Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course although a selection process will apply to ensure candidate suitability.
Why take this course?
This course is aimed at pupils who are interested in working in the construction industry, and recognises that many will not have the experience or the knowledge of the different trades to be able to make an informed choice for future studies or when considering Modern Apprenticeships. The course therefore involves a number of short units that allow pupils to try out and develop their skills across a range of trades. By completing this course you will be developing important skills to prepare you for undertaking additional training and qualifications when you leave school, or for entering suitable employment via a Modern Apprenticeship programme.
During this course you willd develop technical knowledge, skills and understanding associated with a range of craft skills
What you will experience
Teaching will take the form of practical, hands-on activities in a workshop environment, combined with classroom-based theory lessons. Classes will take place in a workshop at the College’s Fraserburgh or Aberdeen Altens Campus.
This course is made up of five units, two of which are mandatory. These include:
- The Construction Industry – An Introduction
- Brick Work – An Introduction
- Carpentry and Joinery – An Introduction
- Painting and Decorating – An Introduction
- Design Project
Throughout the course you will be offered an opportunity to review and identify how your skills are developing. You will be expected to demonstrate:
- An interest in the Construction industry
- Good time keeping skills
- A willingness and commitment to learning
- A knowledge of appropriate dress, in particular Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Planning and preparation skills
- An ability to establish/maintain good working relationships with others
- Problem solving skills
To achieve the full qualification you must attend regularly and successfully complete all units. Assessment will be based on a range of practical activities in real or simulated workplace settings. Assessors will observe as you carry out tasks, and you will also complete a self review and a folio.
What you will need
You will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) clothing including a boiler suit, safety glasses and safety footwear, such as boots or shoes with steel toe caps. This will be provided to Foundation Apprentices by the College.
For all construction and engineering courses it is necessary to wear PPE. You are not allowed into the workshops without PPE and will be returned to school and marked absent if you arrive without it.
What you need to know
Whilst you are taking part in the course you will be required to:
- Wear the appropriate clothing, including safety footwear i.e. boots or shoes with steel toe caps, boiler suit, and safety glasses (PPE)
- Be ready to start your class at the given time
- Adhere to the School Pupils Code of Commitment
Eating and drinking are not permitted in the workshops or classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
Selection Process
This course is expected to be in very high demand so all applicants will be subjected to a selection process.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you could consider Modern Apprenticeship opportunities or may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
Employment
If you wish to progress directly to employment upon successful completion of this course, entry-level job opportunities will be available across the construction sector.
Student Stories
Jorja Ross
Construction
Construction Crafts
“I’m a practical person and after doing the construction course while I was still at school, I knew I wanted to get started in the industry. I’m enjoying learning and the lecturers are great, they’re helpful, friendly, and really encourage me. “
Read more about Jorja's story
Amber Kordakis
Construction
Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at College. The facilities are excellent and it’s good to be able to use machinery and equipment that we don’t have access to onsite. The lecturers are great and because they’ve all come from industry they have a huge pool of knowledge. It’s really helpful to be able to talk through the work I’m doing in my day-to-day job with them. “
Read more about Amber's story
Katie Cruickshank
Construction
Carpentry and Joinery (SVQ Level 3), SCQF Level 6
“I like the fact that with an apprenticeship you are learning from those around you. The best thing for me is working with these experienced joiners and picking up hints and tips. In my field everyone has their own way of doing things – but they get the same result.”
Read more about Katie's story
Joanna Nicholson
Construction
Joinery SCQF Level 5
“I’ve been so surprised by the meditative qualities of working with wood and it’s such an antidote to digital life.”
Read more about Joanna's story
Jemma Sykes
Construction
Construction Crafts &
HNC Built Environment
“One of the best things about the course was having the opportunity to gain experience in the different construction trades and broaden my knowledge of the industry as a whole. The course gave me the experience and knowledge I needed to stand out amongst the other applicants for an apprenticeship.”
Read more about Jemma's story
Brandon Russell
Construction
Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 5)
“I came to NESCol when I left school to study on the Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 5) course, which lets you experience the different construction trades.”
Read more about Brandon's story
Keiran Laing
Construction
Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
“Every day is different so there is a good variety.”
Read more about Keiran's story
Heidi Ward
Construction
Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship
“To any other girls who are thinking of a career in construction: stick with it! NESCol will give you skills for a lifelong career as well as the opportunity to explore creatively.”
Read more about Heidi's story
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
Currently unavailable
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
