Construction Pre Apprenticeship SCQF Level 5

What is special about this course?

Build your future in construction – gain practical joinery skills and real industry experience
If you're looking to start a career in construction, our Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Programme in Lochgilphead or Campbeltown is the perfect first step. 

This hands-on course is designed to prepare you for a Modern Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery – giving you valuable workshop skills, real work experience, and an understanding of what it takes to succeed in the building trade.

This course is also a fantastic opportunity for local employers to meet and mentor future apprentices, helping them develop essential skills while identifying potential talent for their business.

With a significant skills shortage in the industry, there is high demand for people with construction skills so get a head start and apply today.

Why choose this course?

• Start your apprenticeship journey with real skills making you the go-to candidate for employers.
• Gain industry experience with local employers and receive £55 per week training allowance
• Receive PPE, CSCS card training
• Build confidence in the workshop and on-site
• Open the door to apprenticeship opportunities across Argyll and beyond

Entry requirements

You should be 16 years old at the start of the course.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however students should have an interest in the practical aspects of the construction industry and be working at National 5 level. 

Places are limited therefore applicants will be invited for interview. 

Over nine months (August–May), you'll gain a solid foundation in carpentry and joinery by working through some of the core skills expected of first-year apprentices. You'll learn how to safely use hand tools and woodworking machinery, build simple structures, and work with access platforms and site equipment.

You'll also complete three blocks of extended work placement with local employers – giving you first-hand experience of life on site and a real chance to impress potential future employers.

Before heading out to placement, you'll receive Health & Safety training and take your CSCS test, qualifying you for a CSCS Green Card, essential for working on construction sites.

What will I learn?

• Workshop Practice and Hand Skills – Learn joinery techniques and how to use traditional hand tools
• Woodworking Machine Skills – Get confident using woodworking machinery safely and effectively
• Develop Bench Joinery Skills – develop accuracy and finishing skills
• Access Equipment Awareness – Understand the safe use of ladders, towers and working platforms
• CSCS Health & Safety – Gain the certification needed to start your construction career

You'll also complete recognised SQA units, giving you a head start when progressing to a full apprenticeship.

This course is delivered in Lochgilphead and Campbeltown, course content may vary slightly by location.

Equipment

Full time students will receive bursary or EMA which will cover the cost of all required PPE. 

Fees

Scottish resident full-time students will automatically have their course fees paid for this course.   

If you have recently moved to, or do not normally live in Scotland, you may need to pay £5,970 in course fees, these can be paid in instalments. Families of Armed Services personnel are subject to different fees regulations and may also have to pay course fees. If you think this may apply to you, please contact us and we can advise you. 

This course is not available to students who require a Tier 4 Home Office visa to study in Scotland (international or EU). 

Part-time FE students who are on low incomes or in receipt of certain benefits may also have their course fees paid for them. Please refer to page 2 of our Fees and Funding Guide to see if you are eligible.  

Funding

Bursary for Living Costs

If you are 18 years of age or over on the start date of your course, and  studying full-time you may be eligible for bursary funding, depending on your household income. Those on bursary will be eligible for assistance with travel (to college and placement) and childcare, and we have discretionary funds for those students in need.

Our bursary fund is finite and is allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so it’s important to make your application for bursary as soon as the application process opens in July. You will need to have accepted our offer before you apply.

If you are under 18 you may be eligible for EMA. EMA is paid at a rate of £30 per week dependent on your total household income, and you may also receive assistance with travel costs.

If you are 16 years or over, in addition to your bursary or EMA, you will receive a training allowance of £55 (pro rata) per week during your work placement blocks. This will require 100% attendance at work placement. 

You can find all the information you need in our funding pages.