Construction Skills Diploma Level 1 (BSE Pathway)

If you want to work in the construction industry and building services engineering this is the course to start on. You'll develop practical skills needed by employers in the industry. Get a taste of both plumbing and electrical trades before choosing which trade to learn more about in the future. If you are aged 16-19, you will be enrolled on a study programme, which will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will also be required to complete a work experience placement and an employability programme.

You'll learn hand-skills and practical tasks in the following areas: - plumbing and electrical installation - introduction to Health and Safety in construction - an introduction to the construction industry - additional specialist unit. Final units will be selected from a wide range and may include - constructing PVC wiring systems - installing lighting circuits - assembling ring final circuits plus bending and jointing copper pipes - constructing combined frames - connecting pipes and fittings to appliances. You'll learn hand-skills and practical tasks in the following areas: - plumbing and electrical installation - introduction to Health and Safety in construction - an introduction to the construction industry - additional specialist unit. Final units will be selected from a wide range and may include - constructing PVC wiring systems - installing lighting circuits - assembling ring final circuits plus bending and jointing copper pipes - constructing combined frames - connecting pipes and fittings to appliances.

Assessment is by assignment for each unit taken. Students will need to compile a portfolio of evidence.

Standard entry to this course is one reference. It is desirable that you can demonstrate a minimum of 90% attendance at your last place of study. A GCSE in both English and maths at grade 2 or above is also required, plus two further GCSEs at grade 2 or above including a design or technology-based subject. All students will undertake a monitoring period for the first six weeks of their programme. During this time, attendance, attitude, attainment, and application toward study will be monitored. A final decision as to the most appropriate level and outcome will be discussed with you towards the end of your first six weeks.

This qualification is to help prepare you to progress into further learning and training in the building services engineering side of the construction sector. You may take the qualification as part of a pre-apprenticeship programme or a traineeship. Once you have studied the qualification, you should be in a position to decide which construction trade area you would like to specialise in. You could then consider progressing on to study a level 2 qualification in a specific trade area. Available options at level 2 will be discussed during the year.