School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 1 Full-Time City Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Discover a hands-on introduction to the world of construction, perfect for students passionate about entering this dynamic industry. This programme equips you with the skills across multiple trades, including brickwork and joinery. You will engage in both theoretical classroom sessions and practical workshops at our well-equipped facilities, ensuring a balanced approach to learning.
With no formal entry requirements, this course is accessible and inclusive, providing you with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue advanced training or jumpstart your career in the construction industry. Ideal for passionate individuals eager to build a successful future in this dynamic field.

No formal entry requirements.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a necessity in all practical workshop sessions. You will need to provide your own PPE, however, you will be directed to a supplier that the college uses. More information will be provided on enrolment.

Teaching and assessment methods include theory-based sessions, which are classroom taught. These sessions are tested through paper-based tests.

Practical-based sessions are delivered in our trades workshop, which is based at City Campus in Sunderland. These sessions are tested through practical assessment.

Assessments both in the classroom and in the workshop are spaced throughout the academic year.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

At Level 1, our courses are designed to lay a solid foundation without the requirement of a work placement, allowing you to focus fully on mastering the fundamentals of your chosen field. As you progress to Level 2 and Level 3, we encourage you to enhance your learning experience and boost your career prospects through targeted work placements. These opportunities are crafted to complement your studies and provide practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting, preparing you to excel in a career you are passionate about.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The aim of the Level 1 certificate is to help you choose which trade area you enjoy most and want further develop your skills and knowledge in.

This will then allow you to progress onto a full Level 1 diploma in a specific trade area, or progress to our Level 2 in Property Maintenance Operations course.

There are a number of units/skills that will be covered throughout the academic year, such as:

- Plastering
- Bricklaying
- Tiling
- Joinery
- Rainwater goods

These are subject to change.

What’s next?

Upon completing this study programme, you will unlock a variety of exciting pathways to further your education and career. These options include stepping into apprenticeships, advancing to Level 2 construction courses or embracing the specialised curriculum of T Levels. Each pathway is designed to deepen your expertise and enhance your employability in the construction sector, equipping you with the skills necessary to excel in this thriving industry.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

98% of students said they had the freedom to express themselves

NSS, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus