Construction
NPA Construction Skills: Joinery
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This National Progression Award (NPA) in Construction Skills: Joinery is an entry-level certificate designed to teach you the skills needed for a career in Carpentry and Joinery or possibly another construction-related trade.
During this full-time course, you will study units based on SQA levels 4 and 5. Practical units in Carpentry and Joinery will develop your hand skills and enhance your knowledge of the Construction Industry and develop your employability skills. This course works as a stepping stone towards applying for a CITB apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery or further study.
This course is taught at Edinburgh College Granton Campus using classroom sessions, online learning material and our Joinery workshops where you will gain essential, hands-on and real-life experience in the construction trade.
You will be encouraged to gain a work placement with an employer within the Carpentry and Joinery trade for the duration of this course. These opportunities will be supported by your College lecturers but are not mandatory. Practical work experience with an employer allows you to gain knowledge of the construction industry and will heighten your employability skills. This course is based at Edinburgh College’s Granton Campus.
What you will learn
- Appreciation of Access Platforms
- Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
- Technical Drawing
- Information Technology ICT
- 6 x Carpentry and Joinery Units
- Numeracy and Communication will be enhanced during this course
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 Carpentry and Joinery in semester 2. (this may include days you are not ususally 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
- 3 days per week over 36 weeks
Entry requirements
- All candidates must have prior construction training/experience in form of either; NPA Construction at level 4 or successfully completed an Introduction to Construction course.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- All candidates will be invited to an interview/practical session
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
This course provides the underpinning knowledge required to continue to a further education course within Engineering area or experience needed to better opprotunity at gaining apprenticeship.
Career options
- Carpenter
- Joiner
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
