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Pre-Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery @ SCQF4

  • Qualifications Other Programmes
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 4
  • Study mode
  • Campus Ayr, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning
  • Start date August 2026
  • Duration 18 weeks or less, 36 weeks

Attendance/Duration

Full-time

Overview

Begin your journey into Carpentry and Joinery with our Level 4 course. Develop essential skills, where crafts skills meet the needs of construction.

In just one year, you can gain valuable expertise that can start your career within the industry. 

Entry Requirements

No formal qualifications or experience are needed. If you don't have formal qualifications but have life experience or genuine interest, we'll still consider you.

An interview and/or practical entry test.

Course Content

  • Tools of the trade: familiarise yourself with essential tools for measuring, marking, cutting and fixing.
  • Marking out and forming basic timber joints: learn to construct fundamental woodworking joints, laying the foundation for your carpentry & joinery skills.
  • Manufacturing a range of timber frames: progress to crafting more complex frames using various workshop equipment.
  • Real-world projects: apply your skills to a community or college project, gaining hands-on experience.
  • Industry exploration: understand the diverse roles and trades within the construction industry, broadening your knowledge.
  • Health and safety: prioritise safety by learning health and safety measures, ensuring a safe work environment.
  • Essential skills: develop meta and transferable skills, including communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and problem-solving.

Careers and Further Study

On completion of this course, you may:

  • Progress to Pre-Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery (SCQF Level 5).
  • Pursue a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship, kickstarting your career in the construction industry.
  • Discover pathways to academic growth and job prospects, all while gaining practical skills that employers are looking for.

Skills

Hands-on learning that combines practical skills with essential skills for the future.  Gain technical knowledge in activities from marking out to manufacture of projects while gaining transferable skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

Employer and Industry Links

This course is designed around specific needs of the industry with the focus on hand skills and employability attributes where our links to industry are utilised, where possible, to enhance the learner experience through site visits and work experience opportunities.