Bricklayers
Up to £43,088 /year
Bricklayers erect and repair brick, pre-cut stone and concrete block structures such as walls, paving, chimney stacks and tunnel lining.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Grade 3 in Maths or English (the other must be a Grade 1 or 2 minimum)
- A genuine interest in carpentry, joinery and working with timber
- Successful interview with our team
If you haven't yet achieved Grade 4 in Maths or English, you'll keep working towards them alongside your course, built into your timetable.
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What You'll Learn
Cut It. Shape It. Join It.
This is a hands-on introduction to the carpentry and joinery trade. You’ll learn to use and maintain carpentry hand tools and power tools, and to produce basic woodworking joints, cutting and assembling them to build a jointed frame. It is practical from the start, with real timber and real tools, backed by the health and safety and construction industry knowledge every trade needs.
You’ll cover the core knowledge shared across the trades (safe working practices, technical information and communication, building methods) alongside the trade-specific skills. By the end of the year you’ll have real carpentry and joinery skills and a clear route to a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship.
Core Knowledge
- Health and safety in construction
- Introduction to the construction industry
Carpentry & Joinery Skills
- Produce basic woodworking joints
- Maintain and use carpentry and joinery hand tools
- Prepare and use carpentry and joinery portable power tools
- A choice of practical tasks to gain the necessary credits
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Practical tasks and an online exam.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
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Construction and Building Trades Supervisors
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Construction and building trades supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in construction and building trades.
Construction Operatives
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Elementary Construction Occupations
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Plumbers and Heating and Ventilating Installers and Repairers
Up to £52,228 /year
Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers assemble, install, maintain and repair plumbing fixtures, heating and ventilating systems and pipes and pipeline systems in commercial, residential and industrial premises […]
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Spacious, Well-Equipped Workshops
You'll train in dedicated carpentry and joinery workshops built for hands-on work with timber and tools, led by tutors who've worked in the trade.
Joinery Workshops
Spacious, well-equipped joinery workspaces with hand and power tools.
Expert Tutors
Every session led by tutors with real carpentry and joinery experience.
Links With Local Companies
Real experience on live projects, plus national competitions.
Real Workshops · Hand & Power Tools
Student Voice
“
I’ve gained loads of skills that’ll help me in life and in starting my career as a full-time painter and decorator. College has been a great experience—everyone’s treated equally, and the staff are really friendly and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listMental Health & Wellbeing
College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student — whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.
Wellbeing supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportSafeguarding & Welfare
Your child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitment For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 1
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
City & Guilds
Entry
Grade 3 in Maths or English (other at Grade 1-2 min)
Assessment
Practical Assessment + Exams
Ready to Work With Timber?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk