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Where will this course lead?

You will learn vital Carpentry skills from experts in the sector and will be taught how to understand working drawings, types of structures, use of different Carpentry tools and materials as well as how to conduct yourself and others on building sites. This unit is a foundation for the Diploma level 2 course.

What will I study?

The main topics covered within this qualification are:

- Up to date Health & Safety requirements essential for working on a building site, including an exam 201.

- Types of Timber materials, application techniques and different backgrounds.

- Use of tools associated with the carpentry trade

- Types of joints used in fabrication of timber components.

- Understand working drawings

The course also offers a basic understanding of:

- Roof construction traditional and modern

- Foundation construction

- Flooring construction methods used

- Timber-frame construction

How will this course be delivered?

Half of this course involves practical assignments in the workshop whilst developing your underpinning knowledge in the classroom with ongoing support from your tutor. The duration is generally one academic year.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery 6706-13

How will I be assessed?

To pass this course you will have to successfully complete all practical and theory assessments and pass two multi choice on-line tests. All assessments are carried out by qualified assessors to the awarding body requirements.

How do I get a place on the course?

Apply online or complete an application form collected from any Solihull College & University Centre campus. If successful, places are offered after an interview and an assessment of your Maths and English which is carried out at the Construction Centre at the Woodlands Campus.

What are the entry requirements?

GCSE Grade 3 in Mathematics and English and be genuinely interested in the construction industry. Entry will be subject to a satisfactory reference and interview.

What else do I need to know?

You will be required to provide safety boots and appropriate clothing to wear in the workshop.

Course reference book- Carpentry level 1 Diploma covers all you learning requirements printed by Nelson Thornes.

Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes.

If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, or a level 2 Functional skill, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards these grades.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too.

Solihull College and University Centre offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

What can I do after this course?

If you successfully pass this course you can apply to progress on to the NVQ or Diploma 2. Learners who have a proven high standard of attendance and demonstrated a positive attitude can be recommended for any available apprenticeships.

Location

Woodlands Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

BUDAA052CCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Carpenter/Joiner

Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install and repair wooden structures and fittings used in internal and external frameworks and cut, shape, fit and assemble wood to make templates, jigs, scale models and scenic equipment for theatres.

What’s Involved?

Carpenters/Joiners examine drawings and specifications to determine job requirements. They select and measure appropriate woods and cut, shape and drill to specification using saws, planes, chisels and other power or hand tools. They also align and fix prepared wood pieces by screwing, nailing, gluing and dowelling to form frames, shop fronts, counter units, decking, theatrical sets, furniture, small wooden craft, scale models and wooden templates. They check accuracy of work with square, rule and spirit level. They also maintain and repair woodwork and fittings.

Construction Project Manager

Job holders in this unit group manage and oversee major construction and civil engineering projects and major building contracts for quality of work, safety, timeliness and completion within budget; forecast travel patterns and develop strategies for managing the impact of traffic-related demand.

What’s Involved?

Construction Project Managers draw up budgets and timescales for new construction projects based on clients' requirements. They brief project team, contractors and suppliers. They also assemble information for invoicing at the end of projects. They plan work schedules for construction projects based on prior discussion with architects, surveyors etc. They hire and may supervise site staff, establish temporary site offices, take delivery of materials. They also regularly inspect and monitor progress and quality of work, ensure legal requirements are met. They identify defects in work and propose corrections. They record, monitor and report progress; They forecast the impact on traffic and transport of new developments (e.g. shopping centre). They also assess schemes to manage traffic such as congestion charging and parking controls. They examine accident 'blackspots' to improve road safety. They write reports for funding bids and planning authorities and act as expert witness.

Furniture Maker

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers make, repair and restore wooden furniture, decorative objects and other crafted pieces of woodwork.

What’s Involved?

