“It is good for the soul to create with our hands.” This is probably why some trade workers, including those working in construction, plumbing and electricity, are some of the happiest in the UK according to a new survey.
Massive projects in the pipeline, including a nationwide shortage of affordable housing, mean this is an excellent opportunity for anyone involved in the construction industry.
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Demand is outstripping supply in the UK’s construction industry, so there has never been a better time to learn the skills needed to work in areas like bricklaying, carpentry and joinery. Apprenticeships are popular choices for our students, and there is no shortage of companies ready to take on and help train people to start a career in construction – whether privately or through local authorities, The National Trust or English Heritage.
Kendal College’s fully equipped Construction & Heritage Centre is an outstanding place to learn about the industry. The flagship wood machine shop has the best-in-the-business Felder wood machines, including a CNC milling machine for manufacturing everything from flat pack furniture to intricate engravings.
Our experienced tutors have an excellent reputation in the industry and have strong links with local businesses that rely on the College to meet their current and future business needs. Students undertake valuable work experience and placements and participate in the UK and overseas trips and trade show visits to extend their knowledge. Kendal College students are also actively encouraged to participate in competitions and events such as the WorldSkills UK finals, where they have a proud history of success.
A wide range of part-time, full-time courses and apprenticeships are available in construction at Kendal College.
My tutors are brilliant, they are always there to give me reassurance, support and answer any questions I might have. I have learned a great deal already in the small amount of time I have been here. I’m thankful to the College for the opportunities and inspiration they have provided me with.
Dena Edwards, Bench Joinery Apprenticeship
Construction T-Level
T-Levels are a high-quality, work-focused alternative to A-Levels for young people once they've completed their GCSEs. This technical qualification focuses on the development of knowledge and skills needed for working in the Building Services Engineering industry, which will prepare you to enter the industry through employment or as an Apprentice.
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Meet your tutors
Stephanie Le Poidevin
I am the Curriculum Lead for the Joinery and Multi Trades area at the college. I completed my apprenticeship in Australia as a trade-qualified furniture maker with a furniture design degree and now call Cumbria home. I love passing on my knowledge, skills, and attention to detail, and I continually learn about traditional joinery and site carpentry. With such a varied background, I know the benefits of learning to work with your hands and tools; they can take you worldwide!
Meet your tutors
Nick Whiteley
Being an electrician gives you the ultimate flexibility in life. It allows you to work away from home or even work abroad. You can wire new houses, fit out new shops, maintain systems in a factory, fix old ladies' sockets, run your own business and more. The sky is the limit, and the money is nearly always good. As a Jurassic Spark, it's a great privilege to pass on some of my skills and industry experience to those starting their careers.
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This course will give you the skills and knowledge to solve practical problems of an electrical nature in addition students will gain team work, communication, dexterity and time management skills and gain an awareness of health and safety regulations. Electrical installation is an interesting and popular career, with skilled tradesman in high demand.
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to solve practical problems of an electrical nature. Electrical installation is an interesting and popular career, with skilled tradesman in high demand. Our tutors are highly qualified with relevant industry and teaching experience. The facilities and equipment are representative of what is used in domestic, commercial and industrial settings.
This course will offer you an excellent foundation in carpentry and joinery and the building industry and will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to progress on to the Level 2 carpentry and joinery course. Skills gained on the course can be transferable to other trade areas include: measuring and application of number, problem solving skills and communicating with different people within a working environment. The Construction department regularly competes in the construction skills competition with some very promising wins and most recently a national finalist. The facilities are state of the art and the teaching staffs have a combined knowledge of nearly 50 years in the local area ranging from site and bench joinery to boat building!
These qualifications are for those wishing to gain some understanding and some practical experience of the variety of trades in the Construction industry. This course will offer you an excellent foundation in a variety of general construction subjects, such as carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical and brickwork. You will cover the theory behind trades as well as practical skills. Following successful completion of the course and subject to entry requirements, you should be able to progress and specialise in the trade of your choice on a course at a higher level.
This course is designed to equip you with the basic skills in plumbing for the mechanical service environment. You will learn about health and safety, plumbing science, cold and hot water, central heating, sanitation and other subjects related to the industry. On the Level 3 programme you will study more advanced subjects such as gas installation.
Information coming soon!
This introduction to construction skills will give you the opportunity to learn about basic construction techniques and processes and apply your new skills to set tasks during your course, within our construction workshops.
In the Level 1 Furniture Craft course at Kendal College you will be enrolled in a small class of up to 10 learners. This course is aimed at those with little to no furniture or woodworking experience, even if you have a basic understanding of tools and want to brush up on your skills with timber, this is the class for you.
