Construction

The construction industry offers job opportunities within a wide range of specialisms. If you are a practical person, are interested in how things work and have a passion for designing and creating new structures and buildings, construction could be the industry for you.

Construction involves the whole building process, from planning, to building services, to becoming a craftsman. Our wide range of courses focus on developing practical sought-after skills required in the industry and our strong links with employers help you get the hands-on experience you need to make a seamless transition into employment.

Learn in Our New Construction Academy

Carlisle College has recently opened a new construction academy thanks to 1.8M investment. The dedicated space for plastering, bricklaying and other construction-related skills provides students with more space to learn and develop their trade.

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College 16 - 18 Adults 19+ Apprenticeships

Calum Wright

Head of Curriculum - Construction and Technical Services

I attended Carlisle College to study Painting and Decorating in 1998 when I was 16 years old. I then worked for 20 years in the industry before I decided to get my teaching qualification and return to where it all started. It's very rewarding to be able to pass on my knowledge and inspire the next generation.

Pheobe Langan

What advice would you give to future students? Enjoy it – pick what you want to focus on and go for it. Where would you like to see yourself in the future? Running my own business. What would you like to do next year? Level 2 then progress to an apprenticeship What do you enjoy most about studying Painting and Decorating? Seeing the work you put in turn into the final product

Heidi McMillan

What advice would you give to future students? Don’t be afraid of you think might be there – I was worried that there wouldn’t be many girls on the course and there are quite a lot in the trade. Where would you like to see yourself in the future? Hopefully managing my own business, or working with Brooklyn and Pheobe. What would you like to do next year? Either move on to Level 2 or apply for an apprenticeship. What do you enjoy most about studying Painting and Decorating? Experimenting with colours, putting them together to see what looks best.

Brooklyn Johnstone

What advice would you give to future students? Don’t worry about experience or if you think you are good at it or not. Everyone is there to learn from the basics. Where would you like to see yourself in the future? Hopefully managing my own business. What would you like to do next year? Progress to Level 2 then when more confident apply for an apprenticeship What do you enjoy most about studying Painting and Decorating? Learning a new trade and where I can hopefully make a good career from.

Construction

28 February 2025

Apprenticeship and Training Awards - Best Use of Technology in Education Finalist

Plastering and Multi-Skills tutor Matty McLeish attends parliament on behalf of NCG. Nominated for our use of technology and metaverse in Construction trades.

1 October 2024

British Gypsum Apprentice of the Year

Carlisle College plastering apprentice Jake Waite, wins the British Gypsum Apprentice of the Year Award.

20 January 2025

Employer Case Study: Long-Standing Partnership with Persimmon Homes

Currently, the national housebuilder has nine apprentices at the college studying both Bricklaying and Joinery, providing an important mix of on-site and classroom learning.