Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Richmond upon Thames. Classes run at Richmond College, full-time during the day. You'll need a successful interview and a satisfactory school reference to join. The course runs for 34 weeks and covers the core skills and knowledge that underpin carpentry and joinery work in the construction industry. You should enjoy working with your hands and be comfortable with physically demanding tasks. This is a solid starting point for anyone pursuing a career as a carpenter.
Who this course is for
You should be interested in learning a craft for the construction industry and enjoy working with your hands. Some of the work may be quite heavy so you should be fit. You will need to have a successful interview and a satisfactory school reference.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in cutting, shaping, and joining timber.
You'll learn how to use hand tools and power tools safely.
You'll understand health and safety requirements on construction sites.
You'll practise measuring, marking out, and setting out for carpentry tasks.
You'll learn the properties of different timber and wood-based materials.
You'll work on joinery tasks including fitting doors, frames, and basic structures.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical work in a workshop setting, alongside classroom sessions covering underpinning knowledge. Assessment is through practical tasks and assignments that test both your skills and your understanding of carpentry and joinery principles. Richmond College will carry out an initial assessment before you start to confirm this is the right level for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Richmond College 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: work in a joinery shop producing timber components.
Construction operative: general site work while developing trade skills.
Maintenance operative: basic repair and fitting work in housing or facilities.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: the next step toward becoming a qualified carpenter, covering more complex site-based skills.
Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery: focuses on workshop-based joinery, making doors, windows, and staircases.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Site Carpentry: the qualification carpenters typically need for a CSCS skilled-worker card and higher-grade site work.
