Young apprenticeship programme in construction
Venue/provider: West Thames College, Skills Centre, Boundaries Road, Feltham
Who is this course for?
You should have an interest in the build environment and want to work in the construction industry.You should want to work with people, in a team and in an adult environment, and enjoy hands-on practical activities and learning and using new skills. This two year programme provides able and well motivated learners with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and competency needed to enter employment in the construction sector. This is a challenging Level 2 course which will prepare you for roles such as:
Planning control
Architect
Building planning
Building service and maintenance
Landscaping
Building contractor
Building merchants and supplies
Estate management
Shop fitting
Property services
Trades eg C&J, plumbing, electrical, brickwork, steel fixing etc
Where will I study?
The two-year course will involve you attending the Skills Centre, Boundaries Road, Feltham, where you will be taught by specialist tutors. You will need to attend one day per week – Tuesdays throughout Year 10 and Thursdays when you reach Year 11.
You will work in purpose-built workshops designed for joinery, brickwork, plumbing and painting and decorating. All students will be required to wear overalls and protective footwear. Remember working in construction can be hard work and sometimes messy.
What will I study, what qualifications will I gain and how will I be assessed?
The BTEC First Diploma in Construction, an approved Level 2 vocational qualification (equivalent to four GCSE A to C grades) will be the main course of study. The course involves both practical and written work. You will spend time in the construction trades workshops developing skills in carpentry and joinery, brickwork, and painting and decorating, you will develop your understanding of working in the construction industry, health and safety practices, and the personal skills required to succeed in the industry. Over the two years, you will study:
Unit 1 – An introduction to the Construction Industry
Unit 2 – Exploring Health and Welfare in Construction
Unit 3 – The use of Science and Mathematics in Construction
Unit 7 – Exploring Carpentry and Joinery Operations
Unit 13 – Exploring Painting and Decorating
Unit 16 – Exploring Building Service Techniques
Your practical skills will be assessed in the workshop but you will also be assessed through case studies, directed assignments, written work and projects.
You will also have the opportunity to achieve other related qualifications/awards eg:
CIEH – Award in Health & Safety in the workplace
Construction Skills Health & Safety Test
Other WRL qualifications and Awards i.e. EdExcel WorkSkills
and if successful you will end up with the equivalent of 5 GCSE A* to C grades.
To achieve the young apprenticeship, you will need to successfully complete the equivalent of 50 days of work experience placements spread over the two years of the course, linked to the sector and the qualifications being studied.
Next step
At the end of your course you will have the first level qualification which is recognised by the construction trades industry. The minimum requirement to practice in the industry is a Level 2 qualification. Along with your GCSEs this qualification will give you a head start in applying for apprenticeship or Level 3 course at the Skills Centre or another college. Your connexions PA at school will help you with your next step.
For further information, contact:
Gareth Jones
Email: gareth.jones@hounslow.gov.uk
Suzanne Langton
Email: suzanne.langton@west-thames.ac.uk