Construction
The Construction department at West Lancashire College consists of Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery and Plumbing courses for a variety of students who enjoy a challenge. Brickies, sparkies and plumbers are the bread and butter of any building site and here in our ACE building, we will provide you will the very best knowledge for your career.
You will learn the craft of your choice, learn how to apply your skills within the industry, experience guest speakers, off-site trips and liaise with employers who you may very well be working with once your course has finished.
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Construction at West Lancashire College
Contact our team
Meet our Construction students and tutors
Amanda Maddocks
Head of Curriculum for ConstructionAs Head of Curriculum for Construction, I have high expectations for both student and staff. I am passionate about ensuring the learning experience in Construction is the very best it can be, always looking for additional opportunities that students wouldn’t get anywhere else. We create a safe and supportive environment to ensure all learners reach their full potential and progress into the Construction Industry, with support from our network of employer links.
Alan Finnetty
Bricklaying LecturerI am a passionate brickwork lecturer with over 40 years of experience in construction, I have developed a broad range of knowledge and skills building large homes, hospitals, and schools with recognised construction companies. I have extensive experience as a mentor and teacher for a diverse range of students with over 15 years in education for ages ranged 16-18yrs and adult students. I have gained qualifications for tutoring brickwork at levels 1, 2 and 3 diplomas, IQA and Assessing. I have experienced, in further education, broader ranges of teaching to SEN and school groups.
Anthony Dickinson
Bricklaying LecturerI have been a lecturer at West Lancashire College for 10 years and prior to working here, I was part of the Construction industry for more than 28 years, where I developed a broader range of knowledge and skills. I am dedicated and knowledgeable college lecturer with a passion for education and a strong commitment to student success. My extensive knowledge base allows me to provide in-depth insights and practical applications to students, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject with adept and design and develop curriculum that align with the needs of my students and the course objectives. I incorporate a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, to promote active learning and cater to diverse learning styles.
Gary Disley
Carpentry and Joinery LecturerI started work in the construction industry when I left school as a joiner /carpenter, I completed a three-year apprenticeship where I achieved my city and guilds qualifications followed by my advanced city and guilds. I have worked in the industry since working on various contracts throughout the country. I started education as an onsite assessor working with apprentices on site helping them to achieve their NVQ qualifications and I later moved into full time teaching and have done so for the last fourteen years, teaching full time students and apprentices up to level three.
Dylan
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI chose the Bricklaying course at West Lancashire College because it would help me work towards an apprenticeship in the industry. It was a fantastic, hands-on practical course, which I really enjoyed. Alan was an excellent tutor throughout my time here, and I am very grateful for his dedication to helping students succeed.
Mollie
Plumbing Alumni StudentI studied the Level 2 Plumbing course at West Lancashire College because I wanted to take my career in a unique direction. I applied to become an apprentice with the college in the near future, which I was really looking forward to. Amanda Maddocks was fantastic, helping me with my application and offering valuable advice for the future.
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.
Alex
Carpentry and Joinery StudentI have been interested in joinery since high school, and when I discovered that West Lancashire College offered a course, I applied immediately. The variety of tasks set by our tutor has been the part I’ve enjoyed the most.
Henry
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI decided to study Bricklaying because the course looked interesting in the prospectus. A real highlight for me was receiving the Rising Star award at The Lancashire Colleges’ Skills Competition, which I achieved thanks to the fantastic support from my tutor, Alan.
Reagan
Carpentry and Joinery Alumni StudentI have 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. I have particularly enjoyed the guest speakers who visited the college and participating in the VIY Project.
Leon
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI chose Bricklaying because there is a shortage of workers in the trade, so I knew there would be strong career opportunities. I have really enjoyed the practical side of the course, as well as the two-week industry placement in Vienna.
Samuel
Bricklaying Alumni StudentI have always enjoyed Bricklaying, so I knew this was the right course for me and that I wanted a career in the trade. I had an amazing experience in Vienna during the two-week industry placement.
What can I do with a qualification in Construction?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Upcoming events
February Open Event
West Lancashire College
Monday 2nd February 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
April Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 30th April 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
