Carpentry & Joinery CSkills Awards Level 1 Diploma
This course will provide you with the skills necessary to carry out a range of introductory carpentry and joinery techniques to recognised standards, and will widen your understanding of the industry.


Carpentry & Joinery Level 1
After 20 years working in sales, I was looking for a change. I thought, if I don’t do it now, I never will. So I enrolled on to the part-time Carpentry & Joinery course and have now set up a business as a handyman.
I already have a good understanding of carpentry and this course focuses on joinery as well, which suits me. I’m a trained engineer by trade, and I completed my engineering apprenticeship here at Bedford College in the early nineties. Although I have the experience, it’s about learning to do things properly. My tutors all have plenty of experience in the real world, and that’s one of the reasons I chose to study here.
I’m fortunate enough to have had the chance to go back to education later on in life and I’m hoping to do my Level 2 and Level 3 in Carpentry & Joinery, as well as some other courses such as Electrical Installation.
I’ve really enjoyed this course – it was a life changing decision and a risk that has paid off. Although I have studied at other colleges, Bedford College is home for me and I would definitely recommend it to others.
Find out more about Carpentry & Joinery Level 1
Entry requirements
To start you will need to have a keen interest in carpentry.
Some evidence of studying at GCSE level or successful completion of an entry level qualification would be an advantage.
Entry is subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to complete a skills assessment.
Course content
During the course you will cover topics including:
- Handle and store resources
- Contribute to work relationships
- Contribute to providing work relationships
- Preparation and use of portable power tools
- Maintenance and use of woodworking hand tools
- Use basic wood joining techniques.
You will also study essential Core Skills to help you prepare for employment and higher level study.
Assessment methods
Assessment is continuous. Your skills and knowledge are measured against set standards as the units of training are completed.
There is also one external end test on Wood Occupations: Carpentry.
Further study and career options
On successful completion you could progress onto the Carpentry Intermediate Construction Diploma.
Additional information
The modular design of this course will enable you to progress at your own pace.
Completion time for adults will depend on the outcome of prior assessment of your current skills and experience, together with attendance. After this individual training plans can be devised.
Pay by instalments
The College offers an instalment plan for Further Education and Higher Education courses to students where the total amount payable at the point of enrolment is £200 or more. Within the scheme there is an ability to pay up to 8 instalments, depending on the length of the courses and the final payment must be paid at least a month before the end of the course.
Funding information
This course could be FREE! You could be eligible for free study if you are unemployed and on a qualifying benefit. Find out more at www.bedford.ac.uk/concessions