Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery – Level 1

Required qualifications

There are no pre requisite qualifications for this qualification, staff will discuss experiences and suitability.

It is recommended that a good level of maths and English is held as will be required when working in the industry.

What skills will I develop?

As a carpentry student you will develop practical skills with underpinning knowledge in a variety of topics. You can expect to study the following units:

• Principles of Building
• Health and Safety Information
• Maintain and Use Hand Tools
• Maintain and Use Portable Power Tools
• Produce Woodwork Joints
• Introduction to Woodworking Machines and Portable Power Tools

Careers

On successful completion of the Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry & Joinery, you could be given the opportunity to progress onto the Level 2 Diploma.

If you gain employment within the industry, you could become an apprentice. The skills you have gained on the Level 1 and at 2 Diplomas will benefit you if you choose the apprenticeship route, or you could consider higher education in routes such as:

• Construction Management
• Civil Engineering
• Site Supervision programme (CIOB)
• Foundation Degree Historic Building Conservation
• Heritage NVQ Level 3
• Construction Level 4

As a South Staffordshire College student, you will be offered a balanced, high quality study programme to open your options and give you the best chance of progression into further training opportunities or lasting employment.

Work experience

There is no work experience required as this is an adult evening course.

English and maths

In construction, having solid maths and English skills is important. Whether you’re measuring materials, reading plans, or chatting with clients and coworkers, these skills are key to getting the job done right.

Good maths skills mean you can measure accurately, estimate costs, and plan projects well. This ensures everything runs smoothly and safely. Strong English skills help you communicate clearly, whether you’re writing reports, understanding documents, or discussing plans. Good communication helps avoid mistakes and keeps projects on track.

Improving your maths and English not only makes you better at your job but also boosts your chances of getting hired and moving up in your career. Employers in construction value these skills because they lead to better performance and the ability to handle more complex tasks.

At South Staffordshire College, we offer a supportive environment to help you develop these essential skills. Our team is here to help you succeed, providing the support and resources you need. By investing in your maths and English, you’re setting yourself up for a successful career in construction.

At South Staffordshire College, we get how crucial these skills are. If you don’t hold any qualifications why don’t you consider applying to study a GCSE or Functional Skills level.

Other important information

To ensure you’re fully prepared for your course, there are a few essential items you’ll need to purchase:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Toe-protective footwear: Safety first! Make sure you have sturdy footwear to protect your feet.
   • Hi-visibility vest: The required colour will be specified by your instructors.
2. Stationery:
   • Pens and pencils: Both for drawing and workshop use.
   • Notepads and a folder: For storing your notes and keeping everything organized.
   • Steel ruler and scale ruler: Essential for precise measurements.
   • Geometry set: To help with technical drawings and measurements.
3. Basic Hand Tools:
   • Staff will identify and recommend the specific tools you should purchase. This helps the tools adapt to your way of working and teaches you the importance of cleaning, maintaining, and preparing them properly.

Having these items will help you stay safe and organised and ensure you’re ready to tackle all aspects of your course. If you have any questions about the required items or the bursary scheme, feel free to ask your instructors for more details.