This course is directed towards candidates who wish to work within the construction, civil engineering and property industries at a technical level. It allows progression to a Level 3 T Level, with the support of a single GCSE resit in either Maths or English.
The emphasis of the course is on developing an all-round knowledge and practical base, together with an understanding of the roles people undertake within construction. This may include architecture, housing, planning, land or general practice surveying, quantity surveying, estimating, site technician or supervisory roles, and building surveying or control.
Upon successfully completing and meeting all the criteria, including minimum academic and professional behaviour expectations, you will achieve a BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate at the end of the year.
You will also participate in tutorial sessions and our Professional Construction Employment and Skills Board, which has strong links and support from numerous local construction companies including contractors, architects, building services firms and structural engineers.
For more information on the T Level, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-tlevels/introduction-of-t-levels
You need to be highly motivated and demonstrate a keen personal interest in pursuing a professional construction career. Offers of a place on the course are dependent on your qualifications. You will need:
Maths and English are critical elements of this programme, embedded in many of the units taken, and those accepted on the course will have to undertake additional GCSE Maths or English in order to attain a minimum grade 5 (higher C) in order to progress to the T Level.
The course uses various assessment methods including written assignments, presentations, poster presentations and phase tests along with other externally assessed modules (exams).
You will need to purchase various items of equipment, including safety boots for site visits and technical drawing equipment. The purchase of appropriate books and e-books is encouraged and guidance on which books to purchase will be given by subject specialists. There may also be a request for contributions to trips and visits as part of our Employment and Skills Academy activities.
We have a dress code of a uniform shirt (with the Derby College Group Professional Construction logo), smart trousers/skirt, and sensible work shoes (not trainers). This is to enable the student to dress as they would in the work environment. (Information on the uniform shirt will be provided at induction.)
Successful completion of this course and the necessary GCSEs will allow you to progress to the new Level 3 Technical Level (T Level) in Professional Construction. These are new from September 2020 and are equivalent to three A-levels. More information about these new pathways can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/introduction-of-t-levels
Alternatively, with employment, progression to a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment would also be possible.
Distance learning student Emily Sheldon is using her Derby College course to gain vital skills and confidence as she builds her career in construction. A technical co-ordinator with Heage-based Keyclad, Emily is embarking on year two of her Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. She gained distinctions for her first year studies. She said the course had already given her a much broader knowledge of the construction industry, legal issues, and how structures “grow from the ground up.” Emily - who started as a temp - said her increased skill-set was already benefitting her boss, and the company, as she takes on more responsibility while she works towards her long-term aim of moving into design management.
Everytime I sit down and learn something, I can use it the next day at work. It’s all that instant. I can do my job with much more confidence.