Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Course in Slough. Classes run at Slough and Langley College, full-time during the day. This is a 35-week course covering the core skills and knowledge needed to work in the carpentry and joinery trade. You'll study health, safety and welfare in construction, building construction principles, and practical carpentry and joinery techniques. Entry requires three GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including at least Grade 3 in maths or English. A BTEC Level 1 in Construction may also be accepted.
Who this course is for
This one year course is for candidates who want to learn, develop and practise the skill required for employment and/or career progression into the carpentry and joinery trade. The carpentry and joinery topics covered are: Health, safety and welfare in construction, where an online exam will ensure that candidate knowledge can be applied. Principles of building construction information and communication, where knowledge is tested by an online exam. Maintenance and use of carpentry and joinery hand tools, where practical assessment is classroom based and theory has a formal in-class test. Prepare and use carpentry and joinery portable power tools, where practical assessment is classroom based and theory has a formal in-class test. Produce woodworking joints where practical assessment is classroom based and theory has a formal in-class test.
Entry requirements
Three GCSEs at Grade 3 or above with at least a grade 3 in maths or English. Alternatively, a BTEC Level 1 in Construction can be accepted. Learners must have the ability to demonstrate some level of practical skill. A recent school report should also be brought to the interview to demonstrate the student's typical attendance levels, behaviour and predicted grades.
What you will learn
You'll apply health, safety and welfare practices used in construction.
You'll understand the principles of building construction, information and communication.
You'll maintain and use carpentry and joinery tools and equipment correctly.
You'll practise core practical skills in carpentry and joinery tasks.
You'll demonstrate knowledge through online assessments in key subject areas.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom and practical workshop setting at Slough and Langley College. Assessment includes online exams covering health and safety and construction principles, alongside practical assessments that test your hands-on skills in carpentry and joinery tasks. You'll be assessed throughout the course rather than in a single final exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Slough and Langley College will confirm anything else you need before you start. At interview, bring a recent school report showing your attendance, behaviour, and predicted grades.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Carpenter: how to become a carpenter starts here, building toward skilled trade work.
Joiner: workshop-based role making doors, frames, and fitted furniture.
Construction labourer: entry-level site work while building further qualifications.
Shopfitter: fitting out retail and commercial interiors using carpentry skills.
Maintenance operative: carrying out repairs and upkeep in buildings and facilities.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry or Bench Joinery: the natural next step after this Level 1 carpentry and joinery qualification, developing your skills for site or workshop roles.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Site Carpentry: required for a CSCS skilled-worker card and recognised by employers for qualified carpenter status.
Construction Apprenticeship: combine paid work with structured training toward a full trade qualification.
