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Where will this course lead?

When students complete a T-Level Foundation Year - Construction, they will naturally progress onto the Level 3 T level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.

What will I study?

The T-Level Foundation Year is a one-year course designed by employers and educators to give young people the skills and underpinning knowledge they need to progress onto to the level 3 T level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction. The course will cover:

· Plan for the approval of sustainable construction projects in which you will develop knowledge of the Built Environment and Building Controls. As well as develop skills in communication, measuring and decision making

· Design sustainable construction projects in which you will develop knowledge of data in building technology, science for construction. As well as develop skills in creativity, digital, maths and numeracy.

· Apply technical skills to a sustainable construction project where you will learn about health and safety, tools, equipment and materials, construction processes.

Alongside your construction studies you will also continue with GCSE maths or English depending on your grades on entry.

This will give you the core competencies for employment or an apprenticeship or to continue with the level 3 level.

The course is ideal if you want a career in Construction and will enable you to progress into the construction Design, Surveying and Planning routes.

How will this course be delivered?

A one year course where you will attend college 2 to 3 days per week between Monday to Friday.

What qualifications will I get?

T-Level Foundation Year - Construction which will allow entry onto the Level 3 T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.

GCSE English/Maths (grade depending on exam outcome).

How will I be assessed?

The various elements of the course will be assessed via a series of assignments, presentations, observations and practical tests.

How do I get a place on the course?

You can get a place on the course by completing an application form or applying online for an interview. Applicants are invited for an interview with a member of staff from the school of Built Environment Sustainable Technologies.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to have at least a GCSE grade 4 in maths, English and sciences. Considerations will be made if grade 3 is achieved in english alone. You will also need to pass a college interview and initial assessment.

 

What else do I need to know?

Part of your studies will include some practical sessions these are likely to be electrical in nature but may also include sessions in brick laying, plastering, painting and decorating.

What can I do after this course?

Following the transition year, student can progress onto the full T-Level or potentially into a Level 3 apprenticeship in any of the following pathways - Civil Engineering, Surveying and Building Services.

When students complete a full T-Level study programme, they can choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher technical study or university.

Typical career paths will be to become members of one of the UK construction institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Institute of Builders, Chartered Institute to Building Services Engineers.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A for 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

ZPFCB052BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Design Engineer

Design and development engineers conceive engineering designs from product ideas or requirements in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering.

What’s Involved?

Design Engineers assess product requirements, including costs, manufacturing feasibility and market requirements. They prepare working designs for steam, aero, turbine, marine and electrical engines, mechanical instruments, aircraft and missile structures, vehicle and ship structures, plant and machinery equipment, domestic electrical appliances. They build systems and services, and electronic computing and telecommunications equipment. They also arrange construction and testing of model or prototype and modify designs if necessary. They produce final design information for use in preparation of layouts, parts lists, etc. They prepare specifications for materials and other components.

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of civil and mining engineering structures.

What’s Involved?

Civil Engineers undertake research and advise on soil mechanics, concrete technology, hydraulics, water and waste water treatment processes and other civil engineering matters. They determine and specify construction methods, materials, quality and safety standards and ensure that equipment operation and maintenance comply with design specifications. They design foundations and earthworks. They also design structures such as roads, dams, bridges, railways, hydraulic systems, sewerage systems, industrial and other buildings and plan the layout of tunnels, wells and construction shafts. They organise and plan projects, arrange work schedules, carry out inspection work and plan maintenance control. They organise and establish control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.

Environmental Services Manager

Waste disposal and environmental services managers plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the operations and development of waste disposal and related environmental services facilities within private firms or public authorities.

What’s Involved?

Environmental Service Managers determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements. They manage and delegate tasks to staff and co-ordinate the maintenance and optimum utilisation of waste disposal and related equipment to provide an efficient service. They monitor levels of waste disposal, recycling and related environmental services, compiles statistics and produces reports. They liaise with members of the local community to educate and promote the concept of recycling and appropriate waste management. They keep up to date with new legislation and liaise with appropriate regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with legislation regarding waste disposal and environmental services. They also co-ordinate the resources and activities relating to the procurement, collection, storage, processing and sale of scrap metal and related products.

Construction Management

Production managers and directors in construction direct and co-ordinate resources for the construction and maintenance of civil and structural engineering works including houses, flats, factories, roads and runways, bridges, tunnels and railway works, harbour, dock and marine works and water supply, drainage and sewage works.

What’s Involved?

