Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Braintree. Classes run full-time during the day at Adult Skills Centre Braintree. You'll need 3 GCSEs (grades 9 to 1), including English and Maths, or a Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, plus an interview. The course runs for 9 months and covers the practical and technical skills needed to enter the construction industry as a carpenter or bench joiner. Workshop sessions, classroom study, and computer-aided activities all feature. You'll also work on English, maths, and employability skills alongside your trade training.
Who this course is for
This is a two-year programme of study consisting of two qualifications and is designed to prepare learners to become a professional in their chosen craft and work towards a career in the fast-growing construction industry.
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs (9-1), including English and Maths, or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, and an interview. Level 2: Satisfactory completion of the Level 1 Qualification and via a progression interview.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical carpentry and joinery techniques through hands-on workshop sessions.
You'll learn how to work safely on site and in a workshop environment.
You'll build skills in bench joinery, including cutting, shaping, and assembling timber components.
You'll study the knowledge and theory behind carpentry and joinery craft skills.
You'll complete practical assessments and end-of-unit tests set by City and Guilds.
You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course.
You'll develop English, maths, and employability skills alongside your trade training.
How you will learn
Learning combines practical workshop sessions, classroom-based study, and computer-aided activities. Assessment is through practical tasks, end-of-unit tests, and a portfolio of evidence. You'll demonstrate what you can do by completing all units of the qualification. Assessment is set by City and Guilds.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Adult Skills Centre Braintree will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Carpenter: how to become a carpenter starts here, with this level 1 carpentry and joinery qualification as your foundation.
Bench joiner: working in a workshop producing doors, windows, and timber components.
Construction labourer (carpentry): entry-level site work supporting qualified carpenters.
Shopfitter: fitting out commercial interiors using carpentry and joinery skills.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry (City and Guilds): the natural next step, developing the skills needed to work on site as a qualified carpenter. Completing Level 1 with satisfactory results and a progression interview is the entry route.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English or Maths: if you want to strengthen your English or maths alongside your trade training.
CSCS Card: once you hold the relevant NVQ, a CSCS card lets you work on most UK construction sites.
