Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Birmingham – Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus, with full-time daytime study across one academic year. You'll split your time between the workshop and the classroom, covering health and safety, timber materials, carpentry tools, joints, and working drawings. The course also introduces roof, floor, and timber-frame construction. You'll sit practical and theory assessments, plus two online multiple-choice tests. Good English and maths are important for the course, and you'll have an assessment of both before a place is offered.

Who this course is for

If a career in Carpentry or Joinery seems like something you would love to be a part of, our Level 1 Diploma offers all the training and practical skills you need for the best start in the industry. Ideally you will have some previous knowledge of the trade or can demonstrate some basic practical skills, but these aren't essential.

You will study topics on the course, such as: -Unit 201/601 Health, safety and welfare in construction -Unit 101/501 Principles of building construction, information and communication -Unit 113 Maintain and use carpentry and joinery hand tools -Unit 114 Prepare and use carpentry and joinery portable power tools -Unit 115Produce woodworking joints

Entry requirements

Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn current health and safety requirements for construction sites, including a formal exam.
  • You'll identify types of timber, their applications, and appropriate backgrounds.
  • You'll use and understand the tools associated with the carpentry trade.
  • You'll construct and identify the types of joints used in timber fabrication.
  • You'll read and interpret working drawings.
  • You'll gain an understanding of traditional and modern roof construction methods.
  • You'll explore flooring and foundation construction techniques.
  • You'll study timber-frame construction methods.

How you will learn

Half the course is practical work in the workshop; the other half builds underpinning knowledge in the classroom. Assessment combines practical assignments, theory assessments, and two online multiple-choice tests. All assessments are carried out by qualified assessors. You'll receive ongoing support from your tutor throughout.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Carpenter's labourer: support skilled carpenters on site while building experience.
  • Joinery workshop assistant: prepare and assemble timber components in a workshop setting.
  • Construction operative: entry-level site work across a range of trades.
  • Maintenance operative: carry out basic repairs and fitting tasks in housing or facilities.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: the natural next step, covering more advanced site skills and taking you closer to skilled-worker status.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery: focuses on workshop-based joinery if that's the direction you want to go.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Site Carpentry: the qualification carpenters need for a CSCS skilled-worker card and fully qualified status on site.
Apply on solihull.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus

More courses near you