Through Lets Build, the College offers a vocational education programme to schools in three London boroughs. The programme offered is a City and Guilds qualification and is aimed at year 10 and 11 pupils as part of their GCSE study, which is attended on a day release basis for two years.

The College has formed close links with the secondary school staff and management in Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest and is actively working with them to promote opportunities around the Olympic and Thames Gateway. The College is working with Newham Education department in delivering the new national diplomas in construction which will be delivered from September 2008.

The College has strong working links with Newham Education Business Partnership in supporting awareness days to school pupils on career opportunities and information sessions on the Olympic developments within East London.

City & Guilds 6217-01 Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills
(Schools Programme)

Is the course for me?

This is a 2 year course aimed at year 10 and 11 Secondary School learners. Learners attend one day per week. The course covers basic construction skills including; carpentry; electrics and plumbing.

The course gives you a taste of each of these trades and successful candidates will leave achieve a City & Guilds qualification which is the equivalent of three GCSE's at grades D to G. This course is an ideal way to gain an understanding of which trade you may wish to pursue and is a perfect stepping stone into Vocational Education.

What does the course involve?

Plumbing: You will learn how to use compression plumbing fittings, how to bond copper pipe by soldering and how to connect a plastic waste system to a sink.

Electrical: You will learn how to wire a 13 amp plug, complete a one-way lighting circuit and how to wire a 13 amp socket ring main.

Carpentry: You will learn how to use basic hand tools, form basic carpentry joints, skirting and other various practical projects.

Theory: There is also a course theory book that needs to be completed before the course ends, this is based on your knowledge of the practical skills learnt on the course.

How will I learn?

Group and individual study

Practical assessments

Written assignments

The course consists of practical and written assessments; these consolidate the knowledge gained during both group and individual study.

What will I need for this course?

You will need to have your own stationary, including 2H and 3H pencils, and other writing and drawing equipment.

Although the College will provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) where and when required, you will need to have to have your own suitable protective footwear, i.e. steel toe cap boots/shoes.

What options are open to me if I successfully complete the course?

This is a nationally recognised qualification that will help you seek employment as a trainee/apprentice in your chosen craft.

ICA(Intermediate Construction Award) courses in Carpentry and Joinery are available at the Building Crafts College. This is a two year, two day per week course.

What experience or qualifications do I need to get onto the course?

There are no specific requirements/qualifications needed to start the course. The most important thing to have is commitment and enthusiasm.

Length and start date of course?

The course lasts for two years.

The course starts in September.

Cost:

Please see your Head of Year at your secondary school to apply for this course.