Carpentry and Joinery - Level 1

Apply now Entry requirements

Summary

This Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery qualification is aimed at school leavers who want to learn basic woodworking skills with a view to working in the construction industry.

You can expect lots of hands-on learning in our dedicated construction skills centre as well as developing a good understanding of main types of tools and material used in the trade and how to work with each one

You'll also learn about safe working practices and begin to understand how to plan the woodworking elements of build and work out what quantities of material you will need to complete it successfully.

Combining theory with practical modules will help to build a greater understanding of the trade and place you in an ideal position to progress onto a Level 2 programme where you will finesse your carpentry skills and learn a wider range of construction techniques.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 3-1 (or equivalent) in English and maths

Plus

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

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
06 Sep 2027
Bispham Campus
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

With the UK facing a high demand for construction workers across all the trades, qualified carpenters and joiners are in high demand and the earning potential is strong. This course gives you the basic skills required to progress onto a Level 2 qualfication in carpentry.

If you are practical, enjoy working outdoors and want a job that offers real long-term prospects, this qualification could be your gateway to a successful career in construction.

Next steps at B&FC

Having completed your Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery course successfully, the next step is to progress to a Level 2 programme.

Employment Opportunities

This course is an occupational pathway to a Level 2 qualification. You may, however, be able to secure a labouring position on a building site which will enable to learn on the job.

Key information

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery

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.

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 work placements or field trips associated with this course.

How will I learn?

The course is delivered in person and you will need to attend college most days. You will learn through a mixture of classroom-based learning and practical sessions. Most of your practical sessions will involve watching demonstrations before trying out the various techniques for yourself. Industry-expert tutors will be on hand to guide you through these practical sessions, giving advice on how you can improve your technique and showing you how to correct any mistakes so that you build confidence in your carpentry skills.

As well as learning about the construction industry, you will also continue to improve your maths and English skills as this offers more scope when it comes to deciding what you do next and later on. 

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 will include multiple choice papers, practical assessments and external online tests.