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Routes to Vocational Studies – Trades

Our Routes Multi-Trade course is designed for learners seeking practical skills across multiple trades, such as bricklaying, plastering, painting & decorating, and carpentry.

Course Summary

Subject Area: Routes
School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: Entry
Number Of Years: 1
Interview Required?: Y
The Roundhouse

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/routes-to-vocational-studies-trades
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Course Information for Students

The Routes Multi-Trade course is designed for learners seeking practical skills across multiple trades, such as bricklaying, plastering, painting & decorating, and carpentry. It suits those exploring construction careers who are aiming to gain hands-on experience, improve their employability, and progress to higher-level qualifications or apprenticeships in the building and maintenance sector.

  • English and Maths at GCSE grade 1, equivalent, or below
  • Attendance at transition events to ensure readiness and engagement

You will learn practical skills in carpentry, plumbing, painting, and basic maintenance, alongside improving your English and maths. The course builds hands-on experience, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing you for progression into construction careers, apprenticeships, or further vocational training.

You will learn through hands-on practical workshops, supported by classroom sessions for theory and safety. Activities include real-world projects in bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, and painting, alongside English and maths lessons to build your functional skills. Group work, demonstrations, and personalised support ensure you develop confidence and employability skills.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety boots, high-visibility vest, gloves, and any other required items for practical tasks
  • Stationery: pens, pencils, and a notebook
  • Suitable clothing: comfortable, durable clothes for workshop activities
  • Resources for your normal way of working: laptop, overlay, tablet, reading pen, or alternative methods bespoke to you
  • Practical tasks in bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, and painting to demonstrate hands-on skills
  • Portfolio of evidence showcasing your progress and completed projects in Digital Skills, Personal Development, and Sustainability
  • Functional Skills or GCSE exams in English and Maths, including final exams for GCSE if you are working towards them
  • Further study at DCG
  • Level 1 or 2 Construction or Multi-Trade courses for more advanced skills
  • Specialist trade qualifications (e.g. carpentry or plumbing)
  • Apprenticeships in construction or property maintenance
  • Employment in entry-level construction roles

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

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering the curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information

DCG Success Stories

Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.

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We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.

View Role Models

Find out what funding could be available to you:

Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.

Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.

Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.

Important:

The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.

Funding availability can vary depending on:

  • Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
  • The course you choose
  • Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment

If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.

Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses

If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us


Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*

If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.

Haven’t applied yet?

Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026

Course Information Last Updated On: December 12, 2025 7:27 am