why choose this course?
Carpenters and Joiners work inside and outside of buildings repairing, renewing, and replacing Carpentry and Joinery components. This course is the first step to a career as a Carpenter and Joiner. You will gain an understanding of the construction industry and have an opportunity to apply carpentry and joinery skills in a practical and realistic way. You will gain confidence by developing independent learning skills and will learn how carpentry and joinery activities are carried out safely and how they contribute to our built environment. This will give you the very best opportunity to progress and forge a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry.
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Start date: 08/09/2025
Small class sizes
experienced tutors
links with employers
industry-standard facilities
Learn from sector experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who have all been tradespeople themselves. You will learn to advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the job role of carpenter and joiner and the construction industry as a whole.
Develop work-related skills
During your programme, you will also develop personal and work-related skills which will prepare you for progression to further studies or full-time work, following completion of your training in college.
Enjoy professional surroundings
Our Construction facilities are equipped with the latest industry standard carpentry and joinery equipment and resources. We enjoy partnerships with many large suppliers and employers and as a result students experience, apply and develop industry standard carpentry and joinery skills in a realistic working environment.
What will I learn?
You will be taught carpentry and joinery through a blended learning approach incorporating taught practical and theory sessions, workplace learning, assessments, and online learning. One to one support, tuition and advice are from our team of experienced and qualified tutors, assessors and advisors will be integral to your programme of study.
Units that you will study include:
- Principles of building construction, information and communication. The aim of this unit is to provide you with the knowledge of building methods and construction technology, including aspects of job roles, communication, documentation, drawings, energy efficiency, foundations, internal and external walls, floors and roofs.
- Maintain and use carpentry and joinery hand tools: this unit will enable you to learn about the range of hand tools which a carpenter and joiner uses and how to sore and maintain them correctly and in line with industrial standards.
- Prepare and use carpentry and joinery portable power tools: this unit will enable you to learn about the range of portable power tools which a carpenter and joiners uses. You will learn about the safe use of these tools, as well as their maintenance and storage.
- Produce woodworking joints: this unit will l teach you how to apply what you have learned about hand and power tools to produce various woodworking joints and projects to industrial standards.
- Health, safety and welfare in construction Within this unit you will learn about health and safety regulations, roles and responsibilities, accident and emergency reporting procedures and documentation. Together with hazards, health and welfare in the workplace, it also covers working at height, working with electrical equipment and fire emergency procedures.
Where will it take me?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress onto a Level 2 Diploma in either Site Carpentry or Bench Joinery, which requires a further year of study. Alternatively, you could progress onto an Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. There are many opportunities for skilled Carpenters and Joiners in the building industry.
Further study will enable you to work towards more senior roles within the construction industry such as: working Foreperson, Assistant Site Manager and Site Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Architect, Clerk of Works or Building Surveyor.
Access Arrangements
Carpentry and Joinery practical coursework will be assessed through set practical tasks in well-equipped workshops. knowledge is assessed via internally set test papers and externally set online exams.
Entry Requirements
A Grade 2 or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English language or literature. Should you not achieve this you should still apply as each applicant will be invited to attend an interview with the course manager, all successful candidates will gain a place on the programme. A keen interest in the role of Carpenter and Joiner will be advantageous in pursuing this rewarding and well-paid career.
Information & Support
The student support team are there to support you and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and pastoral issues. A professional team of staff work together with your personal tutor to support you in successfully completing your course and pursuing pathways to progression as a carpenter and joiner.
As in the workplace PPE will be required for the course such as safety boots, goggles etc. You will be provided with a full list of the protective equipment requirements of the course before you start.
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.