<p>Recently, we welcomed construction company Tica Acad to South West Skills Campus, to deliver an informative session to our plastering students, on the importance of thermal insulation.</p>

<p>The interactive product demonstration captivated the learners, who were delighted to discover the future earning potential associated within the industry.</p>

<p>At Weston College, learners are treated to unrivalled access from employers, as part of the Career Excellence Hub. Learners can gain work experience, get insight from industry leaders and complete a study programme that has input from the industry.</p>

<p>The visit by Tica Acad proved to be an invaluable experience for the students. The session commenced with an engaging presentation that emphasised the significance of thermal insulation in modern construction and highlighted its positive impact on energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.</p>

<p>They also shared progression opportunities within the company, particularly through apprenticeships. Operations Manager for Construction, Richard Hanney, said: "We were thrilled to have Tica Acad visit South West Skills Campus and share their expertise with our plastering learners.</p>

<p>"The interactive product demonstration provided our students with valuable hands-on experience and deepened their understanding of the importance of thermal insulation. Tica Acad's commitment to offering apprenticeship opportunities was especially exciting for our learners, as it opens doors to a prosperous future in a growing sector."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… out more about our construction courses, by clicking here.</a></p>

<p>Carpentry is an exciting trade, which is in high demand! It is a very skilled trade, with carpenters using natural materials (wood/timber) to cut, shape and install wooden structures, fittings and furniture.</p>

<p>In the UK there are more than 5,000 organisations who recruit carpenters, with an estimated turnover of nearly £4 billion.</p>

<p>With so much demand, you might be wondering how to become a carpenter? Well, you’ve come to the right place!</p>

<p>There are several different routes you can take to become a carpenter or joiner. You might be someone that is looking to earn while they learn, and the good news is, you can do this through an apprenticeship. Or you might be someone that wants to complete a course to learn some skills before entering the carpentry – whether this be full-time or part-time with evening courses.</p>

<p>Let’s look at the options in a little bit more detail.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Apprenticeships</strong></h2>

<p>An apprenticeship is a fantastic way of entering the industry, and can be a great way to get your foot in the door with a local organisation that is looking to grow and develop their workforce.</p>

<p>Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, so you could be a school leaver, or someone that wants to turn their passion into a career. As an apprentice you will be employed by the company, and complete training at college – you will be expected to work at least 30 hours a week, with the rest of your hours being training.</p>

<p>You can complete apprenticeships at a number of Levels, depending on your experience and skill level. At Weston College, we offer several different carpentry apprenticeships, click the course below to find out more:</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/carpentry/carp… and Joinery Level 2</a> – 14 months</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/carpentry/site… Carpentry Level 2</a> – 14 months</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction/c… and Joinery Level 3</a> – 12 months</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction/s… Carpentry Level 3</a> – 12 months</li>
</ul>

<p>Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you can either further your development by studying the next level, or go into full-time work.</p>

<p>Before you work on a construction site, you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>College Courses</strong></h2>

<p>If you would prefer to study at College, there are a range of options available, from full-time courses to shorter part-time courses.</p>

<p>We offer courses for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… 1, Level 2 and Level 3</a>, which all aim to develop your skills and prepare you for life as a carpenter.</p>

<p>On our full-time courses you will be part of our Construction Career Excellence Hub, which means that you will get unrivalled access to employers, with opportunities for work experience, master classes and hearing from industry insiders. Our construction courses are all endorsed by organisations from industry.</p>

<p>We also offer <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction/s… adult courses in Carpentry</a>, which allow you to sharpen your skills and are a great opportunity to change careers.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you'd like to find out more about a career in carpentry, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events?utm_source=main-menu&am… along to one of our open evenings</a> and chat to the team, they will be more than happy to help!</p>

<p>Weston College’s Construction Career Excellence Hub launched BACE Talks this week, which went down very successfully with learners.</p>

<p>The idea, which took inspiration from the very popular online series, TED Talks, allows learners to hear from industry professionals, who share their story and give top tips for the industry.</p>

<p>The first event was headlined by Pete Greene, the Deputy Branch Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies. He shared his personal story, which really connected with the learners, and inspired them.</p>

<p>Richard Hanney, the Subject Area Manager for Construction Trades at Weston College, said: “BACE Talks are a fantastic new initiative, which is bringing our Career Excellence Hub to life.</p>

<p>“We work with a range of fantastic employers, who all have so much knowledge and experience to share with our learners, and we are looking forward to creating this platform which will benefit all involved.</p>

<p>“The team have worked on a fantastic setting for BACE Talks as well, which combines the industry we’re working in with the type of backdrop you would expect to see in a TED Talk.</p>

<p>“We have some excellent guest speakers lined up for the rest of the term, and I know that the learners are just as excited as I am, for what is going to be shared.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… you’re interested in starting a career in construction, you can find out about our courses for 16-19 year olds by clicking here.</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/Free-BACE-courses">Or, if you’re an adult looking to either gain some new skills or change career, please click here.</a></p>