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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 CEL 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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May Open Event

West Lancashire College Thursday 1st May 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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
Location: West Lancashire College

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Plumbing Level 1

This qualification is for those wanting to enter the Plumbing industry as it provides you with the opportunity to pick up some core skills and knowledge

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
Location: West Lancashire College

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Plumbing Level 2

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

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
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.

Carla

Carpentry and Joinery Student

I am a Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 student at West Lancashire College, where I am learning about the welfare in construction, as well as the principles of building construction. I am thoroughly enjoying the course as it’s fun and something a little bit different for me. My future will consist of going into a full time job where I can put my valuable Carpentry and Joinery skills to the test.

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 Level 2 Student

I am currently studying 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.