Great carpenters are singled out because of their great handiwork. Your passion for carpentry becomes obvious through your woodwork. It’s no surprise therefore that to pass this course you must combine your learning with a real job.
The Site Carpentry and Bench Joinery Level 3 course is an apprenticeship opportunity. To be considered you need to have completed level 2 in Site Carpentry or Bench Joinery and need to be employed by a local construction firm in a carpentry role.
“College staff maintain very good links with employers, particularly in engineering, motor vehicle and construction. This results in good employer input into the curriculum.” (Ofsted, 2016)
As part of the course, Gloucestershire College’s experienced tutors will assess your practical skills, in College and at work, as well as your knowledge and understanding. And because each and everyone of the tutors has worked as a carpenter for at least five years before they began teaching, they know how to turn you into the best.
On the course you’ll learn advanced carpentry or joinery operations, complex site setting out and assembly as well as site supervision. This supervisory level is vital to the smooth running of any construction site so if you think you have a flair to not only progress your skills but also supervise other people then this is a fantastic course for you.
As with the level 2 course you will be assessed on an ongoing basis on both practical skills and theoretical understanding and your advancement of both communication and numeracy skills which are important aspects of the job.
You will need to wear suitable protective clothing and steel toe capped shoes or boots whenever you are in the college’s construction department or in your workplace.
A minimum of four GCSEs at grades A*-C or 4 and above, including both maths and English. Or a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A*-C including maths or English. Or an equivalent level 2 qualification in a relevant subject.
Completing this course will allow you to continue in the workplace, possibly in a more senior role, or carry on with your studies.
After the level 3 you can apply to take the National Certificate or Diploma in Construction.
Alternatively if you can see yourself as a supervisor on site, you can enrol onto the Level 3 Site Supervisory Course, which is approved by the CIOB.
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Construction is a key industry sector in Gloucestershire and now is the perfect time to train for a qualification in any of the industry areas we offer. Our construction courses are a great way to develop skills and build the foundation for a successful career in domestic and industrial construction.
We are the first UK college to buy a house as a renovation project for our construction and building services students, to further develop their skills and provide them with practical experience of working on-site with other trades, and it’s initiatives like this that ensure our students leave us employment-ready.
“The people I’ve met – especially my lecturer – are really easy to talk to. The facilities are wonderful and all in order; it’s very easy to pick out and find what you need. Carpentry is fun and enjoyable, and sets you up for the rest of your life. I feel really prepared for life after college and the skills I’ve learnt are useful in daily life.
“To someone thinking of applying to GC I would say that it’s absolutely brilliant and somewhere you can learn lots and achieve a high grade. I’m working on sites at the moment so I get to travel and do renovations and house builds, which I want to continue after college.”
Ben Mason
Level 2 – Carpentry – Gloucester Campus
“Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I worked in plumbing and removals, but was ready for a career change. I’ve learnt many new skills in my apprenticeship, including fitting door linings, hanging doors and measuring and fitting kitchens.
The college side of my training has been very useful for when I’m working on site and my assessor has been helpful when showing me skills on a one-to-one basis.
An apprenticeship was the best route for me and I hope to become a self-employed carpenter once I complete my training”
Harry Taylor
Bench Joinery Apprentice at Pickering and Spencer
“The course gave me a great overview of the construction industry, which is exactly what I needed to progress in my career. I wanted a change and this equipped me with the knowledge and skills I required in order to do that. I now work as in Administration Manager in family run Construction business and I really enjoy it.
“The lecturers were very supportive and the knowledge they have is immeasurable. They have lots of experience in the industry. I very much enjoyed the variety in modules too, it allowed us to be creative and practically use what we had learnt.
“I made some great friends here, it was a very inclusive atmosphere.
“I would do it all again, it was such a brilliant experience. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to GC to not be afraid and make the jump!”
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