Carpentry and Joinery - Level 1

Start Date: 1st September 2027

Length 35 weeks
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Level 1 Extended Certificate in Construction Skills – Carpentry and Joinery

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Do you enjoy learning in a hands-on way? This Carpentry and Joinery course is the perfect introduction to the construction industry and an opportunity to specialise in working with wood.

You will develop your practical skills through extensive practical lessons focused upon ‘learning by doing’. You will learn core skills in producing basic woodworking joints and using various hand and power tools.

This programme will provide you with ample opportunity to explore the skills involved in the modern construction industry and give you an excellent insight into the professional competencies required.

You will also have the chance to compete in SkillBuild and inter-college competitions and the opportunity to gain your CSCS card, which would allow you to work on a site.

Entry requirements

GCSEs at grade 2/1 (E/F)

Entry Level Qualification

Scottish equivalent
Other relevant experience and/or other qualifications may be eligible

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 1 Extended Certificate in Construction Skills – Carpentry and Joinery.

What will I learn?

Introduction to Health and Safety
Introduction to the construction industry
Underpinning knowledge for all practical units
Construction halving joints
Construction housing joints
Constructing through mortice and tenon joints
Constructing angles halving joints
Constructing haunched mortice and tenon joints
Constructing stub mortice and tenon joints
Fixing architraves and skirtings
Constructing and fixing hatch linings
Fitting locks and latches

How is the course taught?

Practical sessions in a fit-for-purpose workshop
Theory sessions in a classroom environment

How am I assessed?

Practical training books
Practical synoptic tests
Paper-based and online exams
Coursework

Work experience opportunities

All students will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours work placement.

English and Maths

Anyone working in construction needs core English and maths skills to be able to calculate, measure, and cut to precise angles.

English and maths will be embedded into practical and theory sessions, reinforcing the measure, mark and cut process and trade terminology for method statements and risk assessments.

Where can I progress?

On successful completion of this course, you can progress onto the Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery Diploma, another construction course at Level 1, or an apprenticeship.

Course Costs

Students aged 16-18

If you are aged between 16 and 18 at the start of your course, you are usually entitled to study with us free of charge. Financial support may also be available, with more information available within the financial support section.

Students aged 19+

If your annual personal income is below £26,800, you may be eligible to study this course free of charge.

If your income exceeds this amount, government funding may reduce the amount you need to pay.

Eligibility for government funding is subject to residency and funding criteria. Learners who do not meet these requirements may be required to pay the full course fee.

Where fees apply, payment can be made in four monthly instalments, with the first payment due at enrolment.

For further information about course fees or payment options, please contact admissions@carlisle.ac.uk.

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

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22 May 2026

Carlisle College Students Celebrate Success at SkillBuild Regional Qualifier

Construction students at Carlisle College have achieved strong results at this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifier, with multiple top-three finishes across a range of trades.