Carpentry and Joinery

Carpentry & Joinery forms a vital part of the construction industry in the country and has two main component parts which are site and bench.

Bench joiners are the manufacturing side of the business who provide standard and bespoke joinery components such as stairs, doors and retrofit wooden windows for graded buildings all to architect specifications that feed directly into the building industry.

Site Joinery follows the bricklayers and constructs the main carcass of the building including the roofs/floors/walls & stairs which is known as first fix. Second fix comes into play once other trades have completed their work and includes hanging doors/fitting skirtings/mouldings and kitchens.

Maths & English naturally occur throughout these levels and are embedded to further develop the required level of skills.

All the skills required for the above disciplines are developed from Level 1 through to Level 3.

Becoming a carpenter or joiner can be the first step on the ladder into supervisory roles/site management and beyond if the student has these aspirations.

Routes to construction – This allows new students who may have extra support to have a chance to get used to college life and develop their personal/communication/ Maths and English skills alongside a basic carpentry and joinery course to help build self-confidence.

C&G Level 1 Diploma gives students the basics such as Health & Safety [which is the thread throughout all levels], hand and power tool safety and planning/marking out skills and important communication skills. This covers the basics for bench, site and a retrofit unit will be added for the adult course to further improve overall knowledge and skills.

C&G Level 2 Technical Cert – Bench involves the reading of plans and then using these to develop skills in setting out/marking out and manufacturing bench joinery products to specifications. The students will become familiar with large workshop machinery use and maintenance under strict supervision. Bench joinery will be linked to site work through theory classes to give a clear overall picture of the subject.

C&G Level 2 Technical Cert – Site gives the student a concise overview of the required skills and includes all aspects of carcassing work, joist and floorwork, roofs, fitting stairs, hanging doors and fitting kitchens and all appropriate maintenance techniques.

C&G Level 3 – Site Technical Cert – This is an extension of the Level 2 qualification and builds on the skills from L1 & L2 and goes deeper into the construction of roofing/flooring construction and also the planning of jobs and how the planning permission process is incorporated in this.

The above work is assessed by a multi choice exam in March and then a practical synoptic test that is taken between March and mid-May which together give the completed score for the Technical Certificate.

The study programmes at Rotherham College are overseen by tutors who have vast experience of the construction industry and have developed teaching techniques over many years to pass on this knowledge and we are always looking for new and innovative ways of developing this even further.

We work closely with the construction industry and find out exactly what the needs of employers are and how we can help them achieve those needs.

We have various methods of disseminating the curriculum which includes a google workspace that is available for both college and independent study, workshop and group work which involves peer mentoring and support.

You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of this page. For more information support with your enquiry or application please contact Student Services by emailing info@rotherham.ac.uk or by calling 01709 362111.

• 16-18 year olds do not need to pay course fees
• Those aged 19 or over may not need to pay fees depending on their circumstances. Find out if you qualify for help with your fees.

If you need further advice or guidance please contact the Enquiries Team on 01709 362111.