Free Level 1 Building and Construction Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus, full-time during the day. This one-year building and construction qualification introduces you to a range of core trades, from practical skills on site to the underpinning knowledge behind them. You'll also get a clearer picture of which area of construction suits you best. Entry requires GCSEs at Grade 3 or above in English and Maths, and you'll attend an interview before starting.
Who this course is for
The Level 1 Diploma in Building and Construction is the ideal groundwork for anyone wanting to get a strong foundation in the sector.This one-year, full time programme will give you the opportunity to learn skills from a number of core trades within the construction industry. And if you're still trying to decide which of the many varied routes a career in construction suits you best, this course will help you find your specialism.You'll be thoroughly trained in practical skills and learn the underpinning theory of six core trades: Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plumbing, and Tiling.During the course you will also learn how to develop essential character strengths for success, such as confidence, self-belief and ownership.
Entry requirements
GCSE's at Grade 3 or above in English and Maths. It is expected in the first instance that the applicant will have a genuine interest in the construction industry and each applicant will be required to attend an interview to ascertain his/her suitability for the course.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills across several core construction trades.
You'll learn the underpinning knowledge and theory behind construction work.
You'll explore different specialisms within the construction industry to help identify your preferred route.
You'll build hands-on experience working with construction materials and methods.
You'll understand health, safety, and working practices relevant to construction sites.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of practical, hands-on sessions and classroom-based study at West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus. Assessment is carried out throughout the course and covers both your practical skills and your knowledge of construction principles. You'll also attend an interview before the course begins to confirm the programme is the right fit for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Labourer: entry-level work supporting trades on construction sites.
Construction operative: general site work across a range of tasks.
Groundworker: preparing land and foundations for building projects.
Maintenance operative: carrying out repairs and upkeep on buildings.
Apprentice carpenter, bricklayer, or plasterer: starting a trade apprenticeship after this course.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in a specific construction trade (such as bricklaying, carpentry, or plastering): the natural next step once you've identified your specialism.
Construction apprenticeship at Level 2 or Level 3: combines paid work with structured training in your chosen trade.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English or Maths: useful if you want to strengthen your qualifications alongside trade training.
