Construction BTEC Diploma

Course code: FTB055

School of Architecture, Construction & Built Environment

The Programme

This programme is equivalent to two GCSEs at grades A* to C. It will provide you with an introduction to the construction industry. This course will introduce you to graphical design, sustainable energy technologies, practical carpentry skills and practical brick and block work. It will consist of 50% classroom study and 50% workshop experience. On this course you will be looking at construction methods of different buildings, sustainable building materials and techniques, and health and safety rules and regulations. You will learn about technical drawings and learn how to read them. You will have the chance to practise technical drawing to help you with designing a window, which you will then learn to make, through the application of basic carpentry and joinery skills. You will also get trained in building basic brick and block structures and be assessed on your level of craftsmanship. By the end of the course you will be in a position to decide whether you want to progress into site management, architecture technology, carpentry or the bricklaying trade.

The Programme Content

In an introduction to the construction industry, you will study such things as the roles and responsibilities of the building team, the career paths available in the industry and the types of training & qualifications available. You will also study the various types of work that the industry undertakes and the environmental impacts of those work types.

In the Exploring Health and Safety unit you will be studying such things as the identification of hazards and risks, your legal responsibilities, accidents and accident prevention and the costs of accidents, both real and hidden.

In construction drawing techniques, you will learn about the materials used to produce manual drawings, the types of drawings in common use, as well as standard symbols and hatching. You will produce a portfolio of hand drawn technical drawings as part of this unit.

In the carpentry and joinery units you will be studying the basic skills and then using them to produce a window and door frame. This is a

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade D or above, including English or a Level 2 qualification in a related construction discipline.

Costs

You will be expected to pay for your own personal protective equipment.

Venue

Barnstaple, Main Site

Progression

On successful completion of the course you may progress to the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Architecture, Surveying and Construction; move onto a carpentry or bricklaying course to finish your technical qualifications, or continue training through employment.

Length of Study

One year.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.