Construction Trades - Pre-Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment

L1 Level 1
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
Barry Campus
This course is available at other locations or at different start dates/levels.

About this course

This pre-foundation construction course is designed to give students a basic approach to construction operations. It prepares learners to progress onto the construction foundation qualification.

What you will study

The course will develop your knowledge and practical skills relating to construction operations and you will cover a range of activities and gain an experience of the tools and equipment of crafts including:

  • Bricklaying
  • Carpentry
  • Painting and Decorating
  • Plastering
  • Wall and floor tiling

You will study in our dedicated construction centres and facilities. These include classrooms for theory and huge trade-specific workshops where you develop your practical skills each week using industry standard tools and equipment.

Your course assessment comprises of set assignments that are used to gauge your skills development and end of year assessment, including practical skills tests and online exams.

Additionally learners are required to have their own safety boots before starting the course. The boots can be bought from any retailer.

Entry requirements

Applicants would benefit from achieving 3 GCSEs Grades D-F. Alternatively, applicants will be considered based on interview and a satisfactory skills scan, with a desire and commitment to complete the course they would wish to study. PPE/Equipment needed to study- Safety boots, work clothing or overalls to change for practical sessions.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

Barry Campus
Maps & directions

Course code

CBCR1F01
L1

Qualification

Construction Trades - Pre-Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment

More...

What our students say

I’ve always been a practical person and I enjoy working with my hands so the Carpentry and Joinery course felt like a good fit. I know that learning this trade will stand me in good stead for the future in terms of employment opportunities. The tutors here are amazing and the facilities are great!

Megan Millward
Current Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery student

Locations

Barry Campus
Barry Campus

Cardiff and Vale College,

Barry Campus,

Vale of Glamorgan,

CF62 8YJ