Introduction to Construction
Start Date: 1st September 2027
- Length 1 Year
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
Qualification Gained
Entry Level 3 Extended Certificate in Introduction to Construction
Levels ExplainedMore about the course
Our Introduction to Construction course is ideal for students who are interested in a career in the construction industry, but are unsure which trade area they'd like to specialise in. Designed as a practical gateway into the sector, the course gives you the opportunity to develop valuable hands-on skills while exploring a range of construction trades.
You'll gain experience across different trade areas, helping you discover your interests and strengths before progressing onto a specialist construction course. Alongside developing practical skills, you'll build essential employability skills and industry knowledge, providing a strong foundation for further training, apprenticeships or future employment within the construction sector.
Entry requirements
- There are no entry requirements for this course. However, we require students to have good attendance, an interest in construction, and a willingness to learn.
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will receive a Entry Level 3 Extended Certificate in Introduction to Construction
What will I learn?
- Introduction to health and safety in construction
- Introduction to the construction industry
- Constructing halving joints
- Constructing housing joints
- Constructing cavity walls in brickwork and block work
- Mixing and using concrete
- Bending and joining copper pipes
- Working with low carbon steel pipes and fittings
What experience will I have?
- Community projects
- Trips to industry and trade shows
- Skills competitions, including World Skills UK and NCG Skills
- Links with employers
- Progression to Apprenticeships
How will I be assessed?
- Practical assessments
- End unit tests
Where can I progress?
- Further learning
- Training in the Construction sector
- Pre-Apprenticeship programme
- A traineeship
- Bricklaying Level 1
- Carpentry and Joinery Level 1
- Plumbing Level 1
Our students have gone into employment with:
- JC Construction
- Stackright Ltd
- York Windows
- Peter Roberts Ltd
- Promart Manufacturing
- Martin Boardman Ltd
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Lancashire Heritage Ltd
- Hart & Co
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact our Student Services team who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*This is subject to attendance.
Contact our team
Meet our Construction students and tutors
Lee Moorhouse
Head of Curriculum for Advanced Construction and EngineeringWith 34 years of experience in the construction industry and 12 years as a Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. I am passionate about supporting learners and helping them develop the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to succeed in their chosen careers. I look forward to continuing to grow and support the department, contributing to its ongoing success while helping to deliver NCG's vision and strategic goals towards 2030. Sharing my industry experience and supporting students to achieve their full potential are among the most rewarding aspects of my role.
Alan Finnetty
Bricklaying LecturerI am a passionate Brickwork lecturer with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout my career, I have developed a broad range of knowledge and skills while working on the construction of large residential developments, hospitals, and schools for recognised construction companies. In addition to my industry experience, I have over 15 years of experience in education, teaching and mentoring both 16 to 18-year-old learners and adult students. I hold qualifications in tutoring and assessing Brickwork at Levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and assessment qualifications. Throughout my career in further education, I have worked with a diverse range of learners, including students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and school groups. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that enables every student to develop their skills, achieve their qualifications, and progress towards a successful career in the construction industry.
Anthony Dickinson
Bricklaying LecturerI have been a lecturer at West Lancashire College for 10 years. Prior to joining the College, I worked in the construction industry for more than 28 years, developing a broad range of specialist knowledge and practical skills that I now bring to the classroom. I am a dedicated and knowledgeable lecturer with a passion for education and a strong commitment to student success. My extensive industry experience enables me to provide valuable insights and real-world applications, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their subject and prepare for careers within the construction sector. I design and deliver curricula that align with both course objectives and the needs of learners. To support active learning and cater to different learning styles, I incorporate a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on practical activities. I take great pride in helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to achieve their goals and succeed in their chosen careers.
Gary Disley
Carpentry and Joinery LecturerI began my career in the construction industry when I left school, training as a joiner and carpenter. I completed a three-year apprenticeship, achieving both my City & Guilds qualifications and Advanced City & Guilds qualifications. Since then, I have worked on a variety of construction projects across the country, gaining extensive industry experience and developing a broad range of practical skills and knowledge. My career in education began as an on-site assessor, supporting apprentices in the workplace and helping them achieve their NVQ qualifications. I later moved into full-time teaching and have now been teaching for over 14 years, working with both full-time students and apprentices up to Level 3. I am passionate about sharing my industry experience and supporting learners as they develop the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed for successful careers in the construction sector.
Richard Jollands
Carpentry and Joinery LecturerI have many years of experience in the industry, having initially taught health and safety for private companies before transitioning into the education sector. My goal is to support our students in successfully passing their qualifications.
