Male student working with wires (construction thumbnail image)

Female adult student working in carpentry workshop

Male student working in plumbing workshop

Construction & Construction Trades

Our construction courses are perfectly suited to those who enjoy being hands-on and can see themselves pursuing a very active, practical career. Whether you are brand-new to the industry or are already employed within this thriving sector, our courses will develop your practical skills and underpinning knowledge to help set you on the path to success.

Ranging from bricklaying courses to carpentry & joinery, plumbing and electrical installation! Discover our fantastic range of trade courses below, which are taught in our brand-new Construction & Civil Engineering Academy.

Students aged 16-18 Adults Higher Education Apprenticeship

Trips and visits

Students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of educational trips to enhance their learning. You may visit local and national companies such as Vinci Construction and Metsa Construction, as well as experience exciting events such as UK Construction Week, the UK's largest built environment event.

Industry links

The college has excellent industry links with a multitude of local and national companies. As part of their course, students will complete an industry placement- an excellent way to build up real-world experience and prepare for employment. The college's connections include Vinci Construction, David Wilson Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Aquila Plumbing, Schneider Electric and Aico Ltd.

Each year the college holds Employer Weeks and Skills Weeks. We invite employers to meet our students and observe them in their practical studies. Students are then chosen for work trials and could even go on to become an apprentice.

I am

16-18 Years Old

Our construction courses provide school leavers with a broad range of basic skills whilst ensuring they can work safely and use tools correctly. As you progress through the course levels, you will develop all of the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you will need to progress onto an apprenticeship, further education or employment. Whether your interested in one of our construction trade courses, or you want to learn more about surveying and design, we offer a range of construction courses from Level 1 to T Level courses and a variety of apprenticeship routes.

Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

HNC Construction Management (HTQ)

Part Time

View course

HNC Construction Management (HTQ)

Full Time

View course

Level 1 Brickwork

Full Time

View course

Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery

Full Time

View course

Level 1 Electrical Installation

Full Time

View course

Level 1 Plumbing

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Brickwork (OTQ)

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Electrical Installation

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Plumbing

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Site Carpentry

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Plumbing & Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

T Level Construction: Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction

Full Time

View course

I am an

Adult Learner

Our part-time construction courses for adults are suitable for those wishing to gain employment within the construction industry. These highly practical courses will equip you with a whole host of new skills and provide you with an understanding of environmental awareness, site preparation, and health and safety. These courses are also great if you’re looking to study whilst working, such as our evening bricklaying or joinery courses!

18th Edition

Part Time

View course

Introduction to Basic Bricklaying

Part Time

View course

Basics of a Cavity Wall Including Tie Wires and DPC

Part Time

View course

Build and Create: Carpentry and Joinery Essential Skills

Part Time

View course

Constructing a Low Level Wall Including a Corner

Part Time

View course

Constructing Low Level Walls Using Light Weight Blocks

Part Time

View course

Repairing and Maintaining Brickwork Structures

Part Time

View course

Introduction to Welding

Part Time

View course

Next Steps Welding

Part Time

View course

Basic Plumbing Skills

Part Time

View course

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Diploma Electrical Installation

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Diploma Plumbing

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Diploma Site Carpentry

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Diploma Brickwork (OTQ)

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Diploma Electrical Installation

Part Time

View course

Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment Level 3

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Award Initial & Periodic Electrical Inspection & Testing

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Plate Welder Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Plumbing & Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

HNC Construction Management (HTQ)

Full Time

View course

HNC Construction Management (HTQ)

Part Time

View course

Skills Bootcamp - Get into Construction Skills

Part Time

View course

Skills Bootcamp - Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Part Time

View course

I am a

Higher Education Learner

Our HNC Construction Management course is ideal for individuals who are seeking a career in the construction industry or wish to progress on to further studies at university. This course is brand-new, with the introduction of our latest higher education qualification, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ). The course covers topics such as problem solving, design, and planning and building, preparing students to enter or advance in the construction industry.

