Recommended Reading Lists
For Bricklayers
- Bricklaying Level 1 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
- Bricklaying Level 2 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
- Bricklaying Level 3 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
For Joiners
- Carpentry & Joinery Level 1 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
- Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
- Carpentry & Joinery Level 3 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
For Plasterers
- Plastering Level 1 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
- Plastering Level 2 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
- Plastering Level 3 Diploma – Leeds College of Building (Author)
For Built Environment
- BTEC Nationals Construction Student Book – by Mr Simon Topliss (Author), Mr Mike Hurst (Author), Mr Simon Cummings (Author), Dr Sohrab Donyavi (Author)
Research
Find a local builder that could offer you 1 day a week work experience.
View some frequently asked questions –
What if I don’t achieve my GCSE’s?
You will have the opportunity to study your English and Maths with us, this is not optional – you will have to attend these sessions. If you were close to achieving there is an opportunity to have a resit in November and we will work with you to make sure you are prepared.
What qualifications will I get?
You will get a diploma at the level you are studying at, our awarding body is NOCN and they are very experienced in offering construction courses.
Where will I study?
You will study in our purpose built Construction Centre, you will work in very spacious workshops and use the best tools and materials. You will also work in areas that are designed to be a little bit more like what you would experience on a building site.
Will my course cost anything?
If you are under 19 on 31st August of the same year you intend to start your course, the tuition fees and exam costs are free for our courses. If you are aged 19 or over you may have to pay a fee.
You may also be required to pay costs associated with study tours or additional qualifications.
For more information on fees and to find out about what financial support may be available to you visit the student finance pages.
Can I bring my own tools?
Tools can be very expensive so we provide everything you need. You might want to start your own tool set, we can help advise on that but you will have to agree with your tutor as to what tools are acceptable to bring into college.
Will I go on any trips?
You will get the opportunity to visit a wide range of building sites so you can see how they work and the different types of buildings there are. These trips are free as we use the college mini buses to get there.
What else can I get involved with?
If you are up for a challenge there are national competitions you can enter to test your skills against the best in the country. If you do well you could be invited to compete in the national finals at the NEC Birmingham.
How much of the course is practical?
Across all the levels it is about a 60/40 split in favour of the practical’s – after all you are training to be a trades person.
The Level 3 Built environment is more 90/10 in favour of classroom theory sessions, although you will be having classes on real building sites as well.
Is work experience part of my course?
Yes – you will need to do about 100 hours (12 days) of work experience at level 1 and 2 and 315 hours (40 days) at level 3. It would be great if you can find a local builder to do your work experience with. It would be a good idea to start contacting builders in your area now to ask if they can help, we will then talk to them so they know what they need to do.
What are the job prospects after the course?
If you get the opportunity to take an apprenticeship you will still come to college one day a week and then you work the other 4 days getting paid. You can move onto an apprenticeship at any time during your studies at Reaseheath.
Once you have completed the full-time course you can go work on all sorts of building sites or even go self employed. Whichever you decide we can support you so you are ready to move into employment.
