Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Berwick-upon-Tweed

CostFREE
Duration306 hours
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Classes run at Northumberland College Berwick Campus, full-time during the day.

This construction skills course covers multiple trades, including brickwork, joinery, and plumbing. You'll split your time between classroom sessions and practical workshops. There are no formal entry requirements. Around 306 hours of study takes you through the core skills construction employers look for.

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

Who this course is for

Discover a hands-on introduction to the world of construction, perfect for students passionate about entering this dynamic industry. This programme equips you with the skills across multiple trades, including brickwork, joinery, and plumbing. You will engage in both theoretical classroom sessions and practical workshops at our well-equipped facilities, ensuring a balanced approach to learning. With no formal entry requirements, this course is accessible and inclusive, providing you with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue advanced training or jumpstart your career in the construction industry. Ideal for passionate individuals eager to build a successful future in this dynamic field.

Entry requirements

No formal entry criteria.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in brickwork, including laying and finishing.
  • You'll learn joinery techniques used on construction sites.
  • You'll get an introduction to plumbing and pipework.
  • You'll study health and safety practices for the construction industry.
  • You'll learn to use and care for hand and power tools correctly.
  • You'll understand how different trades work together on a construction project.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions and hands-on practical workshops. Theoretical topics are covered in the classroom, and you'll apply what you learn in well-equipped workshop facilities. Assessment is through practical tasks and written work across the units you complete during the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Northumberland College Berwick Campus 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 tradespeople and keeps sites running smoothly.
  • Bricklaying assistant, works alongside qualified bricklayers on site.
  • Joinery assistant, helps with fitting and finishing woodwork on site.
  • Maintenance operative, carries out basic repairs and upkeep in buildings.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering, deepens your trade knowledge and moves you toward skilled-worker status.
  • Level 2 NVQ in a specific trade such as brickwork or joinery, the qualification carpenters and bricklayers need for a CSCS skilled-worker card.
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, useful if you want to meet employer or college entry requirements.