Construction and the Built Environment

Building the Future

A new suite of qualifications will be introduced across Wales that have been developed with employers to better meet the skills needs of the built environment sector in Wales.

The change aims to simplify the complex landscape of more than 400 qualifications in construction and building services in Wales and to ensure you are better prepared for careers across the sector. There’ll be an increased focus on new and traditional techniques, on knowledge of the industry as a whole and on the generic skills needed to progress into work from education.

The brand new refurbished Maesteg Construction Centre of Excellence has a range of full and part-time construction courses to suit any level. We focus on delivering excellence in teaching and learning whilst training to help all students achieve their potential. We are enthusiastic about helping you achieve your education goals and land your dream job! Our construction courses focus on skills that can be applied directly to the workplace or further study, giving you the knowledge to pursue a career in the construction industry. From January 2022 we will be offering a level 1 diploma in Construction skills for those currently working or intending to work in the construction industry.

From September 2022, we will be offering a full-time Level 2 foundation in construction and the built environment course. You will choose from two trade experiences, carpentry, bricklaying, plastering and ground works (Construction civils). Once you have completed this qualification you may be able to progress on to further full-time study or an apprenticeship.

Our Apprenticeships are for people of all ages, 16+, to help you kick-start a career in the construction industry that suits your skills and interests, to facilitate a career change, or for people who would like to progress in their current role.

Construction Skills

(Multi Trade – Pre Foundation)

Construction Skills Level 1 is a full-time, further education course designed for students who are interested in a career in the construction industry. The course consists of a knowledge of health and safety, practical and theory sessions from some of the following depending on chosen College, Bricklaying, Plastering, Carpentry, Painting or Tiling.

Level 2 Foundation Construction and Built Environment

The Level 2 Foundation Construction and Built Environment is a brand new qualification where you study two trade experiences from the following:

  • Working with brick, block and stone
  • Wood occupations
  • Painting and decorating
  • Plastering and interior systems
  • Wall and floor tiling

The Construction and Building Services industry has around three million workers in the UK, making it one of the country’s biggest employers. The industry requires a large number of newly trained operatives each year in order to keep up with demand. Jobs are available across all areas and with salaries rising at the moment, there’s never been a better time to join this rewarding industry. Training takes place in spacious and well equipped workshops where students have the chance to develop new knowledge and skills which will equip them for a successful career in the construction industry.

Progression

On completion, the qualification will provide a broad foundational knowledge across the construction or built environment industry as well as introductory knowledge and skills in two chosen pathways. The qualification provides the knowledge to progress on to further study:

  • Progression in Construction Level 2 (Full-time) – City & Guilds
  • Construction Level 3 Two-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds
  • Construction Level 3 Three-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds

The qualification provides sufficient knowledge for learners to progress into an apprenticeship within the sector in their choice of trade.

Employment Opportunities

Jobs are available across all construction fields with rising salaries, making this a rewarding industry.

There is a range of levels to suit all abilities. Besides, the “More Work-Based Learning” programs provide students the opportunity to gain work experience which can lead to an apprenticeship with a local employer.

Students go on to enjoy working in their chosen careers, with many becoming self-employed and starting their businesses.

On the other hand, others take on highly desirable skills and work across the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Training is conducted by qualified and experienced industry staff who focus on developing student’s skills and making learning more interesting.

Even more, we offer a BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in Construction, Civil Engineering, and Building Services to meet employer demand for Technical and Professional posts such as Architectural Technicians, Civil Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors.

On completion of Level 3, students can progress to Higher Education such as an HNC or a BSc Honors Degree.

Above all, The College offers full-time, part-time and evening courses. Apprenticeships are also available.

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Courses
Level 1 Construction Skills (Multi Trade – Pre Foundation) (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment (Full-Time) - Further Education
Fire Door Installation NVQ January Start - Further Education
Introduction to Bricklaying (Part-Time) January Start - Further Education
Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery (Part-Time) January Start - Further Education
Introduction to Plastering (Part-Time) January Start - Further Education
Level 2 Plastering Occupations NVQ Diploma C&G 6573-22 (Part-Time) - Further Education
Saferight-BWF Fire door Installation Awareness (Part-Time) January Start - Further Education