Construction Management draw up budgets and timescales for new construction projects based on clients' requirements. They brief project teams, contractors and suppliers. They assemble information for invoicing at the end of projects. They also 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 deliveries of materials. They regularly inspect and monitor progress and quality of work, ensure legal requirements are met. They identify defects in work and propose corrections. They also record, monitor and report progress. They forecast the impact on traffic and transport of new developments (e.g. shopping centre). They assess schemes to manage traffic such as congestion charging and parking controls. They examine accident 'blackspots' to improve road safety. They also write reports for funding bids and planning authorities and act as expert witness.

Architect

Architects plan and design the construction and development of buildings and land areas with regard to functional and aesthetic requirements.

What’s Involved?

An Architect liaises with client and other professionals to establish building type, style, cost limitations and landscaping requirements. They study conditions and characteristics of site, taking into account drainage, topsoil, trees, rock formations, etc. They analyse site survey and advise clients on development and construction details and ensure that proposed design blends in with the surrounding area. They prepare detailed scale drawings and specifications for design and construction and submits these for planning approval. They also monitor construction work in progress to ensure compliance with specifications.

Quantity Surveyor

Quantity surveyors advise on financial and contractual matters relating to, and prepare bills of quantities for, construction projects and provide other support functions concerning the financing and materials required for building projects.

What’s Involved?

A Quantity Surveyor liaises with client on project costs, formulates detailed cost plan and advises contractors and engineers to ensure that they remain within cost limit. They examine plans and specifications and prepare details of the material and labour required for the project. They prepare bills of quantities for use by contractors when tendering for work. They examine tenders received, advise clients on the most acceptable and assist with preparation of a contract document. They measure and value work in progress and examine any deviations from original contract. They also measure and value completed contract for authorisation of payment.

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.

CAD Technician

CAD Technicians or Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items.

What’s Involved?

A CAD Technician examines design specification to determine general requirements. They consider the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculate the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads. They prepare design drawings, plans or sketches and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with safety regulations. They prepare detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required. They arrange for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings.

Site Technician

Site technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist civil and building engineers.

What’s Involved?

Site Technicians set up apparatus and equipment and undertake field and laboratory tests of soil and work materials. They perform calculations and collect, record and interpret data. They set out construction sites, supervise excavations and mark out positions of building work to be undertaken. They inspect construction materials and supervise work of contractors to ensure compliance with specifications and arrange remedial work as necessary.

Construction Site Supervisor

Construction site and building trades supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in construction and building trades.

What’s Involved?

A Construction Site Supervisor directly supervises and coordinates the activities of construction and building workers and/or subcontractors; establishes and monitors work schedules to meet productivity requirements; liaises with managers and contractors to resolve operational problems; determines or recommends staffing and other needs to meet productivity requirements; reports as required to managerial staff on work-related matters.

Chartered Surveyor

Chartered surveyors conduct surveys related to the measurement, management, valuation and development of land, natural resources, buildings, other types of property, and infrastructure such as harbours, roads and railway lines.

What’s Involved?

A Chartered Surveyor surveys, measures and describes land surfaces to establish property boundaries and to aid with construction or cartographic work; surveys mines, prepares drawings of surfaces, hazards and other features to control the extent and direction of mining; surveys buildings to determine necessary alterations and repairs; measures shore lines, elevations and underwater contours, establishes high and low water marks, plots shore features and defines navigable channels.

Estimator

Estimators, valuers and assessors plan and undertake the calculation of probable costs of civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic and other projects, estimate the value of property and chattels, and investigate insurance claims to assess their validity and to assign liability.

What’s Involved?

An Estimator examines plans, drawings, specifications, parts lists, etc. and specifies the materials and components required; assesses condition, location, desirability and amenities of property to be valued; assesses costs of materials, labour and other factors such as required profit margins, transport costs, tariffs and fare structures, possible hazards, etc.; prepares comprehensive estimates of time and costs and presents these in report or tender form; examines insurance documents to assess extent of liability and gathers information about incident from police, medical records, ship's log, etc. and investigates potential fraudulent claims.

Building Inspector

Building Inspectors undertake investigations and inspections to verify and ensure compliance with acts, regulations and other requirements in respect of: buildings; weights, measures and trade descriptions; the installation and safety of electrical, gas and water supplies and equipment; the welfare, health and safety in all work sites.

What’s Involved?

A Building Inspector examines building plans to ensure compliance with local, statutory and other requirements; inspects building structures, facilities and sites to determine suitability for habitation, compliance with regulations and for insurance purposes; inspects factories and other work sites to ensure adequate cleanliness, temperature, lighting and ventilation, checks for fire hazards and inspects storage and handling arrangements of dangerous materials; visits sites during construction and inspects completed installations of electricity, gas or water supply; draws attention to any irregularities or infringements of regulations and advises on ways of rectifying them; investigates industrial accidents or any complaints made by the public; prepares reports and recommendations on all inspections made and recommends legal action where necessary.

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.