Course Summary

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

Entry requirements

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:

• A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above
• A grade 5 (higher C) in either English or Maths and a science

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.

Course Content

• Construction Technology
• Construction and Design
• Scientific and Mathematical Applications for Construction
• Sustainability in Construction
• Construction Processes and Operations
• Construction Drawing Techniques
• Tendering and Estimating
• Exploring Surveying
• Exploring Civil Engineering
• Maths or English GCSE
• Industry Work Experience

How will I be assessed?

The course uses various assessment methods including written assignments, presentations, poster presentations and phase tests along with other externally assessed modules (exams).

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

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.)

What can I do after this course?

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.

Did you find the course information on this page useful?