Free Level 1 Construction Skills Course in Oldbury. Classes run at Nova Training Oldbury. No previous knowledge or experience is required, and the course is open to those aged 16 to 18. Over 13 weeks of full-time daytime construction skills classes, you'll get hands-on experience across seven 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 develop carpentry and joinery skills using hand and power tools.
You'll apply plastering techniques to walls and surfaces.
You'll learn painting and decorating methods for interior surfaces.
You'll carry out construction operations tasks relevant to site work.
You'll work with wall and floor tiling materials and fixing methods.
You'll gain an introduction to plumbing systems and basic pipework.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a classroom and workshop setting at Nova Training Oldbury. Assessment is based on practical tasks and skills demonstrations across each trade area. You'll be assessed on what you can do, not on written exams alone. The centre will confirm the full assessment breakdown before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nova Training Oldbury will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Bricklayer's labourer: support skilled bricklayers on residential and commercial sites.
Carpentry assistant: assist with first and second fix carpentry tasks.
Painting and decorating assistant: prep and finish interior surfaces.
Plastering labourer: mix and carry materials, assist with rendering.
Construction operative: general site tasks across a range of trades.
Tiling assistant: help with wall and floor tiling on fit-out projects.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying: the next step if bricklaying is the trade you want to pursue.
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry: moves you toward skilled carpenter status and a CSCS card.
Level 2 Diploma in Plastering: specialist progression for those drawn to plastering work.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating: the recognised route into professional decorating.
Functional Skills Maths and English at Level 1 or 2: often required alongside trade qualifications by colleges and employers.