HNC Construction Management (HTQ)

Full Time

View course

HNC Construction Management (HTQ)

Part Time

View course

I am looking for an

Apprenticeship

A construction apprenticeship will allow you to work alongside industry professionals, developing a wide range of practical skills and a first-hand experience of the sector. You will also receive excellent support from your college tutors and achieve a highly-respected qualification. Apprenticeships are a great choice for adult students, too.

Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Plate Welder Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Plumbing & Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Meet our students

Nathan enrolled onto Level 2 Site Carpentry to support a change in career. Currently working as a postman, Nathan is keen to expand his skillset to provide options for career progression. He chose to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College as we are his local college, and the class times fit perfectly around his work schedule.

When asked if he’d recommend this course to other adults who might be considering a return to education, Nathan said: “I’d recommend this college, not just the course. Everything has been so quick, precise and the structure of the course has just been phenomenal so far.”

Nathan Littler

Level 2 Site Carpentry

Isabelle, a former Beamont Collegiate Academy pupil, is currently studying Level 2 Brickwork and is really enjoying learning a wide range of new skills and techniques.

Following completion of her brickwork qualifications, Isabelle aspires to progress onto a landscaping or groundworks apprenticeship and further build on her career in the construction industry. She says:

“My tutor has lots of faith in me, he realises my potential and supports me with every task we do. The skills I am learning will definitely help me to succeed in my career.”

Isabelle Higginson

Level 2 Brickwork

After getting fantastic results in his GCSEs, Luis was looking for a course that would be challenging but also give him the opportunity to work more practically. He spent a year studying A Levels but felt like they weren't helping him to achieve his goal of gaining a higher apprenticeship, so decided to switch to a course with a strong career focus.

"I chose Warrington & Vale Royal College because it has lots of strong apprenticeship routes and studying a T Level here will help get me to where I want to be. My course has been great so far and I am really looking forward to starting my industry placement."

LUIS TILSTON

T Level Onsite Construction: Carpentry & Joinery Pathway

Don has always been interested in woodwork and so, after retiring, decided to enrol on our Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery course. He enjoyed this so much that he now studies Level 2 Site Carpentry.

He says the best thing about studying here is the fully kitted-out workshop complete with a wide range of tools and equipment. Don also loves the fact that he is learning alongside others of varying ages who all get along well and has nothing but great things to say about his tutors.

Don will use his new skills around his home and his allotment and highly recommends the course to others looking to enhance their construction skills.

Don Murray

Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery

Skye was always looking to do something different to her friends and had discovered from an early age that she wanted to do something more practical and hands-on for a career. Having grown up with a family of trades people, she was inspired to make her own way in the sector, and applied for the Level 1 Electrical Installation course here at the college.

As one of just a few female electrical installation students currently at the college, Skye is keen to encourage more young women to consider the profession, saying, “Doing this course has been the best decision. My friends could not understand my choice at first, asking if I would be nervous to be on my own as the only girl, but I knew what I wanted so was happy to step out on my own for the right course. I am glad I did because am getting the qualification for the future that I want.”

SKYE ECCLESTON

Level 1 Electrical Installation

Joanne runs her own successful cleaning business, CRS Cleaning Consultants, and has enrolled on our Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery course to improve her DIY skills and expand the list of services she can offer to clients.

She is thoroughly enjoying her time at the college and hopes to progress to the level 2 course to further enhance the skills she is developing.

Joanne Hollyhead

Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery

Level 3 Plumbing student Dylan Woods chose to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College after visiting the college on a taster day with his school and enjoying engaging, practical and hands-on activities. The former Beamont Collegiate Academy pupil feels that both his course and the college’s fantastic links with local employers are supporting his career aspirations to progress on to an apprenticeship.

“I really enjoy the hands-on approach and the facilities we have to help us learn about domestic and industrial plumbing."

Dylan Woods

Level 3 Plumbing

Clare enrolled onto our Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery course after being fed up of asking someone else to do things for her around her house. Her goal is to learn new skills that will make her more independent.

