of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Progress onto next level construction courses
217,000 new construction workers needed in the UK by 2025*
*CITB, 2021
Have you got a passion for carpentry, joinery and working with wood? Want to turn this passion into a full-time career? The UK construction industry needs skilled new workers to support major development and regeneration projects throughout the country. By studying our Bench Joinery Level 2 course, you will gain the foundation of skills and knowledge for future work within this sector.
Bench joiners work on manufacturing and creating a huge variety of features using modern and traditional skills and techniques. In particular, you may work on windows, doors, cabinets, cupboards and staircases, supporting new construction, refurbishment and restoration projects.
Our Level 2 bench joinery course will introduce you to everything from using handsaws, planes, chisels and other essential tools to selecting woodworking resources and marking and producing woodworking joints. You will also learn key construction topics such as health and safety, modern sustainable construction methods and green technology, alongside developing your English, maths and other transferable skills to prepare you for the workplace.
Your joinery training will be hands-on, and you will study in our cutting-edge Centre for Sustainable Construction on campus, ensuring you have the practical skills to succeed. Once you have completed our joinery course, you will have opportunities to progress to further study, apprenticeships and careers in the industry.
Why choose this bench joinery college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Build core skills and knowledge in site carpentry, as well as other key skills including maths and English to get you work-ready
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on training using innovative facilities in our state-of-the-art Centre for Sustainable Construction
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION - Gain a recognised Level 2 qualification to enable your progression onto further courses and apprenticeships
- ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION - Get your CSCS card so you can work on construction sites once you have completed your course
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
Students on our construction and engineering courses learn in real-world training environments at University College Birmingham. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction at the iconic James Cond building offers state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These include:
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Training rigs
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Glulam workshops
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Modular building workshop
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Bench joinery workshops
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BIM labs
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CAD studios
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Enhanced IT facilities
Centre for Sustainable Construction
Formerly the James Cond print works, this retrofitted building is now our Centre for Sustainable Construction.
Camden House engineering suite
Camden House is home to our engineering facilities, used by students across the levels.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Health, Safety and welfare construction
- Principles of building construction, information and communication
- Set up and operate a circular saw
- Produce setting out details for bench joinery products
- Mark out from setting out details for bench joinery
- Manufacture bench joinery products
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Essentials you will need (also for parents and carers)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
One of the most important things on our sustainable construction courses is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and without the correct PPE, you cannot participate in practical activities - it's to keep you safe.
Firstly, all bench joinery students must have steel toe capped boots, which you can buy once you have enrolled. These boots must be worn in all practical lessons.
Students on these courses must also have proper work trousers (no shorts) and any other clothing you wear, you mustn't mind getting this dirty.
Don't forget, you need to get your essential PPE bought and ready before your induction day. Once you start, you can request a free locker to store your PPE.
Financial support with study costs (including PPE)
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.
University College Birmingham offers a bursary scheme to help enrolled students cover costs, including:
- Kit (including PPE)
- Travel to college
- Uniform
- Other course materials
For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.
"As an employer, it is vital that our employees can access robust, fit-for-purpose qualifications that will address the skills shortage and provide our future and existing workforce with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to demonstrate competency in their roles. We are passionate about recruiting and developing our own talent for the future, while ensuring we remain committed to sustainably delivering vital infrastructure to communities across the UK."
Entry requirements
Our lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about construction, together with a keen determination to succeed in the construction and building sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade D) or above including English (Language or Literature) and maths. However, the successful completion of a Level 1 Carpentry will suffice.
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment, you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of externally-assessed exams, projects and practical assessments.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2025-2030.
66%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our HIRED team can help you find the ideal placement.
Placements are optional for this course but are highly recommended.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Glenn Howells Architects
- Tilbury Douglas
- GMI Construction
- Watkin Jones Group
- Couch Perry Wilkes consultancy
Career opportunities
On completion of this programme, students can progress onto a Level 3 apprenticeship or T-level.
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Site carpenter
Average Salary: £40,000
Bench joiner
Average Salary: £36,000
Site manager
Average Salary: £45,000
Modular building fabricator
Average Salary: £32,000
Engineering and construction at University College Birmingham
Discover more about our range of engineering and construction college courses, including Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and T-level qualifications.
