NPA in Construction Skills (Schools)
***PLEASE NOTE – This course is for S5 and S6 pupils who will be at school during session 2026/27 ***
This course provides S5 and S6 students with experience of practical construction trade skills with a focus on carpentry and joinery and aims to give individuals greater confidence in their own abilities and inform them about opportunities for progression within the Construction sector.
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 1.30pm - 4.30pm at Alloa
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 1.30pm - 4.30pm at Falkirk
This course will run on Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm at Stirling
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
Content
The course covers the following skills required within Construction trades :
- Carpentry and joinery Workshop Skills
- Construction Theory
- Health and Safety
- The interpretation of Technical Drawings
- Maths/Numeracy for ConstructionCommunication
- Information Technology
Career Paths
Progression toward careers in construction.
Examples include:
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Bricklaying
- Painting and decorating
- Plumbing and Heating
- Electrical
- Renewables
Progression
Progression toward college courses in a construction trade . Example include:
- Construction trade pre apprenticeship courses
Entry requirements
- Applicants should be entering S5 or S6 for academic session 2026/2027 and be able to attend the relevant campus for the timetabled slots.
- Achieved or working towards National 5’s in English and Maths or Maths Craft 1 (Please note: Those applying for the course with or working towards an application of maths qualification, irrespective of the level, will be required to attend and pass a maths skills test at a college campus in order to progress to a group selection event. Maths test Preparation tutorials will be sent out to applicants and schools)
- Alternatively those that have achieved or working towards NPA Construction Craft and Technician level 4 award
- Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to a selection event.
- Please note, this college course runs during exam leave periods and attendance at college is expected.
More Info
Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to March 2025, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk