Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 2 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Completion of Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery at an overall Merit grade. Achievement of one GCSE, Math or English qualification at Level 4. Completing a timebound skills test to the set quality standards. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus, The Milburn Centre, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
The Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery is the perfect fit for you if you have completed a Level 1 course and want to further develop your skills to enter the construction industry, specifically as a site carpenter.
A site carpenter has the skills and knowledge to cut, fasten, carve, and design objects made out of wood or other materials, and plays an important part in any construction team.
This one-year full time programme will give you the opportunity to continue to practice your hands-on skills, developing knowledge of more detailed techniques and use of state-of-the-art equipment to craft your future in this profession.
As well as your practical experience, you will gain a solid theoretical knowledge of the very latest Carpentry and Joinery techniques.
You'll be taught by professional tutors, experts in their trade, who keep their fingers on the pulse of all the latest construction know-how and trends.
During the course you will also learn how to develop essential character strengths for success, such as confidence, self-belief and ownership.
What you'll learn
- Principles of Building Construction Information and Communication
- Maintain and Use Carpentry and Joinery Hand Tools
- Prepare and Use Carpentry and Joinery Portable Power Tools
- Produce Woodworking Joints
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction
Equipment required for the course
Safety boots, red polo shirt, black workwear trousers, stationery equipment for theory sessions and a basic toolkit (a list will be provided at interview). A recommended book list will be provided upon enrolment onto the course.
Work experience placements
During this course you will take part in work experience placement in the sector, which will give you a massive advantage when you are ready to move into employment. This will be arranged with our work placement officer to find you a suitable placement.
Assessment
Assessments will be via a combination of practical tests, online tests, paper-based tests and assignments.
Further study
- Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 2
- Brickwork Diploma Level 1
- Brickwork Diploma Level 2
- Building and Construction Diploma Level 1
- Building and Property Maintenance Diploma Level 2
- Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 1
- Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 2
- Plumbing Diploma Level 1
- Plumbing Technical Certificate Level 2
- Introduction to Electrical Installations Level 1
- Electrical Installation Diploma Level 2
- Construction Groundworks and Reinstatement Level 2)
- Advanced Electrical Installation Diploma (8282-30) Level 3
- T Level in Construction Design, Surveying and Planning
Example careers
- Carpenter
- Cabinet Maker
- Joiner
- Construction Project Manager
- Site Supervisor
- Foreman
- Construction Manager
- Teaching
- Construction Estimating
- Heritage and Restoration
- Stage Set Building
- The Armed Forces
- Contracts Manager
- Architectural Joiner
- Bench Joinery
- Estate Management
Days & times
Starting September 2025
Tuesday 09:15 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:15 - 16:00
Thursday 09:15 - 16:00