunities, so that you can decide on the correct T Level for you. T Levels have a broad range of potential progression outcomes.


The college will be offering a Foundation Programme to allow students to move onto the following T Levels:

  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction: Electrotechnical Engineering
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning For Construction: Surveying and Design for Construction
How is the course assessed?:

A wide range of assessment methods will be used throughout your programme, including presentations, group work, assignments, observation of activity, scenario projects, and external assessments which will develop your confidence for the success on T Levels.
Additional Notes:

Successful completion of the Foundation Programme for your preferred T Level route will enable you to study that same T Level route.

After T Levels, you could progress straight into a skilled job or continue your studies via an apprenticeship or higher technical qualification.

 

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Property Maintenance Operatives are found in the construction and built environment sector, where properties across the housing, healthcare, social care, hospitality, education, commercial, leisure, retail, and private and public sectors, require maintenance to keep them in a safe working condition, and to optimise their quality or performance.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to conduct the general day-to-day maintenance required to keep a range of properties in a good state of repair. Property maintenance operatives conduct routine maintenance tasks, and minor planned and responsive repair works, using a broad range of fundamental trade skills including carpentry, joinery, plumbing, plastering, brick and block work, external works and associated finishing trades including tiling, painting, and decorating. Operatives use a wide variety of hand and power tools, materials, components, fixtures and fittings, ensuring work that is carried out is compliant with health and safety requirements, and meets building safety regulations and legislation. This requires them to know and understand the key principles of buildings and their construction, the range of building services that support a buildings operation, including electrical, plumbing, plant, safety systems and equipment, the techniques, and processes to prevent damage.

Generic job titles recognised across the industry; Maintenance assistant, maintenance technician, multi-skilled technician, multi-skilled trade operative, property maintenance operative, property technician.
Entry Requirements:

In order to complete this Property Maintenance Apprenticeship, you will be expected to complete an initial assessment in maths and English to ensure you are at a suitable level to work towards this qualification. Some employers will specify their own minimum qualification entry requirements, which would be detailed within their Apprenticeship vacancy.
What does the course involve?:

For a comprehensive understanding of this property maintenance programme and what it entails, please click here.

As part of this Apprenticeship Standard, if you do not hold GCSE maths and English at grades 9-4, you will also be required to study towards your functional skills Level 2, as a block week delivery.
How is the course assessed?:

This Property Maintenance Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on either a block week or day release basis, dependant on employer preference. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.
Additional Notes:

Typically, the Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship will take 15 months to complete, and there is possibility to progress and specialise within a specific trade on completion.
What do I do next?:

To be a multi-skilled apprentice you will need an employer who can offer you relevant work and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 342 460 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Anyone who is responsible for supervising specialist contractors and workers on construction projects.

Roles/Occupations may include:  Assistant Site Manager, Assistant Supervisor or Construction Site Supervisor. In the case of smaller construction companies, the roles are likely to include Site Manager or Site Supervisor. They are associated with the supervision of specialist contractors and workers on construction projects and are based on construction sites with occasional time in offices.
Entry Requirements:

Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements, but the typical entry requirements for this Apprenticeship will be five GCSEs or equivalent, including maths, English and a science; or a Level 2/3 Apprenticeship.
What does the course involve?:

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here
How is the course assessed?:

This Apprenticeship is taught at our Higher Education centre at the London Road campus on a day release basis once a week where you will be taught the HNC in Construction and the Built Environment. In addition, your skills and behaviours will be assessed in the workplace against the apprenticeship standard. At the end of the programme, you will be required to sit an End Point Assessment to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out your role effectively.
Additional Notes:

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 3 years to complete, plus the End Point Assessment period.
What do I do next?:

To be a Construction Site Supervisor apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 342 460 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

The construction industry is an incredibly exciting option for a well-paid, rewarding career. There are so many different job roles we cannot list them all here. With its in-depth content and brilliant work placement scheme, the T Level can lead to a well-paid job with great prospects for progression as soon as you leave college. If you wish, the UCAS points will allow you to go on to university and qualify in a profession such as Architecture, Surveying, Civil Engineering, Project Management or Town Planning.

The T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction will provide the perfect opportunity for you to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of a wide range of construction-related topics that will prepare you for progression to degree-level education at university as an architect, surveyor, quantity surveyor, structural engineer, or town planner. Alternative progression routes are a higher apprenticeship at SCG or direct entry into employment. 
Entry Requirements:

GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, plus 4 additional GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Science).
What does the course involve?:

The T Level is a big subject with a large amount of theory content. It is the equivalent of doing 3 A Levels. The range of topics we cover is very wide, and no two days in college are the same. Construction employers have designed the content. See the specification for more detail. Please be aware, this is not a practical subject; you will not be learning a trade.

