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Construction Skills is our most popular course within the construction department. It is an entry-level qualification that will introduce you to construction and some of the different trades. You can study a multi-skills programme, which covers four different construction areas, or narrow your focus by studying a particular specialism route. We offer:

• Construction Skills with Brickwork, Plumbing, Electrical and Carpentry
• Construction Skills with Brickwork
• Construction Skills with Carpentry
• Construction Skills with Electrical
• Construction Skills with Plumbing

Our in-house Transition programme is our level two qualification designed to help you prepare for the T Level. This makes the course more technical and challenging than the Construction Skills qualification, and features the right support and assignments to progress onto a level three qualification.

• Transition with Design, Surveying & Planning
• Transition with Onsite Construction - Brickwork
• Transition with On-site Construction - Carpentry
• Transition with Building Services Engineering - Electrical
• Transition with Building Services Engineering - Plumbing

If you successfully complete your Transition year and achieve grade 4 in Maths and English, you can proceed onto year one of the T Level. You can find out more about the Transition year programme here: T Level Transition Programme in Construction (Level 2)

Study for the newest level three qualifications that will develop your skills and knowledge at an advanced level. T Levels are two-year courses with industrial placements during the programme. We offer:

• Design, Surveying & Planning
• On-site Construction with Brickwork
• On-site Construction with Carpentry
• Building Services Engineering with Electrical
• Building Services Engineering with Plumbing

T Levels help you gain valuable work experience through industry placements organised by the College. These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days across the two years). T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

Our computer suites have the latest software, including Computer Aided Design, and we have invested in some of the best tools, technology, and equipment to provide for an outstanding learning experience.

At Level 4 we offer a HNC in Construction.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you if you are looking to progress in your career or want to change direction. To find out more about Higher Education offering, please visit our dedicated page here: Higher Education | Chichester College

An apprenticeship involves working with your employer for most of the week and spending one day a week at College, known as ‘day release’. Your day release is a way of continuing your learning and developing your skills, knowledge, and behaviours that will be necessary to complete an apprenticeship and work at the highest standard. You will learn the theory behind some of the practical work, develop your practical skills in the workshop, and ensure that you meet the apprenticeship requirements. We offer:

• Brickwork – Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Carpentry and Joinery – Architectural Joinery – Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Carpentry and Joinery – Site Carpenter – Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Carpentry and Joinery - Architectural Joinery – Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Carpentry and Joinery – Site Carpenter – Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Electrical – Installation / Maintenance – Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technician – Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician – Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Town Planning Assistant - Level 4 Apprenticeship

We offer trade certification courses. Whether you want to update your trade skills, gain a new qualification, renew mandatory accreditations, or learn something completely different, we have the right course to help you succeed.

Please click here for more information: Training for Trade | Chichester College

Maths and English

Having good grades in these two areas at GCSE level can make the difference when it comes to employment and opportunities for progression. Learners who do not have grade 4 GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) will be enrolled in the relevant subject lessons to work towards at least a grade 4.

Competitions

Our students have the chance to test their skills against each other with our in-house competitions. For example, in May 2021 the Brickwork department organised a ‘Craft of Brickwork’ competition. This tested students’ abilities and stretched their learning to meet a challenging specification.

We also collaborate with SkillBuild and WorldSkills. These are the largest multi-trade skills competitions in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.

Learner Support

The lecturing team can provide career guidance and have established links with the industry.

We also have a dedicated support team to help learners with their personal development.

• Student Tutors provide every learner aged 16-19 with 1-1 pastoral and progression support and deliver personal development workshops known as ACES.
• Apprenticeship Coaches provide pastoral support for apprentices.

For more information about the range of services provided by the college, please click the ‘College Life’ tab at the top of the page.

Quality of Teaching

Our teaching staff are experienced and qualified people in their fields. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience to develop your trade skills and interpersonal abilities. According to our Student Survey in 2020, 100% of our construction students said their lecturers were helpful and approachable.