Construction

CONSTRUCTION COURSES FOR 16-19 YEAR OLDS

The South West’s construction industry annual recruitment requirement of 2.6% per year, is the strongest across the UK and means an extra 32,000 new workers are needed between the end of 2020 and 2025.

Our outstanding range of courses are taught by experienced professionals in high-quality facilities, and provide qualifications that are recognised across the industry.

Use this page to discover your perfect career and associated course options - Vocational qualifications (full-time in the campus workshops) or Apprenticeships in the workplace.

As a Weston College student you will become part of our exciting new Construction Career Excellence Hub. Your study programme will have lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of giving you the opportunity to become career ready! This includes unrivalled exposure to employers, enhanced work experience, employer visits and more...
Our Construction Career Excellence Hub endorsers include:

Find out more

Job Roles in the West of England Currently Include:

WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY...

We’re delighted to be involved with the Construction Career Excellence Hub. It gives learners the chance to hear from and speak to industry professionals and hear what it is really like to have a career within the construction industry. They can see the breadth of careers our industry has to offer.

Danielle Haskings

Social Value Manager, Wilmott Dixon

The Construction Career Excellence Hub presents an exciting opportunity for us to invest in local talent and develop learners who could become the future leaders in our business.
Weston College is the perfect location for people to develop their construction skills, and we are thrilled to play a role in your development and offer further assistance on your journey into our industry.

David Bowdley

Operations Director, Galliford Try

OUR CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS

Industry Facts

A career in construction can involve all kinds of settings and skills. It could range from working on building sites for new builds, to renovations, to creating beautifully crafted furniture. Led by experienced professionals, with great links with local employers to help launch your career, our courses are designed to give you the skills that will prepare you for employment.

Over 53,000 construction companies in the South West

Electrical professionals can earn up to £45,000 a year

Over 11,000 building projects across the South West

Over 2.7 million employees in the construction industry in the UK

Facilities

The South West Skills Campus offers state-of-the-art training facilities dedicated to construction training.

Facilities

The South West Skills Campus offers state-of-the-art training facilities dedicated to construction training.
These include:

Large, well-equipped training workshops for each trade area.
Excellent links with national and local employers to enrich your training.
Industry-standard materials testing lab.
Excellent array of tools and equipment, ranging from power tools to digital surveying equipment.
Carpentry woodworking machine shop, with industry approved machinery.
Suites of computers with 3D software such as AutoCad.

Renewable technologies such as biomass and ground- source heat pumps.
Outdoor working arena.
Fast, free and secure WiFi connection.
Specialised software packages for individual subjects.
A well-resourced library including e-resources and laptop loan service.
Access to a large number of high specification PCs, laptops, and digital hardware.

LATEST NEWS

30 Apr 2025

Construction students with high vis' and hard hats on listening to professionals on site

A group of Year 2 <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank">BTEC Civil Engineering</a> learners recently visited Beard Construction Ltd’s site at the Bristol Zoo Project in North Bristol. The visit was part of the national “Open Doors” initiative, organised by Build UK, which offers students and members of the public a chance to explore live construction sites and discover the diverse career opportunities within the industry. The event was arranged by Bev Parfitt, the Social Value Co-Ordinator at Beard Construction.The visit began with a Health and Safety briefing at the site offices, followed by an overview of the £9.2 million project, delivered by Beard’s site management team. The project involves the construction of a new Central African Forest habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project, which will bring together critically endangered Western lowland gorillas and endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys for the first time in a UK zoo.Learners were then taken on a guided tour of the site, where they observed key stages of the construction process. Highlights included the installation of pre-cast concrete retaining walls, steel frame installation, and roof construction. The group also took note of the foundation construction methods as these closely aligned with topics currently being covered in their coursework.<drupal-entity alt=""A learner being shown the levelling of concrete walls"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fe02ed4-334c-4448-a1fd-eab1dc3ae4eb" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> Students also witnessed the lifting and placement of a concrete unit, learning how these elements are installed with precision to ensure they meet the required tolerances and remain level. This gave them valuable insight into the practical application of engineering principles.The students also loved seeing some of the zoo’s animals, including red pandas and giraffes, observing the construction activity.<drupal-entity alt=""A red panda poking through trees"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c1cdb4a-d784-4c8b-829f-ababf80c5fa4" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> <drupal-entity alt=""A giraffe poking between 2 trees"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2fb41cfa-045e-49a2-bc53-0aa21d8fffc2" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> The project is expected to be completed by late summer 2025 and handed over to the client. Daniel Comerford, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank">Construction</a> Professions Lecturer at Weston College, commented, “The learners and staff found the visit very interesting and exciting. It was inspiring to see such a complex construction project being carried out to such a high standard. It was also a great opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world construction practice.”A big thank you to the Beard Construction site team for their time and insight. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and provide learners with more hands-on experiences in the construction industry.<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Construction courses, click here.</a> If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank">here</a>. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Civil Engineering Students Explore the Bristol Zoo Construction Project

