Construction Multi Trades

Learn by doing as you develop practical skills across three different areas of construction.

Rather than choosing a specialist trade straight away, you will have the opportunity to try different techniques, use tools and equipment and understand how different construction professionals contribute to a project.

You will explore:

• Carpentry tools and equipment
• Measuring and marking out timber
• Sawing and basic woodworking techniques
• Basic carpentry joints
• Plumbing pipework and fittings
• Basic plumbing installation techniques
• Electrical wiring and circuits
• Safe use of electrical tools and equipment
• Health and safety in construction
• Construction technology
• Safe working practices
• Communication and teamwork
• Problem solving in practical situations

Practical workshop sessions will give you regular opportunities to develop your skills through demonstration, guided practice and repeated experience. You will learn how to select and use tools safely, follow instructions, measure accurately and complete practical tasks to an appropriate standard.

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

The programme is particularly useful if you know that you want a practical career in construction but are not yet sure whether carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation or another route is right for you.

You will normally need:

• At least four GCSEs at grade 2 or above

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 construction and practical work
• Enjoy learning by doing
• Want to try different construction trades
• Are willing to learn how to use tools and equipment safely
• Can follow instructions
• Are prepared to practise techniques to improve your skills
• Enjoy solving practical problems
• Can work independently and as part of a team
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Are willing to become more organised and responsible for your own learning
• Are comfortable developing basic digital skills for research and coursework

You do not need previous trade experience. A positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to developing practical skills are more important.

City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills

One of the main benefits of Construction Multi Trades is the opportunity to experience several trades before deciding which direction you want to take.

Depending on your skills, interests and entry requirements, possible next steps at Newbury College include:

• Foundation to T Level (Electrical)
• Foundation to T Level (Plumbing)
• Carpentry Level 2
• Further specialist construction training
• A carpentry or joinery apprenticeship
• An electrical apprenticeship
• A plumbing or heating apprenticeship
• Another construction apprenticeship

If you enjoy working with timber and making things accurately, carpentry may be the natural next step. If you are interested in water, heating and pipework, you could progress towards plumbing. If you enjoy technical problem solving, circuits and electrical systems, electrical installation may suit you.

With further training and experience, these pathways can lead towards careers such as carpenter, joiner, electrician, plumber, heating engineer or other skilled construction roles.

Your construction skills will be assessed through a combination of practical tasks, projects, coursework and multiple-choice assessments.

Practical assessments will give you opportunities to demonstrate the skills you have developed across carpentry, plumbing and electrical installation. You will be expected to use tools and equipment safely, follow instructions and complete work to the required standard.

You will also complete multiple-choice assessments covering areas such as health and safety and construction technology.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout your practical work and projects to help you improve your techniques, develop your knowledge and prepare for progression.

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

You will complete regular independent work outside your practical sessions.

This may include:

• Researching construction methods and materials
• Revising health and safety
• Reviewing practical techniques
• Completing written tasks
• Planning practical projects
• Preparing for multiple-choice assessments
• Responding to tutor feedback

Your independent study will reinforce what you learn in the workshop and help you develop the study skills needed for progression to Level 2.

You may have opportunities to take part in work experience and other employer activities that help you understand how construction trades operate in the workplace.

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

• Gain experience with a construction employer
• Meet tradespeople and industry professionals
• Hear from employers about apprenticeships and career routes
• Visit construction sites or other workplaces
• Observe professionals carrying out different trades
• Take part in employer-led activities or projects

These experiences will help you connect your workshop learning with real construction careers and make a more informed decision about which trade you would like to pursue.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You may need suitable construction workwear, including safety boots and work trousers
• Details and costs for any required workwear will be provided before enrolment
• Optional trips, workplace visits, exhibitions or other construction activities may have additional travel or entry costs, and you will be given information in advance