Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Colchester. Classes run at Nova Training Colchester. No previous knowledge or experience is required to start. Over 13 weeks, you'll get hands-on introduction to 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 try different trades and work out which direction suits you. These level 1 construction skills classes are open to 16 to 18 year olds.
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 and learn to lay courses of brick.
You'll develop carpentry and joinery skills, including cutting and fixing timber.
You'll apply plastering techniques to walls and surfaces.
You'll use painting and decorating tools and prepare and finish surfaces.
You'll carry out construction operations tasks on a working site basis.
You'll cut and fix wall and floor tiles accurately.
You'll be introduced to basic plumbing skills and pipework.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on activity in a workshop or training environment, working across each of the seven trade areas. Assessment is based on practical tasks and skills demonstrations. You may also complete short written or knowledge-based tasks to support your practical work. The centre will confirm the full assessment details before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nova Training Colchester will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Bricklayer's labourer: support skilled bricklayers on site
Carpentry labourer: assist with timber cutting and fixing
Painter and decorator: prepare and finish interior and exterior surfaces
Plasterer's mate: mix and apply plaster alongside a qualified plasterer
General construction operative: carry out a range of on-site tasks
Tiling assistant: cut and fix wall and floor tiles under supervision
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying: deepen your skills in one trade and work toward a CSCS skilled-worker card.
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: a step toward the Level 3 NVQ that carpenters need for a CSCS skilled-worker card.
Level 2 Diploma in Plastering: specialist training in solid and fibrous plastering.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating: the next step if decorating is the trade you want to pursue.
