Construction Skills - Level 1 Diploma

This course is suitable if you want to progress into a career within the construction industry as a General Operative, or to progress on to the various craft courses delivered by the College. It will prepare you for employment and look at core work skills required.

It allows candidates to learn, develop and practise the skills required for a number of disciplines and It covers a number of skills which includes health & safety, construction principles, practical assessments in each area and the theory/underpinning knowledge delivered in a practical context.

The qualifications cover a range of hand-skills, practical tasks and theory lessons consisting of a combination of the following:

Bricklaying – Including construction of brick and block walling

Carpentry & Joinery – using various tools and equipment to construct joints, fix architraves & skirtings and fit locks and latches

Painting & Decorating – applying paint and wallpaper and creating decorative effects.

The study programme consists of a vocational diploma, Maths and English, work experience and essential digital skills.

You do not need to have any previous qualifications although all applicants will need to have an interview and an initial assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

You will also need stationary, overalls and safety boots.

Assessment is with unit tests and continually assessed coursework. Students also meet regularly with tutors to help plan studies and to discuss progress.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

If you will be aged 19+ on 31st August prior to the start date of your course, up to Level 2, then your study with us will be free. You must have lived for 3 years within the EU/EEA/UK prior to the start of your course, you must have lived in the UK before 1st January 2021 and you must have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the first day of learning. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to progress into employment in the construction industry. You may also have the option to transfer to an apprenticeship or progress onto level 1/2 Diploma in the following trade areas:

• Bricklaying
• Carpentry & Joinery
• Painting & Decorating

Opportunities also exist of learners moving into the new developing area of sustainability with courses such as External Wall Insulation.

Barry has worked in the Construction industry for 25 years, first as a Painter and Decorator and then as a Site Manager, initially overseeing small refurbishment jobs and then larger areas on big developments.

Barry started teaching part-time over 12 years ago working at Oaklands College and then Amersham and Wycombe College, which he enjoyed, leading to his decision to go full-time at Tottenham teaching Painting and Decorating to Apprentices and Multi Skills to S.E.N's and KS4.

Barry currently teaches the Property Maintenance course to Apprentices providing a wide range of skills that can be used both in the workplace and at home. He also teaches Multi Skills Level 1 which offers a taster of different skills to help students go trade-specific or simply gain experience in carrying out various construction tasks. Barry enjoys passing on the knowledge that he has acquired over the years and has gained the ability to engage with the students and build their confidence ready for the workplace. Barry enjoys teaching at CONEL as there is a great environment to learn and develop for both students and staff.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.

This course is suitable if you want to progress into a career within the construction industry as a General Operative, or to progress on to the various craft courses delivered by the College. It will prepare you for employment and look at core work skills required.

It allows candidates to learn, develop and practise the skills required for a number of disciplines and It covers a number of skills which includes health & safety, construction principles, practical assessments in each area and the theory/underpinning knowledge delivered in a practical context.

The qualifications cover a range of hand-skills, practical tasks and theory lessons consisting of a combination of the following:

• Bricklaying - Including construction of brick and block walls
• Carpentry & Joinery - using various tools and equipment to construct joints, fix architraves & skirtings and fit locks & latches
• Painting & Decorating - applying paint and wallpaper and creating decorative effects

The study programme consists of a vocational diploma, Maths and English, work experience and essential digital skills

You do not need to have any previous qualifications although all applicants will need to have an interview and an initial assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

You will also need stationary, overalls and safety boots.

You do not need to have any previous qualifications although all applicants will need to have an interview and an initial assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

You will also need stationary, overalls and safety boots.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

If you will be aged 19+ on 31st August prior to the start date of your course, up to Level 2, then your study with us will be free. You must have lived for 3 years within the EU/EEA/UK prior to the start of your course, you must have lived in the UK before 1st January 2021 and you must have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the first day of learning. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to progress into employment in the construction industry. You may also have the option to transfer to an apprenticeship or progress onto level 1/2 Diploma in the following trade areas:

• Bricklaying
• Carpentry & Joinery
• Painting & Decorating

Opportunities also exist of learners moving into the new developing area of sustainability with courses such as External Wall Insulation

Ray began his teaching career in 2016 teaching Construction Skills City & Guilds Level 1 course to schools in Hertfordshire mainly students that were struggling in the school environment.

In 2017 he was asked to set up a facility within a Pupil Referral Unit at Potters Bar working with children who had been excluded from school. The Construction facility became the most successful part of the school getting an outstanding grade from Ofsted.

After the school closed in 2019, Ray moved on to Oaklands FE College where he taught Construction Skills and Bricklaying Level 1 for the next two years.

In 2022 Ray was offered a position at CONEL’s Enfield Centre teaching Level 1 Plumbing and Level 1 Construction Skills. He loves the diversity of the students at the college which creates a happy and level playing field for all students.

Ray has been involved in construction on and off since he started as a plaster in 1975 specialising in Fibrous plastering which involves making moulds for cornices and arches.

Ray also ran a successful Skateboard and Apparel Distribution Business and a Fashion brand.

Ray is passionate about construction and the methodical way you need to work for success, he believes that this has helped throughout his life and wants to pass this skill on to others. One Step at a time.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.