Carpentry Level 2 Diploma

Learn by doing as you develop the practical carpentry skills used on construction sites.

You will learn how a site carpenter works at different stages of a construction project, from structural timber work through to fitting doors, frames and other components. Practical sessions will help you develop accuracy, confidence and safe working practices while building your understanding of timber, tools and construction methods.

You will explore:

• Principles of construction
• Structural carpentry
• Carpentry completed before plastering
• Carpentry completed after plastering
• Timber technology
• Measuring, marking and preparing timber
• Cutting and fitting timber components
• Safe use of carpentry tools and equipment
• Using a circular saw
• Working accurately from measurements and specifications
• Health and safety in a construction environment

Practical sessions will give you regular opportunities to develop your techniques through demonstration, guided practice and increasingly independent projects. You will learn how to plan your work, select appropriate tools and materials, measure accurately and complete tasks safely and to a professional standard.

Alongside your practical skills, you will develop wider skills such as problem solving, organisation, teamwork, communication and taking responsibility for the quality of your own work.

You will normally need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths
• Or an appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification, together with equivalent English and Maths qualifications

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a genuine interest in carpentry and construction
• Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
• Have good hand-eye coordination or are willing to develop it
• Pay attention to accuracy and detail
• Enjoy making and constructing things
• Are willing to practise techniques to improve your skills
• Can follow instructions and work safely
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Are willing to become more organised and responsible for your own work

You do not need to arrive as an experienced carpenter. A willingness to learn, practise your skills and work safely and accurately is more important.

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry

After completing this programme, you can progress to the Carpentry (Site Carpentry) Level 3 Diploma to continue developing the skills and workplace experience needed to become a site carpenter.

Another next step is to progress into an apprenticeship, where you can continue your training while developing your skills with an employer. Newbury College works with local employers who support carpentry apprentices at Level 3.

Possible next steps include:

• Carpentry (Site Carpentry) Level 3 Diploma
• A carpentry apprenticeship
• Employment or further training with a house-building company
• Employment or further training with a property development company
• Working with a small construction, repair or refurbishment business

With further training and workplace experience, you could progress towards a career as a site carpenter, working on new-build developments, property improvements, repairs and refurbishment projects.

The Site Carpentry qualification is assessed through a combination of practical tasks, projects and coursework.

Your practical skills will be assessed as you demonstrate the carpentry techniques you have developed. You will need to show that you can prepare for tasks, work safely, use tools and materials appropriately and complete your work accurately.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout your practical work and assessments to help you improve your techniques, solve problems and develop the standard of work expected within the construction industry.

Your knowledge and understanding will also be assessed through coursework and other activities required as part of the qualification.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

You will complete regular independent work outside your timetabled sessions.

This may include:

• Researching construction methods and materials
• Revising carpentry theory
• Completing written work
• Planning practical projects
• Reviewing health and safety information
• Preparing for assessments
• Reviewing feedback from practical work

Your independent work will reinforce the skills and knowledge you develop during practical sessions.

Your tutors will review your progress and provide feedback, but you will also be expected to become increasingly responsible for preparing for assessments, completing work on time and developing your technical knowledge.

You will take part in activities that help you understand how carpentry skills are used in the construction industry and develop the professional behaviours employers are looking for.

Throughout your programme, practical projects will help you develop your confidence, accuracy, safe working practices and ability to complete carpentry tasks to an appropriate standard.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, you may also:

• Meet carpenters, construction professionals and employers
• Hear from industry speakers about their work and career routes
• Visit construction workplaces or projects
• Take part in employer-led activities
• Complete work experience where suitable opportunities are available

These experiences will help you understand the standards expected on a construction site and how the skills you develop in College can lead into further training, an apprenticeship or employment.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You may need to purchase suitable construction workwear, including safety boots and work trousers
• Details of any required workwear and costs will be provided before enrolment