of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 2
Duration
1 year FT
Placement
20 hours
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
217,000 new construction workers needed in the UK by 2025*
*CITB, 2021
Progress onto our Level 3 construction courses, an apprenticeship or a career in the sector
Considering a career in construction? The industry needs you. Britain is expected to require hundreds of thousands of new construction workers in the next few years, with the UK Government funding major regeneration projects nationwide and pledging to build 300,000 new homes each year. If you are thinking of pursuing a pathway into the world of building, design and surveying, our Level 2 Construction and the Built Environment course will provide you with a broad foundation of the key skills and knowledge you will need for your future in this field.
Our one-year course will arm you with an understanding of the construction industry, with a particular focus on how it can become more sustainable. You will learn about the latest construction technology, processes and operations, mathematical and scientific applications, design and drawing techniques, as well as civil engineering, surveying, tendering and estimating. Alongside your studies, you will also gain real-life experience working on placement within the sector.
By completing our Construction Level 2 course, you will gain a BTEC qualification that is widely recognised and will open up options for you to progress into further relevant study, such as our BTEC Level 3 or T-level Construction courses at University College Birmingham. You will also be able to progress onto apprenticeships or towards employment within the industry.
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Gain knowledge in construction, design and other industry-relevant topics, as well as boosting your English, maths and employability skills
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Apply your learning to real life and gain valuable experience on industry placement
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our BTEC Level 2 Construction course gives you a recognised work-related qualification to enable progress onto further study, apprenticeships and employment
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction at the iconic James Cond building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:
• Training rigs
• Production line technology
• Industry 4.0 rigs
• Process manufacturing training equipment
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Renewable energy simulators
• Production line technology
• Industry 4.0 rigs
• Process manufacturing training equipment
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Renewable energy simulators
• Control engineering rigs
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• MATLAB design software
• Enhanced IT facilities
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• MATLAB design software
• Enhanced IT facilities
James Cond
Formerly a print works, this historic art deco building will become the home of our Centre for Sustainable Construction.
Camden House
Our refurbishment of Camden House will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- The underpinning mathematics and science related to construction
- The design of construction and how to communicate your design in drawings and specifications
- Sustainability in construction
- Tendering and estimating
- Civil engineering
- Surveying
- AutoCAD
- Specialist skills related to construction to suit your chosen career path
- Facilities management
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Tilbury Douglas is delighted to be working in partnership with University College Birmingham on the development of the new sustainable construction courses. As an employer, it is vital that our employees can access robust, fit-for-purpose qualifications that will address the skills shortage and provide our future and existing workforce with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to demonstrate competency in their roles. We are passionate about recruiting and developing our own talent for the future, while ensuring we remain committed to sustainably delivering vital infrastructure to communities across the UK. This collaboration will help us to achieve this.
Entry requirements
Our construction lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about construction, together with a keen determination to succeed in the construction and building sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D) including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent.
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Construction and receive approval from the University College Birmingham teaching team will be permitted to progress onto BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will have three days per week in college as well as time spent on industry placement. Around 4-6 hours of homework per week is also advised.
Staff will monitor your progress and have one-to-one meetings with you with targets set. You will also have progress reviews during your work experience, both from our staff and your employer.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Attending a work/industry placement is a critical element of our Level 2 course in construction. This will usually consist of one day per week for two weeks, totalling around 20 hours.
Career opportunities
On completion of the Level 2, you could progress onto our Construction and the Built Environment BTEC Level 3 course or our Construction T-level course. Alternatively you could pursue a range of employment opportunities within the industry.
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Architect
Average Salary: £40,000
Building/quantity surveyor
Average Salary: £26,500
Planner
Average Salary: £60,000
Civil engineer
Average Salary: £30,000
Structural engineer
Average Salary: £25,000
Site manager
Average Salary: £45,000
Engineering and Construction at University College Birmingham
Discover more about our new range of engineering and construction college courses, including BTEC Level 2, BTEC Level 3 and T-Level qualifications.