Michael Cassidy
Plumbing LecturerI went straight into Plumbing as an apprentice with Wigan Council after leaving school, before leaving several years later to play professional rugby for Wigan Warriors. I started teaching after retiring from rugby in 2008 because I enjoy working with young adults and valued the teaching I received while training as a plumber. My main aim has always been to give students the best possible chance of completing their course while also passing on my hands-on experience from working in the industry.
Alex
Carpentry and Joinery Alumni StudentI had been interested in Joinery since high school, and when I discovered that West Lancashire College offered a course in the subject, I applied immediately. One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the variety of practical tasks and projects set by our tutor, which helped me develop a wide range of skills and gain valuable hands-on experience. The course gave me the opportunity to build my confidence, expand my knowledge, and prepare for a future career in the construction industry.
Dylan
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI chose the Bricklaying course at West Lancashire College because it would help me work towards securing an apprenticeship in the industry. It was a fantastic, hands-on course with plenty of practical experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Alan was an excellent tutor throughout my time at the College, and I am very grateful for his support, guidance, and dedication to helping students succeed.
Owen
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI completed my Level 2 course in Bricklaying, successfully achieving my practical units in line with construction standards, as well as earning a distinction in my Health and Safety and Principles of Building City & Guilds online exams. The support at West Lancashire College was excellent—my tutor, Alan, was always available to assist me and my classmates with every aspect of the course. I am now hoping to secure an apprenticeship or progress onto the Level 3 Bricklaying course.
Henry
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI decided to study Bricklaying because the course looked interesting in the prospectus. One of the highlights of my time at West Lancashire College was receiving the Rising Star Award at The Lancashire Colleges' Skills Competition. Achieving this recognition was a proud moment for me, and it was made possible by the fantastic support, guidance, and encouragement I received from my tutor, Alan. The course helped me develop my practical skills, confidence, and understanding of the construction industry, preparing me for future opportunities within the sector.
Leon
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI chose Bricklaying because there is a shortage of skilled workers in the trade, and I recognised the strong career opportunities it could offer. I particularly enjoyed the practical aspects of the course, which allowed me to develop my skills and gain valuable hands-on experience. Another highlight was the two-week industry placement in Vienna, where I gained insight into the construction industry in a different environment and further developed my confidence, knowledge, and practical abilities.
Samuel
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI had always enjoyed Bricklaying, so I knew it was the right course for me and that I wanted to build a career in the trade. The course allowed me to develop my practical skills, knowledge, and confidence while gaining valuable hands-on experience. One of the highlights of my time at West Lancashire College was the two-week industry placement in Vienna, which was an amazing experience and gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons while learning in a different environment.
Reagan
Carpentry and Joinery Alumni StudentI had wanted to learn more about Carpentry since leaving high school, and the course at West Lancashire College gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge. I particularly enjoyed the guest speakers who visited the College, as they provided valuable industry insight and advice. Taking part in the VIY Project was also a highlight, allowing me to gain practical experience, work as part of a team, and apply my skills in a real-world setting.
Aaron and Craig
Carpentry and Joinery Alumni StudentsWe come to the course with a passion for the trade, but for different reasons. Craig is inspired to follow in the footsteps of his Grandad, who worked as a Joiner, while Aaron has a strong interest in building a career within the industry and developing practical, hands-on skills. Throughout the course, we enjoy working together on a variety of practical projects, gaining valuable experience and building our confidence in the workshop. Our dedication and enthusiasm help us develop the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers in the construction sector. As we look ahead to our next steps, Craig plans to continue his studies on the Plumbing Level 2 course to further expand his trade skills, while Aaron is preparing to begin an Apprenticeship, where he will put his training into practice in a real working environment.
Mollie
Plumbing Alumni StudentI studied the Level 2 Plumbing course at West Lancashire College because I wanted to take my career in a new and exciting direction. The course provided me with valuable practical skills and industry knowledge, helping me build a strong foundation for my future career. After completing the course, I applied for an apprenticeship with the College, an opportunity I was really looking forward to as the next step in my professional development.
Aston
Plumbing Alumni StudentI chose this course because I knew it would support me in expanding my skills and help prepare me for a future career in the industry. I have really enjoyed learning a range of new practical skills that I can apply in the workplace and build on throughout my career. The course has helped me develop my confidence, knowledge, and experience, and I have now progressed into a career in Plumbing.
Benji
Plumbing Alumni StudentI chose this course because I knew it would allow me to progress into a strong career within the industry. I have really enjoyed learning new skills throughout the course and developing my practical knowledge and confidence. The experience I have gained has prepared me well for the next stage of my career, and I am now progressing into a Plumbing Apprenticeship.
Construction at West Lancashire College
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