Construction and the Built Environment

Building the Future

A new suite of qualifications will be introduced across Wales that have been developed with employers to better meet the skills needs of the built environment sector in Wales.

The change aims to simplify the complex landscape of more than 400 qualifications in construction and building services in Wales and to ensure you are better prepared for careers across the sector. There’ll be an increased focus on new and traditional techniques, on knowledge of the industry as a whole and on the generic skills needed to progress into work from education.

The brand new refurbished Maesteg Construction Centre of Excellence has a range of full and part time construction courses to suit any level. We focus on delivering excellence in teaching and learning whilst training to help all students achieve their potential. We are enthusiastic about helping you achieve your education goals and land your dream job! Our construction courses focus on skills that can be applied directly to the workplace or further study, giving you the knowledge to pursue a career in the construction industry.

From January 2022 we will be offering a level 1 diploma in Construction skills for those currently working or intending to work in the construction industry.

From September 2022, we will be offering a full-time Level 2 foundation in construction and the built environment course. You will choose from two trades experiences, carpentry, bricklaying, plastering and ground works (Construction civils). Once you have completed this qualification you may be able to progress onto further full time study or an apprenticeship. Our Apprenticeships are for people of all ages, 16+, to help you kick-start a career in the construction industry that suits your skills and interests, to facilitate a career change, or for people who would like to progress in their current role.

Construction Skills (Multi Trade – Pre Foundation)

Construction Skills Level 1 is a full-time, further education course designed for students who are interested in a career in the construction industry. The course consists of a knowledge of health and safety, practical and theory sessions from some of the following depending on chosen College, Bricklaying, Plastering, Carpentry, Painting or Tiling.

Level 2 Foundation Construction and Built Environment

The Level 2 Foundation Construction and Built Environment is a brand new qualification where you study two trade experiences from the following:  Working with brick, block and stone  Wood occupations  Painting and decorating  Plastering and interior systems  Wall and floor tiling

The Construction and Building Services industry has around three million workers in the UK, making it one of the country’s biggest employers. The industry requires a large number of newly trained operatives each year in order to keep up with demand. Jobs are available across all areas and with salaries rising at the moment, there’s never been a better time to join this rewarding industry. Training takes place in spacious and well equipped workshops where students have the chance to develop new knowledge and skills which will equip them for a successful career in the construction industry.

What will I do?

Tuition is carried out by qualified staff with industry experience who focus on developing students’ skills. Many of our staff are former students of the College and understand how to make learning interesting and enjoyable and are able to get the best out of students.

You will cover practical craft skills, job knowledge and advanced trade techniques in your chosen path. You will also learn the interpretation of construction drawings and the calculation of materials and costings. Students are also encouraged to participate in skills competitions as a means of enhancing their practical ability and developing higher level skills.

Assessment

To achieve this qualification, learners must complete:  One externally set, externally marked multiple-choice test  One externally set, internally marked project covering two trade areas  One externally set, internally marked guided discussion  One externally set, internally marked health and safety test.

Average annual earnings

Bricklayer £52k Carpenter and Joiner £50k Plasterer £48k Wall and Floor Tilers £48k Site Manager £60k Project Manager £70k Civil Engineer £70k

Progression

On completion, the qualification will provide a broad foundational knowledge across the construction or built environment industry as well as introductory knowledge and skills in two chosen pathways. The qualification provides the knowledge to progress on to further study:  Progression in Construction Level 2 (Full-time) – City & Guilds  Construction Level 3 Two-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds  Construction Level 3 Three-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds

The qualification provides sufficient knowledge for learners to progress into an apprenticeship within the sector in their choice of trade.

Who is the qualification for?

It is suitable for:  Learners aged 16+ currently working in or intending to work in the construction and built environment sector  Site operatives who want to widen their knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector more generally  Learners will need to have achieved, or be working towards their Level 2 Essential Skills English and Maths (or equivalent). There are no other additional entry requirements for this qualification.

Be practical with a career in plastering, bricklaying and carpentry

Student Success

The school of Construction and the Built Environment couldn’t be happier as their medal haul hit double figures at the recent Skills Wales Competition.

Gold medals were won in each of the four trades offered at the College including Painting and Decorating student Paul Mason, Kellan Marney from Brickwork, Plasterer Johnny Donaldson and female carpenter Sammy Young. Then came silvers for Thomas Morgan, Carpentry, Kian Brown, Plastering, and Craydon Rive from Brickwork, followed by Bronzes from Mai Ball in Painting and Decorating, Thomas Johns from Plastering and carpenter Dafydd Jenkins.

An incredible ten medals in total were won overall, making these results the best the school has ever achieved. Skills competitions are an excellent way of stretching and challenging students over and above their coursework.

Courses

Career-Focused Courses Level Entry Requirements

Construction Skills (Multi Trade – Pre Foundation) 1 No formal qualifications

Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment

AVAILABLE TRADE ROUTES:

Carpentry & Joinery / Roofing

Brickwork / Construction Civils 2 GCSE in English and Maths, grade D or above.

Plastering / Construction Civils

Painting & Decorating / Wall and Floor Tiling

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) 3 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C to include either Maths, English or Welsh and Science (6 GCSEs if only Maths, English or Welsh are achieved). BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Construction at Merit or Distinction.

Duration Location

1 Year

1 Year Maesteg Neath Swansea Brecon Maesteg Neath Swansea

Brecon

Neath Swansea

Brecon Maesteg

Neath Swansea Maesteg

Neath Swansea

Neath

2 Years Neath