Construction Basic Skills (Multi Trades) Futures Level 1

Entry requirements

A keen interest in construction is desirable. Students applying must have at least three GCSEs at grade 1-3 including maths and English. 

Course overview

For students looking to study construction in Southampton and the New Forest, our Construction Basic Skills (Multi-trades) Futures Level 1 course covers the foundations you need for a successful start for a career in the trades. Taught by subject experts at Totton College, you will cover a range of skills including carpentry, electrical and painting and decorating. 

The course has been designed to be an introduction to the sector for primarily for pre-16 to 19+ students who wish to achieve a Level 1 qualification. Once completed, this qualification will support you to progress onto further levels of study, giving you the option to pursue a Level 2 qualification or an apprenticeship. We have crafted this course to meet the needs of students in terms of content, assessment and progression. 

What will I learn?

Our construction courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you gain critical skills and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

As part of this course, you will learn a wide range of skills, giving you a strong foundation towards further learning. We’ve designed this course to enable you discover the required trades and skills that are needed for upgrading and updating properties.  

You will have the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and local work experience enabling you to apply what you’ve been taught during your studies.   

Modules of study are sequenced to mirror the industry in terms of identifying and fixing issues. You will learn in the workshop and in the classroom for all modules enabling you to practically apply the theory you’re taught.  

In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn maths and English as part of this course. 

Modules

Modules for the Construction Basic Skills (Multi-trades) Futures Level 1 course include:  

• Being organised 

• Developing a personal progression plan  

• Making carpentry joints 

• Making an electrical circuit 

• Decorating an inside wall 

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Construction Basic Skills (Multi-trades) Futures Level 1 qualification.

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work, this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments.  

Assessments are assignment-based in the classroom and product-based in the workshop. The practical units will have an assessment during each term. The theory-based units will have an assessment at mid-point in the academic year and towards the end of the academic year.  

Work experience

As part of the Get Set! framework, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

You will visit local higher education providers to see the day-to-day activities provided within this level of study and attend careers fair to discuss employment, apprenticeships, further and higher education.  

Career and Progression

After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and to move forward towards your chosen career.

After completing this course students can progress onto the Level 2 Construction Basic Skills (Multi-trades) Futures in the next college year.  

You may also wish to discuss career options with the college careers advisor prior to completion of the course to investigate possible apprenticeships or entry-level employment. 

During my course, I get to learn lots of fun and interesting projects such as Electrical and Timber joints and painting and decorating. I have enjoyed the projects and subjects I do such as wiring up consumer units and constructing different timber joints. My proudest achievement at Totton College is when I learnt and made a bridle joint, I was very proud of my work when I finished. Some piece of advice I would give to a new student is to come in with enthusiasm and confidence. Everyone here is supportive and helpful, and the environment is relaxed. After I leave Totton College, I would like to become a professional electrician and work with my uncle

George Gritt

Construction Level 1 student

Funding and bursaries

Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.

Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

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