Rebuilding your career path with Extended Constructions Skills

Sophane, a qualified accountant, recently embarked on a career change. She is currently studying Construction Skills – Level 1 Extended Certificate, a City and Guilds qualification, part-time at Capital City College (CCC).

What inspired you to go back to college?

I got a bit burnt out. In the past, I would have changed roles or companies, but this time, I realised that I needed to make a bigger change – and this course has certainly done the trick. I still work freelance as an accountant, but I want to just focus on my studies a bit more. The more I do, the more I want to do.

Were there any challenges in starting your course?

I got myself onto the Extended Construction Skills course at the Holloway campus, which is a pretty popular course. I’m in a class with mainly 16 and 17 year olds and at first I felt like a fish out of water wearing a student lanyard – but that feeling didn’t last long. 

What’s it like being an adult learner in a class of teenagers?

It’s been eye-opening and absolutely brilliant and I wouldn’t change it for the world! It’s amazing to see them applying themselves to this particular field, seeing their successes and their attitudes change as they get more skilled. I find it rather heart-warming and a privilege to witness.

How is your course going?

We focus on a different skill set over each of the three terms – the qualification is well-rounded and gives you lots of practical input as well as theory. In the first term we focused on carpentry and learnt about using tools safely and accurately, health and safety and working on site, and different types of carpentry joints. 

The classroom at Holloway is absolutely great – it’s set up with workstations and all the tools. At the end of 12 weeks, I’d gone from not being able to hold a saw properly to fitting a mortice lock – and I’m really proud of that. Because of the competency that we developed, we were also able to do a number of British Carpentry assessments and get extra credits.

This term is on painting and decorating, and it’s been strangely therapeutic. We’re learning about different types of paint, paper and brushes and when to use them, colour palettes and techniques such as cutting in. There are about 15 one-bedroom flats set up with doors, light switches, all the things you might find in a home environment, and that’s where our classes take place. It’s amazing as we get to practice our skills, strip it all back, and start again.

Next term we’ll be doing brick laying – so by the end of the course you’ve got a really good trio of skills to take forward.

What’s been your favourite part of the course so far?

Sawing a piece of wood straight on and fitting two pieces of wood that you’ve cut together perfectly. I can’t explain it, there’s an absolute beauty that comes from being able to do something like that. It’s just such an achievement and I love that.

How have you found the tutors?

The tutors have a great rapport with the students, and the way that they teach bridges the gap well between school and college. They give encouragement and motivate us while setting clear expectations and instilling discipline. They’ve helped us understand different roles on building sites and within the housing sector.

What’s next for you?

I’m keen to balance out my skillset and keep my brain active so I’m already enrolled on a Solar Energy course. Then I’ll look into a Domestic Retrofit course as we really need greater energy efficiency in the UK.

Alongside that, I want to do carpentry again – maybe a Level 2 Carpentry course. I’m hoping to get some on-site experience over the summer as I feel like I’ve got enough confidence to apply my skill set and work to a good standard.

What advice would you give to people thinking about going back to college?

Be bold about your choice of course – there’s an awful lot out there. Be brave – you know more than you think and your skill set from life will enhance your ability to adapt. Enrol on popular courses early to avoid disappointment. Finally, just enjoy it for what it is.

If you’re keen to learn practical skills for a rapidly growing industry, check out our Construction and Plumbing Courses.

Considering a change in role? At Capital City College, our courses cater to learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. To discover your next exciting career, take a look at our wide range of courses.

Share!