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Key details

Course area
Construction
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Course code
Parent course code:C000142 Child course code: Q000861
Apply now

Course introduction

Perfect if you’ve got a keen eye for detail, enjoy woodwork and making things and have a genuine interest in pursuing a career as a carpenter or joiner

You’ll learn:

  • How to plan for jobs
  • Liaise with suppliers
  • Set out timber
  • Form timber joints
  • Tower scaffolds
  • Hang doors
  • Fix skirting
  • Box in pipework
  • Erect roof trusses
  • Lay floor boarding

You’ll produce doors, windows and stairwells, design moulds and use industry-standard woodwork machinery.

You can expect practical learning in crafting, assembling and fixing joinery components. You’ll complete paper-based and practical assessments and study health and safety. You’ll have the support of very experienced tutors and learn in dedicated construction workshops. You’ll meet employers and visit projects too.

Programme of Study

When you enrol on your chosen course you will be automatically enrolled onto a Programme of Study (PoS), which will include:

  • A vocational qualification
  • English and maths
  • Personal and social development
  • Independent study
  • Work experience

Enrolling in the Programme of Study (PoS) at Nottingham College offers you the chance to acquire both work-specific knowledge and essential skills. If you haven't yet achieved a grade 4 in English and maths, this programme ensures you will study these subjects, enhancing your progression not only within the college but also in future employment. Additionally, the PoS includes a 30-hour work placement related to your course, providing valuable hands-on experience.

The programme incorporates enrichment activities aimed at developing vital industry skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to follow instructions. These experiences will enhance your CV, making you more attractive to potential employers. You will also participate in personal development sessions covering current and relevant topics like PREVENT, British Values, and keeping safe amongst others. Your personal development tutor will offer one-on-one support for your wellbeing and development, while a personal tutor will set academic targets to ensure you stay on track to achieve your goals.

Social action projects are another integral part of the PoS, allowing you to support local communities and charities. These projects will help you develop "future ready" skills, including professional behaviour and attitude, problem-solving and commitment, communication and collaboration, self-confidence, individuality and respect, and digital literacy. These competencies are crucial for becoming work-ready.

Your timetable will also include independent study periods, where you will engage in activities such as research, revision, improving digital skills, and working on assignments.

Given the practical nature of the course, consistent attendance is crucial to your success and reaching your full academic potential. We expect full attendance in all classes to maximize your learning and development.

By committing to the Programme of Study at Nottingham College, you are setting yourself up for success both academically and professionally.

A student wearing ear defenders using a sawing machine.

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

Read more

Course information

1 year

Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma in Site Carpentry

You’ll need to have successfully completed a Level 1 vocational qualification in Carpentry and Joinery.

You must also have a minimum of a GCSE Grade 3 in both English and Maths or Functional Skills Level 1.

For applicants aged 19+, relevant industry experience may be considered.

You’ll take a multiple choice question paper, undergo a practical assessment, a health and safety test and an external online test.

Choose to follow with further study at Level 3 in either Site Carpentry or other construction trade, onto an Apprenticeship at Level 3 or into permanent full time employment.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Meet Joe & learn how his experience in construction at Basford is building his skills
Basford campus tour with student rep Makai
Meet Jess and learn why she is studying a joinery course at our Basford campus

Careers related to this course

Carpenters and Joiners

Potential Earnings

£38,486.75

Average Earnings

£26,235.26

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Building and Construction

People in these occupations manage building projects, inspect structures, and carry out various construction trades: masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, etc.

Skills

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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