Construction Skills - Level 1

Summary

This construction multi-skills course has been designed for students who want to acquire basic skills in a range of construction and building techniques with a view to starting work in an entry level job on a building site or progressing to further study, with the option to specialise in one of the trades learnt.

You will cover basic bricklaying, plastering, tiling, the key elements of joinery and painting and decorating. You will learn about the key materials used in each trade and their application in a variety of situations as well as vital safety information which will allow you to carry out work whilst minimising the risk of injury.

Whilst the course is intended as a springboard into work or onto further study, it will also give you the skills to carry out basic DIY projects for yourself and for friends and family.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
02 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	1 Year	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is an introduction to the construction industry and you may be able to more easily secure labouring work on site once you finish.

Alternatively, you can progress onto Level 2 and then Level 3 construction courses and ultimately into degree level study if you wish (with appropriate qualifications in English and maths which we can help you achieve).

Employment Opportunities

Reaching Level 3 will give you all the skills you need to progress confidently into the workplace in construction generally or into a trade if you have chosen to study a particular pathway.

As well as working for an employer, this will also open the door to self-employment if you decide you want to go down this route.

Career Options and Progression

This course is an introduction to the construction industry and you may be able to more easily secure labouring work on site once you finish. Alternatively, you can progress onto Level 2 and then Level 3 construction courses and ultimately into degree level study if you wish (with appropriate qualifications in English and maths which we can help you achieve).

Reaching Level 3 will give you all the skills you need to progress confidently into the workplace in construction generally or into a trade if you have chosen to study a particular pathway. As well as working for an employer, this will also open the door to self-employment if you decide you want to go down this route.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 1 GCSE at grade 1

You will also require:

A successful interview with a tutor
The ability to study independently
A genuine interest in the subject
Good communication skills
Hardworking approach to the industry

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Construction Skills

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

All construction students must adhere to health and safety legislation when in our workshops, which will require purchasing and wearing the following items for practical activities:

Safety boots
Safety helmet
Hi-vis vest
Work trousers
Safety glasses
Gloves

All the above items can be purchased from local suppliers for a total cost of approximately £45. If you have issues funding these items, please speak to your course tutor.

For class-based learning you will also need to bring paper, pens and a folder, in which to keep all your revision and notes.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: City and Guilds

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There are no industry placements or field trips planned for this course.

How will I learn?

The course introduces students to basic skills in the following areas:

•   Plastering
•   Wall and floor tiling
•   Plumbing
•   Brickwork
•   Health and Safety

Teaching on the course is largely practical in nature with tutors demonstrating techniques and giving students the opportunity to practise them individually and as part of a team. Tutors then support students on a one-to-one basis giving advice and feedback during practical exercises.

There is some theory work to allow participants to gain an understanding of materials and their attributes and key information on health and safety issues both in domestic settings and in the construction industry more generally.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis during your practical sessions to ensure you have grasped the key techniques and so that tutors can see you are working in a safe, tidy and methodical manner. You will also be expected to produce a portfolio of work examples which can be used to assess your overall progress during the course and undertake a self-directed assignment which will also be assessed.