Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Rugby

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Rugby. Classes run at Rugby College, full-time during the day. You'll cover both practical carpentry and joinery skills and the theory behind them, spending around a year building a solid foundation in the trade. Maths and English are built into the course; if you already hold these at GCSE grade 4 or above, you won't need to study them again. You'll also take part in community projects and charity work alongside your main studies.

Who this course is for

You will study both practical and theory units. This course is ideal for those looking to gain employment in the carpentry and joinery industry. Please note: maths and English are an integral part of this course. However if you already hold these qualifications at grade 4 or above then you will be exempt from studying for these qualifications.Learners will engage in additional extra curricular activities such as charity projects, community events and working with local schools. The national Skillbuild competition is an annual intercollege competition which learners from WCG have gained first place in the regional heats for the last 2 years and then gone on to the national finals. Learners will also have opportunity to take part in course relevant trips, such as, the Construction Show at the NEC. Learners will attend site visits throughout the year to gain industry insight. Guest speakers are a regular part of enriching the course content, for instance, professionals from Bosch and Makita come in and provide power tool training to all learners.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical carpentry and joinery techniques used in the construction industry.
  • You'll learn how to use and maintain hand tools and power tools safely.
  • You'll study the theory behind carpentry and joinery materials, fixings, and components.
  • You'll practise measuring, marking out, and cutting timber accurately.
  • You'll learn health and safety requirements for working in construction environments.
  • You'll work on community and charity projects to apply your skills in real tasks.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of hands-on practical work and classroom-based theory sessions at Rugby College. Assessment covers both practical units and theory units. Maths and English are assessed as part of the course unless you already hold GCSE grade 4 or above in those subjects.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Rugby 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 foundation.
  • Joiner: workshop-based role making doors, frames, and fitted furniture.
  • Construction labourer: entry-level site work while building further qualifications.
  • Shopfitter: fitting out retail and commercial interiors using carpentry skills.
  • Maintenance operative: general repairs and upkeep in housing or facilities.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry (City and Guilds): the next step toward skilled site work and a CSCS skilled-worker card.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery (City and Guilds): focuses on workshop-based joinery for those who prefer that route.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Site Carpentry: the qualification carpenters typically need to progress to fully skilled status on site.

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