Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Dudley. Classes run at Nova Training Netherton. No previous knowledge or experience is needed to start. Over 13 weeks of full-time daytime study, you'll get hands-on experience across seven construction trades: bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plastering, painting and decorating, construction operations, wall and floor tiling, and plumbing. It's a practical way to explore the industry and work out which trade suits you before committing to a specialist route.
Who this course is for
This qualification will provide you the ideal introduction to the construction industry and cover essential skills in the following construction trades: bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plastering, painting and decorating, construction operations, wall and floor tiling and plumbing.
Entry requirements
Must be aged 16 to 18 and wanting an introduction to the variety of construction trades, to gain skills in those areas and perhaps to decide which trade is the right one to pursue a career in. No previous knowledge or experience is required.
What you will learn
You'll practise core bricklaying techniques, including laying and bonding.
You'll work with timber in carpentry and joinery tasks.
You'll apply plaster to walls and surfaces using standard methods.
You'll use brushes and rollers in painting and decorating exercises.
You'll carry out general construction operations tasks on site.
You'll cut and fix tiles to walls and floors.
You'll work with basic plumbing components and pipework.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on tasks in a workshop environment, working across each of the seven trade areas. Assessment is based on your practical performance and the skills you demonstrate during the course. Classes are classroom and workshop based, running full-time during the day at Nova Training Netherton.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nova Training Netherton will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Bricklayer's labourer: support bricklayers on residential and commercial sites.
Carpentry assistant: help with timber framing, fixing, and fitting.
Painting and decorating assistant: prepare surfaces and apply finishes.
Plastering assistant: mix and apply plaster under supervision.
General construction operative: carry out a range of site tasks.
Tiling assistant: cut and lay wall and floor tiles on site.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying: go deeper into bricklaying if that's the trade you want to pursue.
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: the next step if carpentry and joinery stood out for you.
Level 2 Diploma in Plastering: specialist training in solid and fibrous plastering.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating: build on your decorating skills toward trade-level work.
Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating: progress into plumbing as a career.