25 Apr 2025

mead vale pupils in hard hats at our south west skills

On the last day of term, our South West Skills Campus (SWSC) opened its doors to some of its youngest visitors yet—Year 1 pupils from Puffin Class at Mead Vale Primary School. The young students were invited to take part in an inspiring Careers in Construction Workshop, created to introduce them to the exciting world of construction. The workshop was led by Richard Hanney, Head of Construction, and Victoria Howell, Deputy Head of Construction, whose enthusiasm and expertise brought the experience to life. They were joined by Georgie Durbin and Rebecca Barnett from our School Liaison Team, along with Cass Green from the Apprenticeship Team, who all worked together to ensure the day ran smoothly and was filled with fun. The day began with "construction phonics"—a clever and creative way to connect literacy with construction themes. The pupils then rotated through a variety of hands-on activities including a Careers in Construction session, Tool Bingo, and a collaborative Tower Building challenge that encouraged teamwork, creativity, and a bit of friendly competition. To round off the day, the primary school pupils were taken on a guided tour of the SWSC campus, where they got a behind-the-scenes look at the learning spaces, workshops, and equipment used by our construction students. It was a chance for them to see real-life learning in action—and perhaps imagine themselves there in the future! Wearing hard hats and with a whole new vocabulary of tools and trades, the Puffin Class left feeling inspired and excited about the world of building and design. <drupal-entity alt=""mead vale students at south west skills construction room"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3ed33d4-b1a3-4e5f-b06a-f1de6e9749a9" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_650x650","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity>A huge thank you goes to Richard and Victoria for leading such an engaging and educational workshop, and to Georgie, Rebecca, and Cass for their support in making the day a fun-filled success. We hope to welcome more young learners in the future as we continue to build connections and spark curiosity in the next generation. Interested in taking a look at our construction courses? <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… here to browse.</a>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Mead Vale Pupils Explore Construction Careers at South West Skills Campus

23 Apr 2025

Protective Services students before their 26 mile stretcher relay race

This year’s Raising and Giving Week (RAG Week) at Weston College was a great example of collaboration across all subject areas. With the theme of ‘Flower Power’, the college came together to raise money for two incredible local charities: Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal.  Weston Hospicecare offers vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and provides essential emotional support for their families. The Grand Appeal supports Bristol Children’s Hospital, helping to deliver life-saving care for sick children and their loved ones. The funds raised throughout RAG Week were split evenly between these two amazing charities.  Throughout the week, students and staff took part in a wide variety of fundraising events, ranging from raffles and bake sales, to more active sessions such as sponsored walks, races and football matches. This week takes place every year across the country and is a fantastic way for all students to get involved and take part in fun activities before exam season begins.  Outside of the activities, many people took the flower power theme seriously, with departments such as <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">Performing Arts</a> dressed up in bright colours and 70s-style clothes. Not only this, the reception team and some support staff created a ‘Westonbury Festival’ theme, wearing some amazing flower power outfits which ended up winning them best dressed!  <drupal-entity alt=""Support staff wearing flower power-themed outfits"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32f7f0cc-ce9c-4f7a-bdff-ab15e794d087" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> Another popular RAG Week tradition is a college-wide raffle which featured a range of popular prizes, including day passes and tickets to local attractions such as spas, cinemas, and activity centres. Many departments also organised bake sales across each campus as these are always popular and delicious.  Across the week, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; target="_blank">Protective Services</a> hosted two major events: a flower-themed two-hour Zumbathon open to all, and a five-hour stretcher relay along the seafront, covering 26 miles. These activities were a great way for students to have fun with friends as well as enjoy some exercise for two amazing causes.  <drupal-entity alt=""Students dancing at a 2-hour zumbathon event"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edbc41cd-fd11-40b0-8e0b-ddcc9ef9dd8c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> Other departments also got involved, with <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; target="_blank">Early Years</a> students running a Craft and Wellbeing morning, offering slime-making and loom band activities, while ESOL students provided lanyard name cards written in various languages. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank">Media</a> students hosted a pyjama and movie marathon afternoon, and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; target="_blank">FIP</a> students got involved by running “tutor torture” activities, getting the chance to pie their lecturers in the face.   <drupal-entity alt=""ESOL students writing names in their language"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b12f7dc-d5ce-443d-9600-632e73274474" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> Our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; target="_blank">Digital</a> students hosted Esports tournaments in games such as Fortnite, Overwatch, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals. They also raffled a high-end gaming monitor generously donated by MSI UK where they raised an amazing £555 from this raffle alone.  <drupal-entity alt=""Esports students playing in tournaments"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce7b9e90-c172-4146-bc19-46da721d0064" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity> On top of this, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank">Construction</a> students contributed by building eight wooden benches. Five were donated to care homes, where students also spent time chatting with residents and sharing biscuits. The remaining three were sold in a silent auction for staff.  Sports-related fundraising included football matches and gym challenges, and the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; target="_blank">Motor Vehicle</a> department added some competition with a Gran Turismo racing challenge using their driving rig, where participants completed a sighting lap and a timed lap.  Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus of the college, with each subject area contributing in its own way, helping to create a fun, inclusive, and impactful week. In total, RAG Week raised £5112 for Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal.  Thank you to everyone who helped organise, get involved, or donate. This support made the week possible and allowed us to raise the amount we did!  If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank">here</a>. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.