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 16-18, 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. This course is usually very popular. Where courses are oversubscribed we will offer places based on the date applications are received and may close applications early. We recommend applying using our website as soon as possible, particularly for oversubscribed courses.

You'll learn skills from 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 skills from 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.

Direct entry requires a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 2 or above, plus two further GCSEs at grade 2 or above including a design or technology-based subject. Attending our mandatory Welcome Event is a required part of the application process.

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.