A small flavour of the areas we cover:

  • Maths- especially trigonometry and areas/volumes/measuring/calculus
  • Science- materials, forces, heat, light, and sound
  • Law- planning law, landlord and tenant and contract law
  • Drawing- freehand sketching, 2D CAD, 3D CAD • Surveying- using tapes, levels and a very high-tech “total station” with GPS
  • Sustainability- low carbon buildings, alternative energy, and heat sources, Passivehouse
  • Construction techniques, modern methods of construction and project management
  • Designing buildings to a client’s specification
  • Digital Technology
  • Relationship management

 

The T level is aimed at those who have a strong desire to work at management level in the construction industry. It can also lead to a degree course in architecture, surveying or planning. It is NOT the right type of course if you wish to learn a trade such as carpentry, bricklaying, or plumbing.
How is the course assessed?:

Assessment Year 1:

  • 2 written papers in the summer. 2 1/2 hours each
  • An employer-set project of 15 hours duration which requires you to design and draw a building

Year 2:

  • You will study an Occupational Specialism: either Design or Surveying. You will complete an assessed project of 30 hours duration in year 2, based on your chosen specialism. You also need to have completed at least 315 hours of work placement to complete the T Level.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Having successfully developed specific Bricklaying knowledge and skills through completing the Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, this programme is designed to give you an understanding of advanced knowledge and techniques of the trade. These specialist skills will improve your employability prospects with a specialist construction company, and you will be working on the same core subjects as those on an Advanced Apprenticeship programme. Progress to the HNC/HTQ in Construction Management for England or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Bricklaying.
Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying. You will also need to have a successful interview with the tutor.
What does the course involve?:

The course covers the following areas:

  • Maintenance and repairs of masonry structures
  • Construction of radial and battered brickwork
  • Decorative and reinforced brickwork
  • Construction of fireplaces and chimneys
How is the course assessed?:

The qualification is unit based with each unit having a theoretical multiple-choice end test. Vocational units have additional practical assessments.
How much does it cost?:

You will be expected to provide your own overalls and safety shoes.

The Free Courses for Jobs offer gives eligible adults the chance to access their first Level 3 qualification for free (if the course is eligible for funding). In addition, any adult in England who is earning under the National Living Wage or is unemployed, may also be able to access these qualifications for free, regardless of their prior qualification level.
What do I do next?:

If you meet the entry requirements for this course, please use the Register my Interest or Apply Now buttons or contact Part-time Admissions on 01743 342333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 342 333, use our Live Chat facility or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fees stated are for enrolment for the current academic year only. Courses which run for 2 or 3 years will be subject to further fees and possible price increases each year.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Having successfully developed specific Painting and Decorating knowledge and skills through completing the Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, this programme is designed to give you an understanding of advanced knowledge and techniques of the trade. These specialist skills will improve your employability prospects within a specialist area, and you will be working on the same core subjects as those on an Advanced Apprenticeship programme. Progress to the HNC/HTQ in Construction Management for England or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Painting & Decorating. 
Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating. You will also need to have a successful interview with the tutor.
What does the course involve?:

The course comprises 3 main areas:

- Health, safety and welfare

- Information, quantities and communication

- Construction technology

 The course covers the following skills and knowledge:

  • Erect and dismantle access equipment and working platforms
  • Prepare surfaces for protection and decoration
  • Apply coatings by brush and roller
  • Apply wall coverings to ceilings and walls
  • Produce advanced decorative finishes
  • Carry out specialist feature work
  • Apply water-borne paint systems using airless equipment
How is the course assessed?:

The qualification is unit based with each unit having a theoretical multiple-choice end test. Vocational units have additional practical assessments.
How much does it cost?:

The Free Courses for Jobs offer gives eligible adults the chance to access their first Level 3 qualification for free (if the course is eligible for funding). In addition, any adult in England who is earning under the National Living Wage or is unemployed, may also be able to access these qualifications for free, regardless of their prior qualification level.
What do I do next?:

What do I do next?

If you meet the entry requirements for this course, please use the Register my Interest or Apply Now buttons or contact Part-time Admissions on 01743 342333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 342 333, use our Live Chat facility or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fees stated are for enrolment for the current academic year only. Courses which run for 2 or 3 years will be subject to further fees and possible price increases each year.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

An introduction and guide for people who would like the opportunity to gain plastering skills. Having gained a basic knowledge of plastering practices, you could proceed onto a Diploma in Construction or an Apprenticeship programme.
Entry Requirements:

No formal qualifications are required, however a keen interest in plastering and an eye for detail would be advantageous.
What does the course involve?:

The course will give you background knowledge and practical skills to plaster walls, and will include the following: Health and Safety, Mixing, Fixing Plasterboards, Skimming and Plaster Patching.

Students should equip themselves with: Stanley Knife, Tape Measure, Gloves, Safety Shoes/Boots, Pencil and a change of clothing.
How is the course assessed?:

No formal assessment to be undertaken other than ongoing support and guidance.

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