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16-18 College

Construction

Construction is an ancient human activity, beginning with the need for a controlled environment to moderate the effects of climate. Whether you train to become a bricklayer, an electrician or a plumber, West Lancashire College can guide you towards a career worthwhile.

Taught in our ACE building on our Skelmersdale campus, you will learn life changing skills and develop friendships for life when you begin working on-site with fellow tradesmen and women.

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West Lancashire College Thursday 20th November 2025 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: 1st September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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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: 1st September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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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: 1st September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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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: 1st September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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Construction Multi Skills Entry Level 3

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

Length: 35 Weeks
Study: Full Time
Start date: 1st September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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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: 1st September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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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

Amanda Maddocks

Head of Curriculum for Construction

As 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 Lecturer

I 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 Lecturer

I 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 Lecturer

I 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 Student

I chose the Bricklaying course at West Lancashire College as it will help me in aiming towards an Apprenticeship in the industry. It is a fantastic hands-on, practical course which I am really enjoying. Alan has been a fantastic tutor throughout my time here and I am very grateful for his dedication to seeing students thrive.

Mollie

Plumbing Alumni Student

I studied the Level 2 Plumbing course at West Lancashire College and I chose this as I wanted to be different, to take my career in a direction that nobody else would choose for me. I have applied to be an Apprentice with the college in the near future, which I am really looking forward to. Amanda Maddocks has been fantastic with helping me to apply and has offered a lot of advice for the future.

Owen

Bricklaying Student

I am due to complete my Level 2 course in Bricklaying, where I’ve successfully completed my practical units in line with the construction standards, as well as completing my Health and Safety and Principles of Building City & Guilds online exams in which I earned a distinction grade. The support at West Lancashire College has been amazing; my tutor Alan is always there to support me and my classmates with all elements of the course. I am hoping to find an Apprenticeship or progress onto the Level 3 Bricklaying course.

Alex

Carpentry and Joinery Student

I wanted to learn more about joinery since high school and when I discovered that there was a course at West Lancs, I applied straight away. The variety of tasks that our tutor has set for us has been what I've enjoyed the most.

Henry

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I decided to study Bricklaying as I liked the look of the course in the prospectus. Being given the Rising Star award at The Lancashire Colleges’ Skills Competition was a real highlight for me and I got that because of the support my tutor Alan has given me.

Reagan

Carpentry and Joinery Alumni Student

I have wanted to learn more about Carpentry since leaving high school and the course at West Lancs College gave me the opportunity to grow my skills. I've liked the guest speakers that have come into college and the VIY Project that we took part in.

Leon

Bricklaying Alumni Student

In the Bricklaying trade, there are shortages of workers so I knew that there would be a career opening for me. I've enjoyed the practical side of the course and the two-week industry placement in Vienna.

Samuel

Bricklaying Alumni Student

I enjoy Bricklaying, so I knew this was the course for me and I've always wanted a job in the trade. I had a great time in Vienna where we did a two-week industry placement.