Construction
Construction and Rail Operations NPA
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of construction, including general building, road maintenance and railway engineering. You will gain the NPA 5 Highways Maintenance - Kerbs and Channels award accredited through SQA.
This course offers practical, transferable skills and theoretical knowledge of the Construction Industry to help you find an apprenticeship or further study with us at the college.
What you will learn
- Roadbuilding - Lay Kerbs and Channels
- Roadbuilding - Search for Underground Services
- Roadbuilding - Sign, Light and Guard the Work Area
- Roadbuilding - Set Out Secondary Dimensional Work Controls
- Roadbuilding - Reinstate Excavation and Highways Surfaces
- Railway Engineering - Carry Out Corrective Manual Adjustments to Permanent Way Assets
- Railway Engineering - Undertake Replacement of Permanent Way Assets and Components
- Railway Engineering - Undertake routine manual maintenance of the permanent way
- Operate a Powered Tool and Equipment
- Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare
How the course is assessed
- This hands-on course will be assessed through practical activity and some classroom theory.
Number of days per week
- 3 Days full days per week.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of 1 x National 4s, or equivalent, in Maths or English.
Or
- NPA Construction Crafts level 4 or NPA Construction Skills level 5, or successful completion of the Edinburgh College Intro to Construction course
- Applications are also invited from those without formal qualifications with relevant life and/or work experience.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- Candidates who meet the entry requirements will be invited in for an interview before the summer of 2026.
- In your personal statement, please clearly explain why you are interested and what motivates you to apply for this course.
- Candidates will be required to complete a numeracy diagnostic assessment during the interview, this will form part of the selection process.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
This course provides the underpinning skills and knowledge to candidates hoping to:
- Gain an apprenticeship in Construction.
- Progress to a Level 6 Course in Construction or Construction Related Disciplines.
Career options
- Railway Engineer
- Highways operative
- Civil Engineer
- An apprentice in a craft area
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
