Construction & Allied Trades
The construction sector consists of the following areas:- Repair and maintenance
- Public and private housing
- Non-residential public property (e.g. hospitals and schools)
- Marine installations
- Industrial (e.g. factories and processing plants) and commercial construction.
It is anticipated that for the next five years, an extra 87,600 new recruits will be required each year within the sector. Whilst this sector has a predominantly male image, we actively encourage female students as women make up 11% of the work force.
Weymouth College is the largest provider of construction education in South West Dorset, with excellent modern facilities. The College boasts the Dorset Skills Centre in Poundbury which has purpose-built workshops and classrooms, in addition to the Cranford Avenue facilities.
Students will find great opportunities for employment from these courses; from being self-employed to large construction companies.
The department is highly regarded for its quality work and achieves excellent results at national levels in skills competitions in all trades.
Career Prospects
Electrical
Students may progress through Level 1, 2 and 3 which provide a good grounding for entry into the electrical engineering and installation industries.
Architecture, Civil Engineering & Surveying
Successful completion of the Level 3 course will enable you to progress on to an HNC/HND or degree programme in the following areas: Architectural Design, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying.
Previous students have also moved onto the following universities: University of Brighton - BA (Hons) Architecture, London Metropolitan University - BA (Hons) Architecture, University of Plymouth- BSc (Hons) Architecture, Design & Structures, University of Plymouth- BA (Hons), Architecture, Southampton Solent University - BA (Hons) Architecture Technology.
Other students have moved on to employment in the construction industry.
Brickwork, Carpentry & Joinery
Level 2 is the recognised minimum requirement to work in the construction industry.
Plumbing
Gaining qualifications in this field will improve your prospects of finding employment or apprenticeship training in the Plumbing/Domestic Heating Industry.
Stonemasonry
Students who have completed these course have moved on to the next level, enrolled on an Apprenticeship or progressed on to the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Applied Architectural Stonework & Conservation.
