WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
Bench Joiners work on the inside and outside of buildings repairing, renewing, and replacing Carpentry and Joinery components. This course is the next step to a career as a Joiner, it builds on what was studied on the Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery. You will gain a further, advanced understanding of the construction industry and have an opportunity to apply Bench Joinery skills in a practical and realistic way. You will follow a programme of study that enables progression to further courses and employment within the construction industry. 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.
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Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Small Class Sizes
Experienced Tutors
Industry-Standard Facilities
Links With Employers
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 will experience, apply and develop industry-standard bench joinery skills in a realistic working environment.
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 construction industry with a focus on the job role of Bench Joiner.
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.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
You will learn bench joinery skills in our first-class workshops, classrooms, and IT suites. You will quickly start to build bespoke and advanced carpentry items and structures on your own and in small teams. Of course, it’s not all about practical skills, employers need enthusiastic and engaged employees to meet the demands of the construction industry and to help their business grow. You will therefore need to further your knowledge of how the construction industry and other trades work together and operate. This will give you the very best opportunity to progress and forge a successful and rewarding career in construction.
If you are a full-time student aged 16-18, you will follow a study programme which will consist of your main Bench Joinery course, enterprise and enrichment activities, English and Maths* and work-related experience.
*Should you not achieve at least a 4 in English and Maths you will be required to continue to study these as an integral part of your course.
Units that you will study include:
- Principles of Organising, Planning, and Pricing Construction Work: The aim of this unit is to provide you with knowledge of building methods and construction technology. This will include various aspects of job roles such as communication, documentation, estimating quantities, drawings, energy efficiency, foundations, internal and external walls, floors and roofs.
- Setting Up and Using Fixed and Transportable Machinery: In this unit you will learn how to set up and maintain fixed and transportable machinery. You will produce timber and timber-based products during your studies of this unit.
- Manufacturing Shaped Doors and Frames: This unit will give you the skills needed to manufacture shaped doors and frames, including curved doors also.
- Manufacturing Stairs with Turns: This unit develops your skills further than that of Level 2 and moves from straight staircases to manufacturing staircases with turns.
- Health, Safety, and Welfare in Construction: In 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 into Higher Education, onto an HNC/HND in Construction. Alternatively, you could progress onto an Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. There are many opportunities for skilled Carpenters and Joiners in the building industry, working for large and small companies or in self-employment.
Further study will enable you to work towards more senior roles within the construction industry, such as a working Foreperson, Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Architect, Clerk of Works and Building Surveyor.
Assessment Arrangments
Your practical coursework will be assessed through set tasks in our well-equipped workshops. Your knowledge will be assessed through internally set test papers and externally set online exams. Â
Entry Requirements
You will need to have obtained 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 Bench Joiner will be advantageous in pursuing this rewarding and well-paid career.Â
Information & Support
The student support team are here to support you and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and pastoral issues. A professional team of staff will work together with your personal tutor to support you in successfully completing your course and pursuing pathways to progression as a Bench 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.