Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Croydon. Classes run at John Ruskin College, full-time during the day. The course runs for 34 weeks and covers the core skills needed to work as a trainee carpenter and joiner. You'll learn how to produce basic woodworking joints, use hand tools and portable power tools safely, and apply site health and safety principles. The course also covers how to store resources and understand building construction principles. Entry requirements are four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and Maths, though the college considers applications on a case-by-case basis.
Who this course is for
16 or 16+
What you will learn
You'll produce basic woodworking joints used in carpentry and joinery work.
You'll learn the principles of building construction, information, and communication.
You'll maintain and use carpentry and joinery hand tools correctly and safely.
You'll prepare and use portable power tools alongside hand tools.
You'll apply site health and safety rules in a workshop setting.
You'll learn how to store resources and materials properly.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom and workshop at John Ruskin College. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, giving you the chance to improve as you progress. It covers a range of formats: practical tasks and observations, practical projects, class tests, presentations, discussion seminars, leaflets, handbooks, essays, and reports.
What you will need to bring
You'll need steel toe-capped boots, which must be worn at all times in the workshops. All students are also required to wear college uniform. John Ruskin College will confirm any other requirements before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Trainee carpenter: entry-level site and workshop carpentry roles.
Trainee joiner: workshop-based joinery and fitting work.
Construction labourer: general site work while building trade skills.
Shopfitter's assistant: fitting out retail and commercial interiors.
Maintenance operative: basic repairs and upkeep in buildings.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry (City and Guilds): the next step if you want to work toward a CSCS skilled-worker card and take on more complex carpentry work on site.
Level 2 Diploma in Joinery (City and Guilds): focuses on workshop-based joinery skills and prepares you for further NVQ-level training.
Level 2 NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery: a work-based qualification that carpenters typically need to progress in the trade.