Furniture Makers examine drawings and specifications to determine job requirements and appropriate materials. They select, measure, cut and shape wood using saws, chisels, planes, powered hand tools and woodworking machines. They assemble parts with crafted joints, nails, screws, dowels or adhesives and fit locks, catches, hinges, castors, drawers, shelves and other fittings. They also remove, replace or repair damaged parts of wooden furniture. They measure floor area to be covered and lay wood blocks, parquet panels or hardwood strips. They match and mark out veneers ready for cutting and examine and repair defects in veneer or plywood sheets.

Construction Operative

Workers in this unit group operate insulating equipment, fix plasterboard or dry linings to ceilings and walls, help construct, maintain, repair and demolish buildings and clean and resurface eroded stonework, lay, join and examine pipe sections for drainage, gas, water or similar piping systems and carry out a variety of other construction operative tasks.

What’s Involved?

Construction Operatives fill machine with insulating mixture, position hose, drill access hole and fill cavities or coat surfaces to prevent loss or absorption of heat and provide fire protection. They select appropriate plasterboard or dry lining panels, cut them to required size and fix them to ceilings and walls. They also cut, shape and fit wood, lay bricks and tiles, clean exterior surfaces of buildings and resurface eroded stone or brickwork, and perform other tasks in the construction, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings. They select appropriate asbestos, clay, concrete, plastic or metal pipe sections and lower them into prepared trenches using hoisting equipment. They joint pipes by sealing with rubber, cement, lead, etc., connect piping to manholes and attach pipe junctions as required. They test joints with electronic test equipment or by filling piping with water, smoke or compressed air.

Roofer

Job holders in this unit group cover roofs and exterior walls with felting, sheeting, slates, tiles and thatch to provide a waterproof surface.

What’s Involved?

Roofers measure roof or exterior wall and calculate required amounts of underfelt, tiles, slates or thatching material. They cut wooden battens, felt and underfelt to required size. They also lay and secure underfelt and cover with hot bitumen or other adhesive compound. They lay, align and secure successive overlapping layers of roofing material. They seal edges of roof with mortar and ensure that joints are watertight.

Window Fitter

Job holders in this unit group install pre-glazed wooden, metal or PVC framework, and cut, fit and set glass in windows, doors, shop fronts, and other structural frames.

What’s Involved?

Window Fitters examine drawings or specifications to determine job requirements. They score plain, coloured, safety and ornamental glass with hand cutter and break off glass by hand or with pliers. They also smooth edges of glass and position and secure in frame or grooved lead strips. They apply mastic, putty or adhesive between glass and frame and trim off excess with knife. They fix mirror panels to interior and exterior walls and repair and replace broken glass.

Facilities Manager

Job holders within this unit group manage shopping centres, residential areas and private estates, and arrange for the sale, purchase, rental and leasing of property on behalf of clients and employers.

What’s Involved?

A Facilities Manager determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements. They manage general upkeep, maintenance and security of the estate's amenities. They make sure that the amenities meet health and safety standards and legal requirements. They also advise on energy efficiency. They discuss client's requirements and may advise clients on the purchase of property and land for investment and other purposes. They conduct or arrange for structural surveys of properties and undertake any necessary valuations of property or agricultural land, and deal with grant and subsidy applications. They negotiate land or property purchases and sales or leases and tenancy agreements and arrange legal formalities with solicitors, building societies and other parties. They also maintain or arrange for the maintenance of estate accounts and record and produce financial forecasts. They act as arbiter in disputes between landlord and tenant and ensure that both fulfil their legal obligations. They examine and assess housing applications, advise on rent levels, investigate complaints and liaise with tenants' association and social workers to resolve any family problems.

Caretaker

Caretakers supervise and undertake the care and maintenance of buildings, their facilities, fixtures and contents.

What’s Involved?

A caretaker supervises and/or undertakes the cleaning and maintenance of premises; controls heating, lighting and security systems; undertakes minor repairs and notifies owner of need for major repairs; checks fire and safety equipment for adequate functioning and more.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.