Build with a passion.
South Birmingham College’s Centre for the Built Environment represents the biggest investment in skills development for the region’s Construction Industry. The centre is one of Europe’s largest developments dedicated to training and education in Construction and Building Services. Our facilities are unrivalled and we offer training from experienced staff of proven ability.
You can study a range of qualifications within Construction and Building Services. Using real work projects, our programmes give students the occupational competencies and skills to enable them to progress successfully onto careers in the industry. By providing first class educational resources and exceptional teaching and learning opportunities, we can help students achieve their full potential. If you want the opportunity to train in an exciting and growing industry, the Centre for the Built Environment is the place to be.
Course List
Pre-University Level Programmes Level 3
Diploma: Brickwork
Duration: 1-2 years | Fee: £4,400
Are there any entry requirements?
To enrol on this course you will need a level 2 qualification or relevant work experience.
What will I study?
You will study through a combination of practical and theoretical skills to form a substantial skill base and understanding of the trade. You will study the following units:
• Scaffolding
• Concreting operations
• Arch construction planning
• Control and evaluation of operations
• Setting out complex buildings
• General brickwork and walling
Safety footwear is essential for workshop practical activities. You will need to supply your own stationery.
What can I do after this course?
On successful completion of this course you could progress onto higher level courses like a HNC, HND or Degree in Construction Management.
Diploma: Carpentry & Joinery
Duration: 1-2 years | Fee: £4,400
Are there any entry requirements?
To enrol on this course you will need a level 2 qualification or relevant work experience.
What will I study?
Building on the skills gained at level 2 Diploma or NVQ 2 you will be taught a variety of both practical and theoretical skills to form a substantial skill base and understanding of the trade. Self-study and written assignment work is also required as part of the supervisory units contained within the qualification.
You will study the following main units:
• Portable power tools
• Wood working machines
• Erection of stairs
• Ironmongery
• Complex roof structures
• Planning and organisation
• Monitoring control
• Evaluation of activities
• Complex doors
Safety footwear is essential for workshop practical activities. You will need to supply your own stationery.
What can I do after this course?
On successful completion of this course you could progress onto higher level courses like a HNC, HND or Degree in Construction Management.
Carpentry & Joinery Construction Management
BTEC National Diploma: Construction
Duration: 2 years | Fee: £4,400
Are there any entry requirements?
To enrol on this course you will need a level 2 qualification or relevant work experience.
What will I study?
You will learn by completing projects and assignments based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. You will learn about the employment area you have chosen and develop the skills required to start a career.
The course is made up of 18 units, 5 core units, a compulsory specialist unit and a choice of 12 specialist units which enable you to study particular areas in depth.
Core units:
• Health, safety and welfare
• Construction and the environment
• Construction, technology and design
• Construction science and materials
• Analytical methods
Compulsory specialist unit:
• Building technology
Specialist units:
• Planning organisation and control of resources
• Graphical detailing
• Measurement, tendering and estimating processes
• Surveying processes
• Setting out processes
• Environmental science
• Structural mechanics
• Building surveying
• Building services
• ICT and CAD
• Design procedures
• Surveying technology
What can I do after this course?
On successful completion of this course you could progress onto higher level courses like a HNC, HND or Degree in Construction 
Management.
Diploma: Plastering
Duration: 36-50 weeks | Fee: £4,400
Are there any entry requirements?
To enrol on this course you will need a level 2 qualification or relevant work experience.
What will I study?
You will study through a combination of practical and theoretical skills to form a substantial skill base and understanding of the trade.
You will study the following main units:
• Internal plastering
• Complex internal moulding
• External plastering
• Complex external moulding
• Planning and organisation
• Operational activities
Safety footwear is essential for workshop practical activities. You will need to supply your own stationery.
What can I do after this course?
On successful completion of this course you could progress onto higher level courses like a HNC, HND or Degree in Construction Management.
Plumbing & Gas
Plumbing: City & Guilds 6129
Duration: 1 year | Fee: £4,100
Are there any entry requirements?
To enrol on this course you will need a level 2 qualification or relevant work experience. To begin this course you will also be required to have a short Basic Skills assessment.
What will I study?
You will study through a combination of modules. There are various methods of delivery - in the classroom, practical training and assessment in the workshop. You will study complex domestic plumbing skills across all modules and gas training in the following main units:
• Cold water systems
• Unvented domestic hot water storage systems
• Central heating boilers and controls
• Domestic hot water systems
• Sanitation systems
• Gas (natural)
Safety footwear is essential for workshop practical activities. You will need to supply your own stationery.
What can I do after this course?
On successful completion of this course you could progress onto higher level courses like a HNC, HND or Degree in Construction Management.
