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.
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.
Level 1 Brickwork
Full Time
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Level 2 Brickwork
Full Time
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Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery
Full Time
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Level 2 Site Carpentry
Full Time
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Level 1 Electrical Installation
Full Time
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Level 2 Electrical Installation
Full Time
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Level 1 Plumbing
Full Time
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Level 2 Plumbing
Full Time
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T Level Construction: Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction
Full Time
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HNC Construction Management (HTQ)
Part Time
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HNC Construction Management (HTQ)
Full Time
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Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Plumbing & Heating Technician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship
Part Time
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T Level Foundation Year: Construction Design, Surveying & Planning
Full Time
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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
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HNC Construction Management (HTQ)
Part Time
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HNC Construction Management (HTQ)
Full Time
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Introduction to Bricklaying
Part Time
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Introduction to Welding
Part Time
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Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Diploma Brickwork
Part Time
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Level 2 Diploma Electrical Installation
Part Time
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Level 2 Diploma Plumbing
Part Time
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Level 2 Diploma Site Carpentry
Part Time
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Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Diploma Electrical Installation
Part Time
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Level 3 Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Plumbing & Heating Technician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Next Steps in Bricklaying
Part Time
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Next Steps Welding
Part Time
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NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
Part Time
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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), covering problem solving, design, and planning and building, this course prepares students to enter or advance in the construction industry.
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.
Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Part Time
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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
Meet our students
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.”
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.
Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery student Ossie Davies has been enjoying getting to grips with his course and is learning a wide range of both sector-specific and transferable skills. The former Reaseheath College pupil joined the college after attending an open evening, being impressed by the fantastic facilities the college offers, and decided to switch college and courses to pursue a career in carpentry & joinery. He says:
“My tutor has been so supportive and taught me so many things in such a short space of time. I have even recommended this course to a friend of mine!”
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.
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."
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.”
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.”
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!”
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!”
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
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.
Choosing a career based on Construction & Construction Trades Back to top
13 August 2024
Warrington & Vale Royal College provides top tier training to its future electricians with generous support from Ansell Lighting
19 June 2024
Building work on new Construction & Civil Engineering Academy nears completion
12 April 2024
Meet Ben Atherton, HNC Construction Management (HTQ) student with his sights set on senior position.
2 February 2024
Warrington & Vale Royal College hosts pioneering Girls in Construction Summit for local school children
15 December 2023
Meet Cody Eaton, HNC Construction Management (HTQ) student
16 November 2023
Building Commences on Warrington & Vale Royal College’s Construction & Civil Engineering Academy
23 October 2023
Andy Carter MP visits Warrington & Vale Royal College’s construction and engineering facilities
5 October 2023
Meet Clare Rushworth, Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery student
4 October 2023
Meet Bev Bowden, Introduction to Plumbing student
2 October 2023
Meet Hamish Reilly, Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery student
29 September 2023
Changing the face of construction: women breaking barriers and building a more inclusive workforce, one brick at a time
30 May 2023
Joanne Hollyhead, Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery student, is focusing on enhancing her DIY skills to help grow her own business
13 March 2023