She says: “The tutors are great; they are very patient and understanding. I am having so much fun on this course!”

Clare Rushworth

Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery

Level 3 Electrical Installation apprentice Reuban Butler has learnt a lot about the theoretical aspects of installation, maintenance and several advanced principles. The former Birchwood Community High School pupil joined the college after receiving glowing recommendations about the variety of skills and knowledge you learn as part of the course.

“My time at college so far has been amazing. Having completed the level 1, 2 and 3 electrical courses, I have developed a vast number of skills and feel at ease with my tutors. They have been so helpful at teaching me everything I need to know for my career.”

Reuban Butler

Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprentice

Hamish Reilly, a Visitor Assistant at The Lion Salt Works Museum in Northwich, is thriving on our Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery course. Hamish, who has previously studied Maths Functional Skills with us at the college, is undertaking this new challenge to improve his life skills and hopes it will lead to potential job opportunities in the future.

He says: “The accessibility at the college is second to none, everyone I have encountered with have been so friendly! I can’t wait to use the new skills I am learning in my everyday life.”

Hamish Reily

Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery

Bev enrolled onto our Introduction to Plumbing course to get out of her comfort zone and learn something new. On this course, Bev has learnt how to solder and has learnt the correct techniques on how to measure and cut materials.

She says: “All of the tutors, including the technicians, are lovely and great to learn from! The workshops have all of the equipment needed to learn- it makes the experience so much better!”

Beverley Bowden

Introduction to Plumbing

Meet our tutors

Chris Ashley

Construction lecturer Chris Ashley enjoys sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the students he teaches on our Construction courses.

Chris Ashley holds a Level 5 qualification In Mechanical and Constructional Engineering as well as a Masters in Material Science. These qualifications along with Chris’ 30 years experience in the construction industry allow him to share a wealth of invaluable knowledge to his students.

Chris Bennett

As Curriculum Manager for Onsite Construction, Chris Bennett's favourite thing about working at the college is that he can share his skills and knowledge with his students and watch them develop into industry professionals. He is keen to help them learn a range of valuable skills that will enable them to be successful in the construction industry.

Chris completed his own level 2 and level 3 brickwork apprenticeships with Warrington & Vale Royal College before gaining 17 years of industry experience with a range of both national and local employers.

Richard Griffiths

Richard, Teaching & Learning Manager in Construction, started his electrical journey in similar footsteps to our students, studying full-time towards a qualification. After finishing his course, he completed a teaching degree at the University of Wolverhampton before acquiring a full-time position at the college.

Richard is really enjoying teaching at the college and says: “Seeing students learn and grow is an hugely rewarding experience. I absolutely love what I do and it’s a great feeling when I can help students learn something new.”

Britt Calvert

Plumbing tutor Britt joined the college due to its reputation and fantastic facilities for the students. Britt changed her career during her mid-twenties and retrained to gain qualifications in teaching plumbing.

Britt's favourite part about her role at the college is creating a welcoming environment for the students. She says:

“I love seeing students succeed, and it's great to see them enjoying their time at college as well as gaining their necessary qualifications.”

Explore our facilities

Construction Workshops

Our dedicated construction workshops feature the latest industry-standard equipment, providing a first-rate learning environment. You will have access to high-quality hand tools as well as the very latest digital equipment such as reality smart glasses and robotic surveying equipment. Using this high-tech equipment ensures you are keeping up with industry developments and will be fully prepared to enter the workplace.

Construction & Civil Engineering Academy

The construction department has benefitted from funding by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) 'Digital Skills in Construction Project'. The project, Advanced Construction Training, aims to drive collaboration between colleges and employers to develop, commercialise and promote digital technologies and skills training. The ACT aims to assist the construction industry to build high quality, smart, green and efficient building infrastructures, faster, cheaper and more sustainable than ever before. College partners include Cheshire College South & West, Macclesfield College, Reaseheath College and the UTC Warrington.