Level 1
Carpentry, Trade
Level 1
Carpentry, Trade
Build the practical skills and confidence to begin a career in carpentry and construction. This hands-on course combines workshop-based learning with industry knowledge, giving you a solid foundation to progress into higher-level study, an apprenticeship, or employment.
Course Overview
The Carpentry Trade course is the ideal starting point if you enjoy practical work and want to develop the skills needed for a career in the construction industry. Combining classroom learning with extensive hands-on workshop sessions, you will gain experience using professional tools, materials, and techniques while developing the knowledge employers look for.
Based at Weston College's South West Skills Campus, you will learn in industry-standard construction workshops that replicate real working environments. You'll be taught by experienced tutors with backgrounds in the construction industry, who will help you develop both your practical carpentry skills and your understanding of modern construction methods.
Throughout the course, you will build confidence by completing practical projects while developing essential employability skills including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and safe working practices. You will also strengthen your construction mathematics and industry vocabulary, providing an excellent foundation for further training.
As part of Weston College's Construction Career Excellence Hub, you will benefit from employer engagement activities, industry visits, guest speakers, and networking opportunities that help prepare you for the next stage of your construction career.
What will I study?
You will develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin a career in carpentry and joinery.
Topics include:
• Health and safety in construction • Introduction to carpentry tools and equipment • Timber selection and preparation • Measuring, marking out, and setting out • Basic carpentry joints and construction techniques • Assembling timber frameworks and structures • Constructing basic wooden stairs and balustrades • Reading and interpreting construction drawings • Finishing and decorating timber surfaces • Introduction to roofing and roof structures • Construction mathematics and measurements • Professional working practices
A significant proportion of your learning will take place in our workshops, allowing you to develop practical skills while working on realistic construction projects.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment includes a combination of:
• Practical workshop assessments • Written assignments • Theory assessments • Observation of practical skills • Portfolio evidence of completed work
You will be assessed on both your practical ability and your understanding of carpentry techniques, construction principles, and safe working practices.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Training at Weston College's South West Skills Campus • Access to industry-standard carpentry workshops • Learning from experienced construction professionals • Membership of the Construction Career Excellence Hub • Employer networking opportunities • Guest lectures from construction employers • Industry visits and site tours • Career planning and progression support
Throughout the year, you will have opportunities to meet employers from across the construction industry, gaining valuable insight into careers in carpentry and the wider built environment. Industry visits will allow you to see professional construction projects in progress and learn about the latest techniques, materials, and technologies used across the sector.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
However, we encourage you to achieve the best possible grades in English and maths before starting your programme. Achieving Grade 4 or above in these subjects may provide additional opportunities for work experience and progression.
You should also have:
• An interest in construction and practical work • Good hand skills and attention to detail • A willingness to learn and work safely
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this course provides an excellent foundation for progressing within the construction industry.
You could progress to:
• Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 qualifications • Carpentry apprenticeships • Other specialist construction programmes • Further technical and vocational qualifications
Future career pathways include:
• Apprentice Carpenter • Site Carpenter • Bench Joiner • Property Maintenance Operative • Construction Operative • Shopfitting Installer • Kitchen and Bedroom Installer • Timber Frame Operative • General Builder
With further qualifications and experience, you could progress into specialist carpentry, site supervision, construction management, or self-employment.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
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