Introduction
Ready to kick-start your career in construction?
This course gives you the hands-on skills and confidence you need to take the first step toward an apprenticeship in a trade like carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, or painting and decorating.
You’ll spend most of your time learning practical skills, with just enough theory to back them up. But that’s not all—you’ll also build essential skills employers look for, such as:
- Health and safety awareness
- Teamwork and problem-solving
- Basic numeracy and communication
- ICT skills
By the end of the course, you’ll understand the basics of construction techniques and what it’s really like to work on-site.
We’ll also connect you with employers through college engagement activities—giving you a better chance of landing an apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6.
Plus, you’ll learn about the bigger picture: how different trades work together, and how to communicate with clients and professionals across the construction industry.
If you’re ready to learn, get stuck in, and start building your future—this course is for you!
Course code
SCMT
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
This is a full-time course with a practical, hands-on approach delivered on campus. You’ll be in college two days per week, focusing on developing your skills in a real workshop environment.
To support your learning, we also provide online theory resources that you can access on other days if needed.
For the days you’re not in college, we strongly encourage you to gain work experience or employment in the construction industry—it’s a great way to put your new skills into practice and impress future employers!
Entry Requirements
To join this course, you’ll need to meet one of the following:
? Current Dumfries and Galloway College students
If you’re already studying construction at the college (Academy or full-time), you must:
- Achieve a positive progressing learner reference from your tutor confirming you have the skills, academic ability, and attitude to succeed.
- Maintain at least 80% attendance from January to the end of your current course (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
? School leavers or new applicants
- Achieve at least 5 National 4 awards, or 1 National 5 and 3 National 4 awards, with at least one in Maths, English, or Science.
- If you’re still working towards these grades, you can apply—your place will depend on passing the required subjects.
? Mature applicants
Entry may still be possible if you have relevant life experience or prior construction knowledge. Make sure to include this in your application—we’ll discuss it further at interview.
Applicants whose first language is not English should upload evidence that they have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses
What else do we look for?
Applicants must:
- Show a genuine passion for a career in construction in your application and interview.
- Demonstrate the ability to work at SCQF Level 5.
- Be motivated, with good timekeeping and attendance history.
- Attend an information and interview session, which includes:
- A short interview with a member of staff
- An aptitude test to confirm this course is the right level for you
- A discussion about your application and the practical content
Additional Information
- PPE is compulsory in our workshops (safety footwear, Hi-Viz vest, and head protection). The college will provide all PPE—you’ll be responsible for looking after it.
- While not compulsory, we encourage you to seek work experience or an employer connection during the course. This will help with progression to the next stage, and staff will provide guidance.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Once we receive your application, you may be invited to attend an information and interview session on campus. This is an important part of the application process, and you must confirm your attendance if offered an appointment.
During the session, we will:
- Check that your entry requirements, aspirations, and career goals align with the course.
- Use a specialist construction aptitude questionnaire to help identify the right course level and the trade that may suit you best.
Preparation is key—make sure you’re ready!
What We’re Looking For
Lecturers will assess:
- How you present yourself at the interview
- Your commitment to a career in construction
- Your knowledge of progression routes for your chosen course
- How you respond to questions in the short aptitude test
What to Bring
Please provide:
- Any relevant qualifications you currently hold
OR
- One positive reference from a previous colleague or employer confirming you have worked in a similar environment and have the right attitude and ability for this course
Don’t worry if you’re waiting on results—we can still complete the interview process, and your application will be processed pending achievement of the required qualifications.
Course Content
This course is delivered mainly through practical, hands-on sessions, supported by a small amount of theory to help you understand the techniques you learn in the workshop.
You’ll gain experience in a range of construction trades, including:
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Brickwork
- Plumbing
- Plastering
- Painting and Decorating
- Roofing
Alongside trade skills, you’ll also develop the ability to work independently and as part of a team, while strengthening your core employability skills in numeracy, IT, and communication.
To ensure you work safely and understand the principles behind construction, the course also covers:
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction
- Employability Skills for the Construction Industry
- Professional Behaviours and Attitudes for the Workplace
Assessments
Assessment for this course is continuous throughout the year, meaning you’ll be evaluated on your progress as you learn—rather than sitting a single end-of-year exam.
You’ll complete a mix of:
- Practical assessments – demonstrating your ability to carry out tasks safely and to industry standards in areas such as carpentry, brickwork, plumbing, plastering, and painting & decorating.
- Written assessments – short tasks and assignments designed to check your understanding of key concepts like health and safety, construction principles, and employability skills.
This approach ensures you’re assessed on real skills and knowledge, giving you the confidence to apply what you’ve learned in the workplace.
Your lecturers will provide regular feedback to help you improve and stay on track. By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear record of your achievements and practical competence—perfect for showing employers when applying for an apprenticeship.
Progression
This course is designed to be a stepping stone into the construction industry. After successful completion, you could progress to:
? An SVQ Level 3 Craft Apprenticeship
This is the next stage for most students aiming for a career in a specific trade. To move into an apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment within the industry—our team will provide guidance and support to help you make those connections.
? Further Study at SCQF Level 5
If you’re not ready to go straight into an apprenticeship, you may choose to continue learning with another year at Level 5. This could be a multi-trade course or a trade-specific course, depending on which area of construction interests you most.
? Employer Recommendations
Students who demonstrate strong employability skills, such as reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude, may be recommended by the college to local employers. Many businesses look to Dumfries and Galloway College when recruiting apprentices for the following academic year—so this is a great opportunity to get noticed!
Career Prospects
Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the construction industry. Many students progress to:
? Apprenticeship Programs
The most common next step is securing an SVQ Level 3 Craft Apprenticeship in a trade such as carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, or painting and decorating.
? Employment in Construction
You could also move directly into employment in roles such as:
- Site Operative – assisting on building sites and gaining valuable hands-on experience
- Building Supplies and Merchandising – working with suppliers and customers in the construction materials sector
? Further Training and Specialisation
If you’re keen to keep learning, you can progress to trade-specific courses or advanced qualifications to specialise in your chosen area.
The construction industry offers excellent long-term career prospects, with opportunities to develop into supervisory roles, site management, or even start your own business once you gain experience.
Additional funding information
You may be eligible for Bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) funding to help with the costs of studying this course.
For full details and to check your eligibility, please contact our Student Funding Team:
?? Email: studentfunding@dumgal.ac.uk
Our team will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you have about financial support.
In addition, you may wish to consider working part-time in a related construction industry role while studying. This can help you:
- Gain valuable work experience
- Build connections with employers
- Earn extra income to support your studies
Staff at the college can provide guidance on finding suitable part-time opportunities that complement your learning and career goals.
Selling Points
Why Choose This Course?
- Proven Pathway to Apprenticeships
- Did you know that 46% of all first-year construction apprentices at Dumfries and Galloway College previously studied a construction-related course here? This shows how valuable this course is as a stepping stone into the industry.
- Employers Value Prior Knowledge
Local employers actively seek apprentices who already have practical skills, health and safety awareness, and an understanding of construction principles. Completing this course gives you a competitive edge when applying for apprenticeships.
- Hands-On Learning
With a strong focus on practical training, you’ll gain real-world experience across multiple trades, helping you discover which career path suits you best.
- Industry Connections
Through employer engagement and college recommendations, you’ll have opportunities to connect with businesses looking for motivated apprentices.
- Essential Employability Skills
Beyond trade skills, you’ll develop teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and IT skills—qualities every employer values.