Free Level 2 Site Carpentry Course in Manchester – The Manchester College Openshaw Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Site Carpentry Course in Manchester. Full-time daytime classes run at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus. Over one year, you'll build the skills to cut, shape, fasten, and fix timber and other materials used in construction. You'll learn how a site carpenter contributes to a construction team, covering the practical and technical knowledge the job demands. A free site carpentry course for adults and school leavers alike, this is a solid starting point for a career in the trade.

Who this course is for

If you’re 16-19 years old and you want to work in the construction industry as a site carpenter then this course is for you.

A site carpenter has the skills and knowledge to cut, fasten, carve and design objects made out of wood or other materials, and plays an important part of any construction team. You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working as a site carpenter or progressing to further learning and training in this area.

This course is designed to provide you with a high level of occupational skills and a platform from which to progress onto our brand new T Level in On-Site Construction (Carpentry and Joinery) at Level 3 or to become a competent Site Joiner.

You’ll be required to complete a 315 hour work placement as part of your study programme and will study mandatory units Principles of construction, structural carpentry, non-structural carpentry prior to plastering, non-structural carpentry following plastering, timber technology and the use of a circular saw.

Through this course you’ll also work with local employers who will contribute to the knowledge and delivery of training and provide demonstrations and talks on the industry.

Those successful in gaining a place on the Transition Programmes will be eligible for the ‘T Award’, a package of benefits that includes:

  • £300 per year bursary*
  • Curriculum based incentives
  • Free branded work wear
  • Opportunity to take part in exciting college-wide competitions
  • Minimum 20% delivery by industry experts
  • Access to industry standard laptop* (as appropriate)
  • Minimum 15- day industry placement
  • Digital upskilling
  • Master classes
  • And much more

*Subject to requirements including 95% attendance, positive attitude and grade profile.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to cut and shape timber accurately for site use.
  • You'll understand how to fix and fasten structural and finishing components.
  • You'll develop knowledge of materials used in site carpentry work.
  • You'll learn safe working practices on construction sites.
  • You'll gain an understanding of construction drawings and setting out.
  • You'll practise installing floor, wall, and roof components.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in the classroom and workshop, working with timber and carpentry tools. Assessment includes practical tasks where you demonstrate your skills, alongside written or knowledge-based assessments. Your progress is measured against the City and Guilds Technical Certificate requirements throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College Openshaw Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Carpenter: working on new builds, fit-outs, and refurbishments.
  • Site carpenter: fixing frames, floors, roofs, and structural timber on site.
  • Joiner: cutting and shaping timber components in a workshop setting.
  • Shopfitter: installing interiors in retail and commercial spaces.
  • Maintenance carpenter: repairs and upkeep in housing or facilities.
  • Self-employed carpenter: taking on domestic and commercial jobs independently.

What you could study next

  • NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry: the qualification carpenters need for a CSCS skilled-worker card, showing full occupational competence on site.
  • Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Site Carpentry (City and Guilds): deepens technical knowledge and opens routes into supervisory roles.
  • Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS): for those moving toward site supervisor or foreman roles in construction.

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