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Gateway to T Levels - Professional ConstructionApply Now »
Location: The RoundHouse
Years: 1
Interview: Y
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?
Matthew Hitchcock
Peak Award winner Matthew on course to become quantity surveyor
Award-winning trainee quantity surveyor Matthew Hitchcock said his Derby College studies and workplace training complemented each other "perfectly" to launch his career. West Hallam teenager Matthew enjoyed studying maths and product design at Kirk Hallam Community Academy.
He had an idea even then that he might go into quantity surveying, and periods spent on work experience with construction company Bowmer & Kirkland, and its subsidiary, Keyclad, reinforced the plan. When Matthew left school with good grades, he landed an apprenticeship with Keyclad at Heage, where he had already forged some links.
His line managers encouraged him to take the Derby College BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and The Built Environment. Matthew said he was excited by the course – saying it provided a broad overview of its subject matter and it "really helped him".
Matthew studied in college for a day-and a-half-a week for two years, completing the extended course with three distinction stars and he was named apprentice of the Year at the College's Peak Awards. Now, through Keyclad, he is studying one day a week at Nottingham Trent University for a Bachelor of science degree. After that he is planning to gain his RICS qualifications to become a chartered surveyor.
I think the diversity of the college course really helped me, because we learnt about design, as well as measurement and project management. It was quite varied and you got a good overview.
I learnt things at college that I couldn't learn at work. On the other hand, I learned a lot of things at work which transferred into my college essays, studies, and also helped my input into the classes. It came together perfectly. I felt lucky to have the support of such professional lecturers.
One of the best things was working with various students, because a lot of us work in different industries. The students all had different ideas and we brought them all together.
