Carpentry
Attendance: Full Time
Course level: 3
Location: Wellington Road Campus
Course code: X0051
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
a future student (16-18)
If you enjoy practical work, problem-solving and creating things with your hands, our Carpentry & Joinery courses will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the construction industry.
You’ll learn in industry-standard workshops, developing practical skills using professional hand and power tools while building your understanding of construction methods, technical drawings, measurement, communication and health and safety. Whether you’re taking your first step into carpentry or progressing towards becoming a skilled site carpenter, these qualifications provide a clear route into employment, apprenticeships and further study.
Our nationally recognised City & Guilds qualifications are highly valued by employers and are designed to develop the technical and practical skills required in the construction industry.
Industry-standard facilities
You’ll develop your skills using professional carpentry and joinery equipment while working in realistic workshop environments designed to reflect industry practice.
Strong employer links
As part of your studies, you’ll benefit from our strong links with employers across the construction industry. These partnerships help ensure training remains relevant and up to date by providing:
Employer-led activities and demonstrations
Guest speakers from industry
Work placement opportunities
Access to industry-standard materials and equipment
Careers and progression guidance
Qualifications available
City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry & Joinery
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry & Joinery
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry
The level you study will depend on your existing qualifications, experience and career goals.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery
Three or more GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including English and maths*
Attend an interview with a member of the admissions team
Complete a short online assessment
Maintain good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
*Adults without the required qualifications but with relevant work or life experience may be considered on an individual basis.
Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery
Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry & Joinery
Good attendance, punctuality and commitment to learning
Applications from adults with relevant industry experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Level 3 Site Carpentry
Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry & Joinery
Good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
Applications from adults with relevant industry experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For internal progression learners (already studying with us):
Learners must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Have successfully completed a relevant course that naturally progresses onto this programme, achieving a good standard
- Have improved their English and maths grades since enrolment
- Have maintained good attendance and punctuality
- Show a consistently positive attitude to learning
What will I learn?
Level 1
You may study:
Health, safety and welfare in construction
Technical information, quantities and communication
Construction technology
Maintaining and using carpentry and joinery hand tools
Using portable power tools
Erecting and dismantling access equipment and work platforms
Level 2
You may study:
Maintenance of non-structural work
Understanding quantities and communication
Construction technology
First fix operations
Second fix operations
Structural carcassing operations
Level 3
You may study:
Health, safety and welfare in construction
Organising, planning and pricing construction work
Advanced first fix carpentry
Advanced second fix carpentry
Flooring, roofing and stair construction
Doors, mouldings and finishing work
Using fixed and transportable machinery
Construction management principles
What skills will I gain?
By studying Carpentry & Joinery you will:
- Develop practical carpentry and joinery skills
- Learn how to safely use hand and power tools
- Gain an understanding of construction technology and methods
- Develop measurement and setting-out skills
- Improve communication and teamwork skills
- Develop problem-solving abilities
- Gain knowledge of construction health and safety requirements
- Build confidence working to industry standards
- Improve employability skills valued by construction employers
- Develop numeracy, literacy and digital skills for the workplace
Advanced Level 3 skills
Learners progressing to Level 3 will also develop:
- Advanced site carpentry techniques
- Construction planning and organisation skills
- Machinery operation skills
- Leadership and supervisory understanding
- Professional working practices for the construction industry
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is carried out throughout the course and may include:
- Practical workshop assessments
- Continuous tutor feedback and observation
- Job-related multiple-choice assessments
- Online examinations
- Portfolio evidence
- Synoptic practical assessments
To achieve the qualification, you must successfully complete all required units and assessments.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of a Carpentry & Joinery qualification can lead to:
- Progression to the next level of study
- Construction apprenticeships
- Employment within the construction industry
- Higher-level construction qualifications
- HNC study in Construction and the Built Environment (following Level 3)
Potential career areas include:
- Site Carpenter
- Bench Joiner
- Construction Carpenter
- Kitchen Fitter
- Shopfitter
- Property Maintenance Operative
- Construction Apprentice
- Building Maintenance Technician
- Site Supervisor (with experience)
- Construction Manager (with further study and experience)
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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Our new four-storey campus in Wolverhampton city centre is the flagship of the council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter Vision.
State-of-the-art facilities
Study in purpose-built workshops with industry-standard equipment and commercial facilities, gaining real client experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tech-equipped classrooms, and access to laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets—everything you need for success.