Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College, full-time during the day. You'll gain a solid grounding in the construction industry and develop hands-on carpentry and joinery skills, learning how to work safely throughout. The course runs for one year. GCSE Maths and English at grade 2 or equivalent are listed as entry requirements, though the college invites all applicants to interview. This is a stepping stone toward a Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry and employment in the trade.
Who this course is for
This course is the first step to a career as a Carpenter and Joiner. You will gain an understanding of the construction industry and have an opportunity to apply carpentry and joinery skills in a practical and realistic way. You will follow a programme of study that enables progression to further courses such as a Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry and employment within the industry. You will develop independent learning skills and learn how carpentry and joinery activities are carried out safely and their contribution to our built environment. You will be taught in our first-class workshops, classrooms, and IT suites, gaining knowledge of how the construction industry and other trades work together and operate.
Entry requirements
A grade 2 or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English language or literature. Should you not achieve this you should still apply as each applicant will be invited to attend an interview with the course manager, all successful candidates will gain a place on the programme. A keen interest in the role of Carpenter and Joiner will be advantageous in pursuing this rewarding and well-paid career.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical carpentry and joinery skills in a workshop setting.
You'll learn how to carry out carpentry and joinery tasks safely.
You'll gain an understanding of the construction industry and how it operates.
You'll build independent learning skills relevant to trade work.
You'll explore the materials, tools, and techniques used in carpentry and joinery.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on workshop activities at Penwith College. Assessment is based on your practical work and your understanding of carpentry and joinery tasks. You'll be assessed on how safely and accurately you carry out the work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Carpenter: how to become a carpenter starts with this level 1 carpentry and joinery qualification.
Joiner: workshop-based role making doors, frames, and fitted furniture.
Construction labourer: entry-level site work while building trade skills.
Shopfitter: fitting out retail and commercial interiors using joinery skills.
Maintenance operative: general repairs and carpentry tasks in buildings.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: the natural next step, covering more advanced site skills and moving you closer to skilled-worker status.
Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery: focuses on workshop-based joinery, making frames, doors, and staircases.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Site Carpentry: the qualification carpenters need for a CSCS skilled-worker card and higher-level site roles.
