CARPENTRY AND JOINERY (SITE CARPENTRY) - LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA (SEPT 2025 START)

Awarded By: City and Guilds
Duration: 36 weeks
Level: Level 2

This course is ideal for those interested in a career as a trades person working with wood in the construction industry and is for those looking to develop skills and knowledge of wood machining for joinery manufacture. You will learn about the industry, including the principles of machine manufactured joinery, the health, safety and environmental issues faced on construction sites, and how to communicate with others working in this trade. 

You will also learn practical skills specific to joinery manufacture, including setting and operating fixed sawing machines, fixed planing machines, fixed jointing machines, fixed profiling machines and fixed sanding machines.

The Level 2 Site Carpentry Diploma allows you to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in Site Carpentry.

It covers the following skills:

  • Carry out first fix flooring and roofing
  • Carry out first fix frames, partitions and stairs
  • Carry out second fixing operations
  • Carry out carpentry maintenance
  • Set up and operate a circular saw

Please note: This course starts in September 2025. You may apply now; however, applications will not be processed until enrolments open in April 2025. A course advisor will reach out once we can proceed with your application.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

On this course you will study a range of modules including:  

Construction Health & Safety

  • Health and safety legislation.
  • Hazards and risks within the construction industry.
  • Risk mitigation.
  • Understanding and following method statements.
  • Stakeholder responsibilities.
  • Policies and procedures and the role of the Health and Safety Executive.

Understanding the principles of building construction, information and communication

  • Identify a range of building materials used with the construction industry
  • Knowledge of environmental considerations to improve efficiency
  • Knowledge of construction foundations
  • Understand the of internal and externals walls, calculating areas, components used in internal and externals walls.  Identify materials in mix ratios used in mortar
  • Knowledge of different types of floors
  • Communication in the workplace

Principles of building construction

  • Understand a range of building materials used within the construction industry and their suitability to the construction of modern buildings.
  • Understand the construction of internal and externals walls.
  • Identifying and interpreting drawings including scales, symbols and hatchings.

First fix flooring and roofing

  • the use of woodworking hand tools and powered hand tool
  • erecting roofing structures, verge and eaves and installing floor joists
  • Fix verge and eave components
  • Lay and fix floor joists

First fix frames, partitions and stairs

  • fix door linings and window frames
  • construct stud partition walls
  • fit a straight flights of stairs

Second fixing operations

  • Install doors and ironmongery
  • Fix skirting, architrave, dado and picture rail
  • Install casements and cladding
  • Install kitchen units, worktops and fittings

Carpentry maintenance

  • Repair mouldings, doors and windows
  • Replace gutters and downpipes
  • Replace sash window cords

Set up and operation of a circular saw

  • Learn how to replace circular saw blades
  • Understand different types of timber and the manufacturing processes
  • Cut timber and manufactured boards

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?

As a Site Carpentry Level 2 Diploma learner at Preston College, you will have a dedicated, workspace where you can develop your practical skills. The workshops replicate a live working environment, using Industry grade materials.  This provides a real flavour of what life in the construction industry is really like.

The practical lesson will be held 1 night per week, between 6-9pm with approximately 4-8 hours of independent study, via LMS CANVAS also required in addition.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will be assessed by using a range of controlled online assessments and practical assessments throughout each module. Students also meet regularly with tutors to help plan studies and discuss progress.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?

On completion of this qualification, you can progress onto a work-based qualification once you have gained employment in industry. You will also be apply for a CSCS skills card that will enable you to work on site as a skilled worker in your chosen trade.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

As our Construction Centre reflects industry working practices, you will be required to purchase and wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including work boots and overalls (or old clothing).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To undertake this course, you must hold a Level 1 Diploma qualification In Carpentry and Joinery or have substantial experience in industry. We will assess your skills by asking you to complete additional questions on application to gain your level of experience, then a practical skills assessment if you hold industry experience.  We require you to be working at a minimum of Entry 3 in English, if you don’t hold an English qualification, you may be required to undertake an assessment.

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