Female adult student working in carpentry 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.

T Level Construction: Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction

Full Time

View course

Level 1 Brickwork

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Brickwork (OTQ)

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Brickwork

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 1 Electrical Installation

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Electrical Installation

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Electrical Installation

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Site Carpentry

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Advanced Site Carpentry

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 1 Plumbing

Full Time

View course

Level 2 Plumbing

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Plumbing

Full Time

View course

Level 3 Plumbing & 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

Level 4 HNC Mechanical Engineering (HTQ)

Part 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!

Certified Solar & Energy Systems Training

Part Time

View course

18th Edition

Part Time

View course

Introduction to Welding

Part Time

View course

Build and Create: Carpentry and Joinery Essential Skills

Part Time

View course

Basic Plumbing Skills

Part Time

View course

Electrical Renewables Awareness

Part Time

View course

Installation and Maintenance Electrician - Experienced Worker Entrance Test

Part Time

View course

Plumbing Renewables Awareness

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 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification

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 Award in Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

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

Advanced Bricklaying

Part Time

View course

Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented)

Part Time

View course

Intermediate Bricklaying

Part Time

View course

Introduction to Bricklaying

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Award in EV Charging

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Award in Heat Pump Systems (Non-refrigerant Circuits)

Part Time

View course

Level 3 Award Initial Verification of Electrical Installations

Part Time

View course

Level 4 HNC Mechanical Engineering (HTQ)

Part Time

View course

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

Part Time

View course

Water Regulations Training

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

Level 4 HNC Mechanical Engineering (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 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship

Part Time

View course

Meet our students

Emma first chose to study Brickwork at Warrington & Vale Royal College because she was unsure which career path she wanted to pursue but felt that learning a trade would open up a range of opportunities. Having never enjoyed a traditional classroom environment, she was keen to take a more hands-on approach to learning.

During her time at college, Emma particularly valued the support of her tutors, who made her feel like part of a family and helped her build confidence in her abilities: "I would definitely recommend a brickwork course at Warrington & Vale Royal College. It's been the best two years of my life. The tutors really care about you, make you feel seen, and helped me find a career in teaching construction that I hadn't previously considered."

Emma Farrington

Level 3 Brickwork

Liam has developed a wide range of practical carpentry skills during his time at college and is excited to continue progressing towards a career in the construction industry. He credits both his tutors and classmates for creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment that has helped him grow in confidence and develop his abilities.

“If you ever need any help, you can always go to your tutors, and they will be more than willing to support you. Learning at college is very different to school, but I am loving every minute of my course.”

Liam Parker

Level 2 Site Carpentry

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

Former Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School pupil Paige chose plumbing as the first step towards her dream career. She started on the Level 1 Plumbing course and, through hard work and dedication, progressed onto a Level 3 Heating & Plumbing Technician Apprenticeship with KDE Ltd.

Now gaining valuable experience in the industry, Paige is building the skills and confidence needed for a successful future in plumbing.

“This was the perfect place to start my career in plumbing. The support and practical training helped me progress onto an apprenticeship and gave me the confidence to succeed in the industry.”

Paige Harding

Level 3 Heating & Plumbing Technician Apprenticeship

Former Padgate Academy student Moyo is not only thoroughly enjoying his course, but also the welcoming college community, which played a big part in his decision to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College. He loves how the college helps everyone to settle in and make friends, ensuring that "no one is left out and everyone finds their people."

“I'm really enjoying my T Level, and it's helping me to prepare for the world of work. The most valuable skills I've gained are CAD and technical drawing, which will be vital for my ideal career in architecture and design.”

Moyo Arenyeka

T Level Construction Design, Surveying & Planning

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

Having heard great things about Warrington & Vale Royal College, former Hartford CofE High School student, Arthur, chose to study Level 2 Electrical Installation to begin his journey towards becoming a qualified electrician. He has enjoyed developing both his practical and theoretical knowledge on the course and hopes to progress onto an electrician apprenticeship in the future.

"My tutor has guided me through both the theory and the hands-on electrical workshops. I learn something new every day, and the course is helping me work towards becoming a qualified electrician."

Arthur Ollier

Level 2 Electrical Installation

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

Meet our tutors

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.”

Glyn Barnard

Electrical Installation lecturer Glyn Barnard brings an incredible 40 years of industry experience to the classroom, having worked as both an electrician and a contracts manager. His extensive industry background allows him to share a wealth of invaluable knowledge with his students.

Glyn’s favourite part of his role at the college is seeing students progress and succeed, while being able to share his years of expertise. He said: “I love seeing the development of my students from day one to the completion of their course. It gives me a great sense of pride!”

Glyn is also currently studying for his Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training at Warrington & Vale Royal College, ensuring his teaching skills are the best they can be for his students.

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.