Foundation in Carpentry and Joinery

If you have a keen interest in working with wood and want to start your journey toward a career in site carpentry or architectural joinery, this course is the perfect starting point.

Designed for school leavers or those looking to enter the construction industry, this course provides a solid foundation in both practical and theoretical skills. You’ll learn in industry-standard workshops, using professional tools and techniques, and gain valuable experience through realistic projects and work-related activities.

What sets this course apart is its focus on hands-on learning, employer engagement, and enrichment opportunities that help you build confidence and prepare for the world of work.

Maths and English

In order to support your main programme of study, future progression, and life skills, you will also continue to develop your skills in Maths and English.
This may involve working towards a Grade 4 or above at GCSE, or completing Functional Skills qualifications, depending on your current level.

This course is ideal for learners who are:

• Practical and hands-on
• Motivated to learn a trade
• Hardworking, reliable, and eager to progress

To join this course, you will need to meet the following entry criteria:

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of GCSE Grade 2 (or equivalent) in Mathematics
• A minimum of GCSE Grade 2 (or equivalent) in English Language

Interview and Selection

• You will be required to attend an interview with a member of the Construction team.
• This may include a short aptitude activity to assess your suitability for the course.

Desirable Attributes

• We are looking for applicants who are:
• Hardworking and committed to learning
• Punctual and reliable
• Willing to work as part of a team
• Motivated to develop practical skills and progress in the construction industry

Additional Considerations

• Previous work experience in a construction-related environment is beneficial but not essential.
• A genuine interest in the construction sector and a positive attitude towards learning are key to success on this course.

This Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery programme is designed as the first year of a two-year study programme, preparing you to progress onto a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery pathway. While you will achieve a recognised Level 1 qualification, this forms only part of the overall programme. The course is designed to develop the essential practical skills, technical knowledge, behaviours, and industry expectations required for progression to Level 2 and to support your long-term goal of becoming a skilled carpenter or joiner. Through practical training, classroom learning, digital skills development, and industry-related experiences, you will establish the foundations needed for future success within the construction industry.

Core Construction Subjects

• Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
• Principles of Construction, Building and Communication

Trade-Specific Subjects

• Basic Carpentry and Joinery Skills
• Care, Maintenance and Use of Woodworking Hand Tools
• Safe Set-Up and Use of Woodworking Portable Power Tools

Maths and English (GCSE) 

You will continue to study Maths and English GCSE qualifications as part of your study programme where required. These subjects are taught in a way that supports your vocational learning and help you develop the numeracy, communication, problem-solving and written skills required within the construction industry. Topics may include measuring, calculating quantities and costs, interpreting information, and communicating effectively in the workplace.

Construction Digital Skills 

As part of your programme, you will develop the digital skills increasingly used throughout the construction industry. This may include:

• Using Microsoft Teams, Word and PowerPoint for communication and coursework
• Researching construction materials, tools and methods using digital resources
• Reading and interpreting digital drawings and plans
• Developing an awareness of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and digital construction technologies
• Using digital measuring equipment and construction-related software
• Producing digital documents such as quotes, job records and portfolio evidence

These skills will help prepare you for further study, apprenticeships and employment within the modern construction sector.

Additional Programme Elements

• Work Experience
• Employability Skills
• Tutorials and Personal Development
• Enrichment Activities and Industry Visits

You will learn through a combination of the following methods:

• On-site learning: Most of your learning will take place at college, giving you access to industry-standard facilities and equipment.
• Classroom sessions: These will cover the theory and knowledge needed for your qualification.
• Practical workshops: Hands-on training in our fully equipped workshops will help you develop your trade skills.
• Online learning: There may be some online tasks or assignments, but these will be kept to a minimum.

We aim to deliver all programmes as advertised. However, we reserve the right to cancel or amend courses that do not recruit sufficient numbers to remain viable.

To ensure you’re fully prepared for your course, you will need to provide the following items:

• Basic stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, etc.)
• Notebook for taking class notes
• Padlock for securing your locker
• Safety footwear (steel toe-capped boots)
• Work trousers
• Safety glasses
• Separate footwear – to be worn when not in workshop areas.
• Shoe covers– to be worn when not in workshop areas for short periods of time.

Once enrolled, you will also be required to purchase a Derby College Group jumper and polo shirt, which form part of your standard workwear.

Please note: Some costs may be subsidised by the College depending on your circumstances. Speak to your tutor or Student Services for more information.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical and written methods. These may include:

• Unit-based assessments: Observation of practical work and judgement against minimum standards.
• Written projects and exam questions: These assess your understanding of theoretical knowledge.
• Real trade projects: You may be required to complete real or simulated trade tasks, which will also be assessed.

Level 1 Qualification

• Assessment is primarily through practical observation and written tasks.
• You may also complete real-world projects as part of your assessment.

Progression to Level 2

• You will receive further training and be assessed on both:
  • Skills (practical ability)
  • Knowledge (theoretical understanding)
• You must pass both assessments to progress to Level 2.

Digital Skills

• You will work through online modules which will be followed by a multiple choice assessment.

Assessment Format

• Where applicable, exams may be online or multiple choice. Please check with your tutor for specific formats.

Maths and English

• Functional Skills: Assessed through controlled assessments and mock exams.
• GCSE: Assessed through a final exam.

Further Study

Upon successful completion of the Level 1 qualification, and provided you meet the progression criteria (including passing both skills and knowledge assessments), you will be eligible to progress to a Level 2 course in the same trade at Derby College.

If you secure an employer, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto a Level 2 Apprenticeship in your chosen trade.

Maths and English

You will continue to develop your skills in Maths and English as part of your study programme.
Depending on your grades, you may be required to continue working towards a Functional Skills qualification or GCSE in Maths and/or English.

Higher Education Opportunities

In the longer term, and depending on your chosen pathway, you could progress to Level 3 qualifications and eventually to Higher Education. Degree options may include subjects such as:

• Construction Management
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Services Engineering

Career Opportunities

This course can lead to a range of entry-level roles in the construction and built environment sector, such as:

• Site Labourer
• Trainee trades person
• Apprentice trades person
• Property Maintenance Operative
• Groundworker

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk