Constructing Futures PublicationsFirst Footings - Construction Skills Training Centre
What is First Footings?
First Footings is a pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment construction skills training centre. Based at the City College Brighton & Hove Wilson Avenue site in East Brighton, First Footings is aimed primarily at 16-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and adults who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment.
The programme is designed to give these individuals a genuine taste of what it's like to work in the construction industry. Instead of relying on class-based lessons, First Footings uses a practical approach to learning.
The Centre has its own replica building site. Every day the students will turn up in their hard-hat and work boots, dressed appropriately for work, and will go about learning in the best way possible - by actually having a go.
By simulating real on-site conditions, First Footings will give enthusiastic individuals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of different aspects of construction, including carpentry and joinery, plumbing and brickwork.
The course also involves on-line learning and will cover Health & Safety and essential skills as well as specialised core construction skills. Every student should leave First Footings having obtained their CSCS Health & Safety Certificate, which is a requirement when applying for any category of CSCS card.
Interested students are initially invited to a “taster day” when they are given a clear indication of what to expect on the course and they can confirm their decision to enrol. On completion of the full-time ten-week course, the students will then get to put the skills they have learnt into practice on a workplace experience placement with a local employer and on project work which will enable students to work in teams.
As well as giving enthusiastic individuals the chance to see just what it takes to work in the construction industry, First Footings can help with deciding what course or apprenticeship to apply for in the future.
First Footings is run as a rolling programme, with new starts every week. This means that there is no danger of missing the beginning of the course, as students will be able to arrange the start date that suits them best.
There's no doubt that this unique training centre will allow many more local people to take the first steps towards finding themselves the right career in the construction industry.
Who can apply?
The First Footings entry level construction skills training programme in General Maintenance is available to 16-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and adults who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. (N.B. Students must reside in Brighton & Hove or in Adur District).
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive local workforce and would particularly like to encourage women and anyone from black and ethnic minority groups to consider taking part.
Learning support will be available for any student who needs support with key skills. Constructing Futures - First Footings is committed to equality of opportunity for all students and staff.
How do students apply?
In the majority of cases, students will be referred by one of our many approved Referral Agencies within Brighton & Hove and Adur. Otherwise, the admissions hotline number is: 01273 667760
First Footings C&G Level 1 Painting & Decorating Course
This Level 1 programme is full-time for a duration of 12 weeks, with the possibility of a 2-week work experience placement at the end. The programme runs four days per week, Monday to Thursday, 8:15am - 3.30pm and includes:
- Hands-on practical training.
- Professional painting processes using rollers, brushes, different types of paint, different surfaces. Hanging wallpaper. Preparation work.
- Non-practical learning and testing.
The qualification which students are working towards is:
City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Basic Construction Skills - Painting & Decorating
Progression routes on passing and completing the programme include:
- A Job in painting & decorating
- An apprenticeship in Construction
- Set up your own painting & decorating business
- CITB/City & Guilds Level 1 Foundation Construction Award
- CITB/City & Guilds Level 2 Intermediate Construction Award
This Level 1 painting and decorating course is available to 16-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and adults who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. (N.B. Students must reside in Brighton & Hove or in Adur District).
If you are interested in joining the course, you (or your referral / support agency) can call the admissions hotline on 01273 667 760 to book a place. The only charge is a £25 registration fee payable prior to the starting date.
