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Free Level 1 Construction Course in Ipswich

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Ipswich. Classes run at Suffolk New College Suffolk Rural, full-time during the day.

The course gives you a foundation in construction trades. You'll work in a training environment using simulated site conditions, building practical skills across a range of crafts. Topics include bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, and painting and decorating. The course runs over one year.

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

Who this course is for

The Level 1 Certificate in Building Crafts Occupations is designed to give a foundation approach to construction qualifications and prepare learners to enter the industry in their chosen craft. It has been specifically developed for delivery in a training environment using simulated conditions, and the test(s) are based on the learner demonstrating their knowledge and skills through the completion of all the requirements of the qualification. The course is run as a full time course comprising of a three day week for thirty six weeks.

Entry requirements

Two GCSEs at Grade 1 including maths and/or English, or demonstrate the ability to work towards Level 1 in maths and English in an assessment.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise core bricklaying techniques, including laying and jointing.
  • You'll develop carpentry skills, including cutting and fixing timber.
  • You'll apply plastering methods to walls and surfaces.
  • You'll use painting and decorating techniques on a range of surfaces.
  • You'll follow health and safety procedures used on construction sites.
  • You'll handle and use tools and materials correctly for each trade.
  • You'll demonstrate your skills through practical tasks and assessments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical work in a training environment that simulates real construction conditions. Assessment is based on completing all the requirements of the qualification, demonstrating your knowledge and skills through practical tasks. There are no written exams. You'll be assessed on what you can do, not just what you know.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Suffolk New College Suffolk Rural will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Construction operative, carries out general tasks across a building site.
  • Labourer, supports skilled tradespeople on construction projects.
  • Bricklayer, lays bricks and blocks to build walls and structures.
  • Carpenter, cuts and fits timber for buildings and interiors.
  • Plasterer, applies plaster to walls and ceilings.
  • Painter and decorator, prepares and finishes surfaces in homes and commercial buildings.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, a step toward skilled bricklayer work and a CSCS card.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry, for those who want to develop carpentry further.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Plastering, building on the plastering skills from this course.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, for those pursuing that trade specifically.
Apply on suffolk.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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