Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Build core skills and knowledge in carpentry and joinery, as well as other key skills including maths and English to get you work-ready
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on training using innovative facilities in our state-of-the-art Sustainable Construction Skills Centre
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Gain a recognised Level 3 qualification to enable your progression onto further courses, apprenticeships or into industry
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 Skills Centre at the iconic James Cond Building offers state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further facilities at Camden House. These will include:
- Training rigs
- Glulam workshops
- Modular building workshop
- Bench joinery workshops
- Bricklaying workshops
- Electrical workshops
- Plumbing workshops
- BIM labs
- CAD studios
- Enhanced IT facilities
Sustainable Construction Skills Centre
Our new Sustainable Construction Skills Centre holds workshops for our construction, plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying and electrical installation students.
Camden House
Camden House is our bespoke STEM education and training facility, where construction students learn CAD software, mechanics and fluids.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Health, safety and welfare construction
- Principles of building construction, information and communication
- Principles of organising, planning and pricing construction work
- Carry out first fix flooring and roofing
- Carry out second fixing operations
- Carry out first fix roofing and stairs
- Carry out second fixing double doors and mouldings
- Set up and use fixed and transportable machinery
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.
Age requirements
This course is funded for students aged 19+ only. If you’re aged 16-18 at the start of the course, you will not be able to enrol on this course and will need to find an alternative.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent and a successful completion of a Level 2 Site Carpentry.
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.
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
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Site carpenter
Average Salary: £40,000
Bench joiner
Average Salary: £36,000
Site manager
Average Salary: £45,000
Modular building fabricator
Average Salary: £32,000
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.