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Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Darlington

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Darlington College lists a fee of £3,533 if you're not eligible. Contact Darlington College for more info.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day. You'll learn the foundations of carpentry and joinery, including how to work with different types of wood, read technical drawings, and use hand and power tools safely. This is a practical, hands-on carpentry and joinery qualification that runs for 34 weeks. No formal qualifications are needed to apply; you'll attend an interview and the college will review your application. A good starting point for anyone exploring how to become a carpenter or joiner.

Who this course is for

If you are interested in becoming a Joiner or Carpenter or working in associated trades, this course will provide you with the foundations required to begin your career. This is a practical course which will allow you to learn and develop various skills relating to the trade. Working in construction as a joiner involves: Learning the uses of different types and grades wood and choosing the right one for the job Understanding technical drawings and how their work will fit within the building Cutting wood on machines or by hand, measuring and marking it according to the design. Joiners use a range of equipment from traditional tools such as saws, chisels, rulers and drills through to state-of-the-art computerised cutting equipment and hi-tech drawing and design software. Their skills are also a valuable mix of traditional and modern craftsmanship

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements however, Maths and English are very important skills for a Joiner and would be an asset.

A keen interest in the subject is essential. We will request a school or college report and you will attend an interview at the college.

What you will learn

  • You'll identify different types and grades of wood and select the right material for each job.
  • You'll read and interpret technical drawings used in construction and joinery work.
  • You'll use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly.
  • You'll apply carpentry and joinery techniques to practical tasks and projects.
  • You'll understand health and safety requirements on construction sites.
  • You'll learn how joinery work fits within the wider construction process.

How you will learn

This is a practical, classroom-based course at Darlington College. You'll learn through hands-on workshop sessions, working with tools and materials to complete joinery tasks. Assessment is practical and skills-based, with work assessed as you progress through the course. You'll also cover underpinning knowledge through classroom sessions alongside the practical work.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Carpenter: how to become a carpenter starts here, at Level 1.
  • Joiner: workshop-based role making doors, frames, and fitted units.
  • Construction labourer: entry-level site work while building further 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 or Bench Joinery (City and Guilds): the natural next step, covering more advanced skills and moving you closer to a CSCS skilled-worker card.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Site Carpentry or Bench Joinery: the qualification carpenters and joiners need to work at a skilled level on site.
  • Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2: useful alongside any carpentry and joinery qualification, and often required for further study or apprenticeships.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

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