Construction - Apprenticeships | Blackpool and The Fylde College

Making it Work for You

Even in times of recession, construction professionals are in demand – especially in this part of the world where major projects like Tithebarn in Preston and the Blackpool regeneration project are keeping thousands of tradespeople in long term employment.

The training you’ll receive here as part of your Apprenticeship is some of the best in the country; our Construction Department is a centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) which means you’ll learn your trade from industry experts in a top class environment with superb facilities. In fact, there’s no better way to get your career in construction off to a flying start.

Choosing your trade

As a construction Apprentice, you can choose to study up to NVQ Level 3 in Brickwork; Carpentry and Joinery; Plastering or Plumbing.

Specialised Areas

Brickwork

Using the oldest of all materials, you’ll learn how to set out buildings, point and repoint brickwork and build anything from garden walls and arches to chimney stacks and flues.

You’ll also get a thorough grounding in the rules on health and safety; the control of substances hazardous to health (CoSHH); building plans; and how to make simple building calculations.

Carpentry and Joinery

The job of joiner, or ‘chippie’, is one of the most demanding in the construction industry, as well as one of those that’s most in demand. It’s a highly skilled profession, calling for patience, precision and an appreciation of the natural qualities and character of wood.

During your studies at the College you’ll be shown how to measure and make up doors, window frames and stairs; how to fix skirting boards and architraves; and how to operate power tools and other machinery correctly and safely.

Plastering

An Apprenticeship in plastering will introduce you to techniques for indoor plastering and external rendering, as well as give you the skills to lay screed flooring, fix angle beads and conserve and restore old plasterwork to its original condition.

Qualified plasterers are essential to any building project, and are always in demand for refurbishments, extensions and renovation work too.

Plumbing

Plumbers are responsible for creating and maintaining the network of pipes that brings water and gas into a property and allows waste water to flow away into the drains and sewers. They also supply and fit internal fixtures such as boilers, toilets, baths and showers.

You’ll be taught basic techniques like joining and bending pipes and learn how to create gutters and downspouts with sheet lead, before moving on to working with gas, hot water and ventilation technology. And of course, you’ll receive a thorough grounding in all the health and safety issues surrounding the plumbing trade.

Meet the Apprentice

Aimee Bond, age 21

When Aimee saw an advertisement for trainee joiners in her local paper, she didn’t think twice about applying, even though she had no experience to offer.

“I’m always keen to learn something new,” says Aimee, who got the job despite stiff competition from 100 other applicants,” and now my Apprenticeship is giving me the opportunity to do that every day.”

Aimee works for Blackpool Coasting Housing, while studying for her Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery at the College. Is she pleased she opted for an Apprenticeship?

“Absolutely. It keeps things interesting by giving me two completely different ways of learning. At College, the tutors are really helpful and take time to explain every element of the job. At work, there’s more variety and excitement. You learn how to cope with the deadlines and pressure.”

And her advice to anyone thinking of an Apprenticeship?

“Go for it! You learn as you earn; what could be better than that?”

Meet the Boss

Ian Butterworth , Operations Manager, Blackpool Coastal Housing

Blackpool Coastal Housing is an ‘arm’s length’ management services company responsible for the maintenance and repair of over 5,500 local authority homes in the Blackpool and Fylde area. According to Operations Manager Ian Butterworth, the company is a big supporter of Apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships fit in with the values and vision Blackpool Coastal Housing has for the community; employment for local people, education and development and, in the long term, continuity. As a business, they allow us to plan for succession. With our commitment to Apprenticeships and support for learning at all levels, it’s not inconceivable Aimee could climb the ladder to become MD.”

He also finds Apprentices help introduce new ideas and attitudes.

In fact, Ian is so pleased with Aimee’s progress, he has put her forward for the APSE (Association of Public Services Employers) awards, which recognise and promote individual achievement in the public sector.

To find out more about Apprenticeship study at Blackpool and The Fylde College, please visit our
Apprenticeships Section