NQ Introduction to Construction Craft

The course covers the following skills required within Construction trades: 

• Workshop Skills
• Construction Materials
• Health and Safety
• The interpretation of Technical Drawings
• Maths/Numeracy for Construction
• Communication
• Information Technology 

Progression toward careers in a construction trade, examples include: 

• Carpentry and Joinery
• Bricklaying
• Painting and decorating
• Plumbing and Heating
• Electrical
• Renewables 

All students who successfully complete this course will be guaranteed a place on a construction trade pre-apprenticeship course of their choice from the following list, starting in August 2026:

• Multi trades
• Bricklaying
• Painting and Decorating 
• Carpentry and Joinery 

Please note that those who successfully complete the January start course and wish to progress to either of the following pre-apprenticeship courses will need to pass an additional entry exam before starting in August 2026:

• Electrical
• Plumbing 

• You should have achieved a minimum of National 4 English and National 4 Maths (Please note: National 4 Applications of Maths will not be accepted as an alternative to National 4 Maths) 
• Alternatively, applicants with a relevant Construction qualification, such as NPA or Foundation Apprenticeship, will be considered by the course Curriculum Manager 
• Applicants who do not meet this criteria, but have relevant industry-related experience, will be considered by the course Curriculum Manager
• You should possess the motivation to work as part of a team and have a real enthusiasm for construction 
• Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to a selection event, which will consist of a practical and theory assessment 

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application.
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, 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, previous employment, 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 for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
  Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview

If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk