Construction
Construction Skills East Lothian
Campus Rosehill High School
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
If you are looking to pursue a career in construction, the National Progression Award (NPA) East Lothian Construction Skills is for you. This award will provide you with the skills you need to enter the construction industry.
You will be encouraged to gain a work placement with an employer trade for the duration of this course. These opportunities will be supported by your College lecturers. Practical work experience with an employer allows you to gain knowledge of the construction industry and enhance your employability.
This course is taught at Rosehill High School/Wallyford Learning Campus, where you will gain essential, hands-on, real-world experience in the construction trade.
This course is a stepping stone towards an apprenticeship or employment as a painter or decorator, which can lead to further learning of specialised skills or owning your own business. The course is based at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus.
What you will learn
- Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
- Plastering
- Brick and Block Laying
- Decorative Painting and Finisher
- Groundworks
- Wall and Floor Tiling
- The Core Skills of ICT, Numeracy and Communication will be developed and certificated on this course, along with generic learning such as Measuring, Levelling and sustainable practices.
Placement information
- During the course, you will be expected to take part in a Construction Site Visit during the first semester, as well as complete a Work Placement related to the course in semester 2. (This may include days you are not usually at college.
How the course is assessed
- The course is unit-based and will be graded through SQA Assessment and Edinburgh College Strategy through continuous assessment of both practical skills and theory.
Number of days per week
- 2 days per week over 36 weeks
Entry requirements
- All candidates will be selected based on the East Lothian Works referral and will be subject to the selection process.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- Selection is practical and question based.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- This course provides the underpinning knowledge required to progress to a further education course within the Engineering area, or the experience needed to better opportunities to gain an apprenticeship.
Career options
- Painter
- Decorater
- Any related construction occupation focused on craft areas
- This course will give you the skills and support to seek an apprenticeship within the industry
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Rosehill High School | Full time | 24/08/26 |
