Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 1 Construction Course in Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration42 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Aug 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Erdington Skills Centre, full-time during the day.

You'll need a minimum Grade 3 in GCSE English and Maths, plus two further GCSEs at Grade 3 or above. An interview is also required. The course runs over 42 weeks and gives you hands-on experience across several trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, and painting and decorating. You'll explore different areas of construction before choosing a specialism to focus on.

You'll finish with a City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills.

Who this course is for

If you�re looking to start a career in construction, the Construction Gateway course is the perfect first step. You�ll gain hands-on experience across multiple trades and build the skills needed to choose your specialism and progress confidently.

Entry requirements

Minimum Grade 3 in GCSE English and Maths, plus two GCSEs at Grade 3/E. You must be able to follow instructions and show a willingness to work. An interview is required.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in bricklaying, including laying and bonding bricks.
  • You'll learn carpentry techniques such as cutting, shaping, and fixing timber.
  • You'll practise plastering, including applying and finishing plaster to walls.
  • You'll gain experience in painting and decorating interior and exterior surfaces.
  • You'll learn how to work safely on construction sites, including health and safety rules.
  • You'll understand how to read and follow basic construction drawings and instructions.
  • You'll explore multiple trades to help you choose a specialism to progress in.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a workshop or classroom setting. Assessment is based on your practical work and skills demonstrations across each trade area. You'll also complete written tasks to show your understanding of construction principles and health and safety. An interview takes place before you start the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Erdington Skills Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Construction operative, carries out general tasks on building sites.
  • Labourer, supports tradespeople and keeps sites running smoothly.
  • Bricklayer, builds walls, foundations, and structures using brick and mortar.
  • Carpenter, cuts and fits timber for buildings and interiors.
  • Plasterer, applies plaster and render to walls and ceilings.
  • Painter and decorator, finishes interior and exterior surfaces in homes and commercial buildings.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, the next step if you want to specialise in bricklaying.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry, builds on carpentry skills toward skilled-worker level.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Plastering, deepens your plastering knowledge and practical ability.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, takes your decorating skills to the next level.
  • A construction apprenticeship, lets you earn while you train with an employer.
Apply on bmet.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Erdington Skills Centre

More courses near you