Construction Pre Apprenticeship SCQF Level 5

What is special about this course?

Build your future in construction – gain practical joinery skills and real industry experience
If you're looking to start a career in construction, our Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Programme in Lochgilphead or Campbeltown is the perfect first step. 

This hands-on course is designed to prepare you for a Modern Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery – giving you valuable workshop skills, real work experience, and an understanding of what it takes to succeed in the building trade.

This course is also a fantastic opportunity for local employers to meet and mentor future apprentices, helping them develop essential skills while identifying potential talent for their business.

With a significant skills shortage in the industry, there is high demand for people with construction skills so get a head start and apply today.

Why choose this course?

• Start your apprenticeship journey with real skills making you the go-to candidate for employers.
• Gain industry experience with local employers
• Work toward your SVQ Carpentry and Joinery qualification
• Receive PPE, CSCS card training
• Build confidence in the workshop and on-site
• Open the door to apprenticeship opportunities across Argyll and beyond

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however students should have an interest in the practical aspects of the construction industry and be working at National 4 level. Places are limited so applicants may be invited for interview. 

Over nine months (August–May), you'll gain a solid foundation in carpentry and joinery by working through the core skills alongside first-year apprentices. You'll learn how to safely use hand tools and woodworking machinery, build doors and panelling, and work with access platforms and site equipment.

You'll also complete three blocks of extended work placement with local employers – giving you first-hand experience of life on site and a real chance to impress potential future employers.

Before heading out to placement, you'll receive Health & Safety training and take your CSCS test, qualifying you for a CSCS Green Card, essential for working on construction sites.

What will I learn?

• Workshop Practice and Hand Skills – Learn joinery techniques and how to use traditional hand tools
• Woodworking Machine Skills – Get confident using woodworking machinery safely and effectively
• Door and Window Construction – Build core components used in buildings every day
• Panelling and Installation – Learn the craft of panelling and develop accuracy and finishing skills
• Access Equipment Awareness – Understand the safe use of ladders, towers and working platforms
• CSCS Health & Safety – Gain the certification needed to start your construction career

You'll also complete recognised SQA units, giving you a head start when progressing to a full apprenticeship.

Equipment

Full time students will receive bursary or EMA which will cover the cost of all required PPE. 

Fees

• Introduction to Psychology (Tues 9am-3.30pm) consists of 3 SQA units and costs £258.
• Introduction to Criminology (Wed 9am -1pm) consists of 2 SQA units and costs £172
• Introduction to Sociology and Philosophy (Thurs 9am – 3.30pm) consists of 3 SQA units and costs £258.

If you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits may receive a fee waiver. Please refer to page 2 of our Fees and Funding Guide to see if you are eligible. You can download a FEE WAIVER FORM here.  If you would like help or advice on fee waiver, please contact your nearest learning centre.

If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you may be able to apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA) to cover up to £200 the cost of this course.

This course is not available to students who require a Tier 4 Home Office visa to study in Scotland (international or EU).

Funding

Bursary for Living Costs

If you are 18 years of age or over on the start date of your course, and  studying full-time you may be eligible for bursary funding, depending on your household income. Those on bursary will be eligible for assistance with travel (to college and placement) and childcare, and we have discretionary funds for those students in need.

Our bursary fund is finite and is allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so it’s important to make your application for bursary as soon as the application process opens in July. You will need to have accepted our offer before you apply.

If you are under 18 you may be eligible for EMA. EMA is paid at a rate of £30 per week dependent on your total household income, and you may also receive assistance with travel costs.

You can find all the information you need in our funding pages.