Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Bishop Auckland – Bishop Auckland College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run at Bishop Auckland College, full-time during the day. You'll cover the principles of building construction, how to use hand tools and portable power tools safely, and how to produce woodworking joints. The course runs for one year and includes practical projects through the college's own joinery business, BAC Joinery. There are no formal entry requirements for this City and Guilds carpentry and joinery qualification. You'll also work toward a CSCS card as part of your training.

Who this course is for

This is a fantastic course to give students a strong foundation within this trade. Linking theory to practical elements of the course, students will learn how to maintain and use carpentry and joinery hand tools and portable power tools, they will produce a variety of woodworking joints and learn how to ensure good health and safety when working. Students also have the opportunity to work with local employers, visit construction sites and link with local community groups to support their skills development, as well as working towards a CSCS card. Progression within this course is to Level 2 or an apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements in carpentry and joinery, English and maths GCSE Grade 4 or above an advantage but not essential

What you will learn

  • You'll learn the principles of building construction, information, and communication.
  • You'll maintain and use carpentry and joinery hand tools correctly and safely.
  • You'll prepare and use portable power tools for carpentry and joinery tasks.
  • You'll produce a range of woodworking joints.
  • You'll apply health, safety, and welfare practices in a construction environment.
  • You'll manufacture products and carry out real projects through BAC Joinery, the college's own joinery business.
  • You'll develop your skills through visits to construction sites and links with local employers and community groups.

How you will learn

Learning combines classroom theory with hands-on practical sessions. You'll work in workshop environments, producing woodworking joints and using hand tools and portable power tools. Projects through BAC Joinery give you experience manufacturing products. You'll also have the chance to visit construction sites and engage with local employers. Assessment is through the City and Guilds Diploma units, covering both knowledge and practical skills across the course.

What you will need to bring

You'll need steel toe cap boots and a polo shirt and jumper, which you can purchase from Bishop Auckland College. A high visibility vest will be provided for practical lessons.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Carpenter: how to become a carpenter starts here, at Level 1.
  • Joiner: bench joinery work in workshops and manufacturing.
  • Construction labourer: entry-level site work while building trade skills.
  • Shopfitter: fitting out retail and commercial interiors.
  • Maintenance operative: general repairs and upkeep in buildings.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: the next step toward site carpentry work and a CSCS skilled-worker card.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery: focuses on workshop-based joinery, producing doors, windows, and fitted furniture.
  • Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship: combine paid work with structured training at Level 2 or Level 3.

The provider notes that Level 2 or an apprenticeship are the natural next steps after completing this course.

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