Course Level
Level 1
Duration
1 year FT per level
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Progress onto next level construction courses
217,000 new construction workers needed in the UK by 2025*
*CITB, 2021
Do you want to learn a practical trade? Thinking of training to be a builder, plumber, carpenter, electrician or similar occupations, but not sure where to start or which career is right for you? Our Construction Multi-Skills course offers you the ideal introduction to a broad range of different trades and sectors, arming you with a great foundation of technical skills and knowledge while keeping your options wide option for a future specialism.
Our construction multi-trades course enables you to learn everything from brickwork, carpentry and joinery, plastering, painting and decorating to electrical installation and plumbing, giving you valuable training and insight into which area you may want to pursue further for your career. You will also learn important topics for the modern construction industry as a whole, including sustainable construction, green technology, property maintenance and how to retrofit houses to become more energy efficient.
Our state-of-the-art Sustainable Construction Centre on campus provides the perfect hands-on training ground for you to practise these trades while you study. You will also develop your English and maths skills alongside your practical training, meaning that by the end of your studies, you will be fully equipped to go onto more advanced courses, apprenticeships or careers.
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Learn core skills for a wide range of trades including brickwork, carpentry, joinery, electrical and plumbing, as well as improving your English and maths
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on training using innovative facilities in our state-of-the-art Sustainable Construction Centre
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Gain a nationally-recognised qualification to enable your progress onto further courses and apprenticeships
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 brand new Sustainable Construction Centre 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 purpose made construction areas resembling residential accommodation.
James Cond Building
Formerly a print works, this historic art deco building will become the home of our new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre.
Camden House
Our refurbishment of Camden House will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Health, safety and welfare in construction
- Principles of building construction
- Small-scale building repairs
- Small-scale painting and decorating repairs
- Plastering repairs
- Plumbing repairs
- Carpentry repairs
- Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit
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
- 3 GCSE at grade 2 including maths or English (Language or Literature) with at least a grade 1 in the other subject.
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.
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.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of externally-assessed exams, projects and practical assessments.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Additional qualifications and training
As part of our course, you will have the opportunity to complete a Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit.
Career opportunities
The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Electrician
Average Salary: £60,000
Plumbing and heating engineer
Average Salary: £50,000
Bricklayer
Average Salary: £50,000
Site carpenter
Average Salary: £40,000
Bench joiner
Average Salary: £36,000
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 Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and T-level qualifications.
