This course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of students enabling them to progress into the industry in their chosen craft. The programme has been specifically developed for delivery in a modern training environment. The course is delivered by highly qualified and experienced staff using modern facilities.As part of the programme learners will also complete essential or basic skills. Opportunities will also be provided to take GCSEs in Welsh, English and mathematics and for Welsh language development

All learners will complete six mandatory core units which holistically cover:

• An introduction to the construction and built environment sectors
• Employment and employability skills
• Health and safety

In addition to these units, learners will complete two trade units to spend additional time learning, which will include planning, performing and evaluating common tasks. The qualification equips learners with a broad, cross-cutting understanding of the sector, enabling them to make informed decisions about their own development.  Also see section on available options.  

The Foundation in Construction and Building Services Engineering (level 2) qualification enables learners to begin to develop their:

• Understanding of the buildings and structures that constitute the built environment and how they change, and have changed, over time.
• Understanding of the trades, roles and careers in the construction and built environment sector.
• Understanding of the life cycle of buildings and structures in the built environment and the associated principles and processes at each stage.
• Understanding of social, economic and environmental sustainability as appropriate to construction and the built environment.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in the construction and built environment sector.
• Employability skills and their understanding of how these are relevant to, and important in, the workplace in the construction and built environment sector.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of working in ways which protect health, safety, well-being and the environment.
• Knowledge, skills and understanding required in planning, performing and evaluating common practical tasks in at least two trades within the construction and built environment sector.

On completion, the qualification will provide a broad foundational knowledge across the construction and built environment industry as well as introductory knowledge and skills in two trade areas. The qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills to progress on to further study, such as:

• Progression in Construction (Level 2) – City & Guilds
• Progression in Building Services Engineering (Level 2) – EAL
• Apprenticeship in Construction (Level 3) (trade area) – City & Guilds
• Apprenticeship Building Services Engineering (Level 3) (trade area) – EAL

Applicants are usually 18 or over and living in Wales.

Demonstrate previous learning in a related discipline or equivalent experience

Have achieved a minimum of a level 3 qualification in a relevant related discipline.

*Candidates must be employed and have approval from their line manager to access this course*.

Construction Trades

• GCSE grades A* to D in mathematics and English or Welsh language  or
• WJEC Level 1 / 2  in constructing the built environment or
• A level one construction related qualification 
• Mature learners are welcomed to apply and subject to interview

Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation and Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment

• GCSE grades A*-D in English or Welsh (1st Language), Maths and one other preferably Science related or
• WJEC Level 1 / 2  in Constructing the Built Environment or
• Level 1 Construction related qualification or
• Mature learners subject to interview

Note: All applicants will also need to attend a successful interview. Applicants should also have an interest in the chosen craft and evidence of practical ability would be an advantage.

Students will be required to source and purchase their own personal protective equipment (PPE) which comprises safety boots, safety glasses, hard hat and hi-vis.

Students are also required to purchase their own stationery and there may also be additional costs if the department arranges educational visits.

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.