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16-18 College

Construction

Construction has shaped the world around us for centuries, creating the homes, buildings and infrastructure that communities rely on every day. Whether you aspire to become a bricklayer, carpenter, joinery or plumber, we can hep you build the skills, confidence and experience needed for a rewarding career in the industry.

Based in our specialist ACE building, you'll learn practical, industry-relevant skills in a professional environment alongside like-minded students. Through hands-on training and real-world projects, you'll develop valuable trade expertise, build lasting friendships and gain the knowledge required to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study.

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West Lancashire College Monday 12th October 2026 4:30pm - 7:00pm Find out more

Bricklaying Level 1

Those studying Bricklaying Level 1 will learn a variety of skills to enable them to build, repair and maintain the country's housing stock.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

Bricklaying Level 2

Those studying our Bricklaying course will learn a variety of skills to enable them to build, repair and maintain the country's housing stock.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

Carpentry and Joinery Level 1

Working in the Carpentry and Joinery industry is an exciting and rewarding time, as you will gain skills that can be utilised in this growing industry.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

Carpentry and Joinery Level 2

Working in the Carpentry and Joinery industry is an exciting and rewarding time, as you will gain skills that can be utilised in this growing industry.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

Introduction to Construction

The Entry Level 3 qualification in Introduction to Construction is the perfect opportunity for students interested in working in the construction industry, but do not know which trade area to specialise in.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

Plumbing Level 1

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing industry, this qualification is an excellent starting point. You will gain fundamental skills and industry knowledge, helping you build confidence and prepare for progression to a Level 2 Plumbing qualification.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

Plumbing Level 2

A qualification in Plumbing will help you to learn the trade and progress onto an NVQ.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

100%*

pass rate for Bricklaying Diploma Level 1

*data from Proachieve September 2024

100%*

pass rate for Bricklaying Diploma Level 2

*data from Proachieve September 2024

100%*

pass rate for Plumbing Certificate Level 1

*data from Proachieve September 2024

Lee Moorhouse

Head of Curriculum for Advanced Construction and Engineering

With 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 Lecturer

Alan Finnetty

Bricklaying Lecturer

I 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 Dickson, Bricklaying Lecturer

Anthony Dickinson

Bricklaying Lecturer

I 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 Lecturer

Gary Disley

Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer

I 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

Richard Jollands

Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer

I 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

Michael Cassidy

Plumbing Lecturer

I 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

Alex

Carpentry and Joinery Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Dylan

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Owen

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Henry

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Leon

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Samuel

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Reagan

Carpentry and Joinery Alumni Student

I 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 Students

Aaron and Craig

Carpentry and Joinery Alumni Students

We 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 Student

Mollie

Plumbing Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Aston

Plumbing Alumni Student

I 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 Student

Benji

Plumbing Alumni Student

I 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.

Phone: 01695 52300

Email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk

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