Skills Bootcamps
Thinking about a career in construction industry? These FREE, intensive three-week training programmes give you the skills and knowledge to take your first step into the sector.
What are Construction Skills Bootcamps?
Skills Bootcamps are government funded training opportunities for specific sectors, aimed at adults 19+ living in Hampshire.
They provide an invaluable and free opportunity to develop sector-specific skills based on the needs of local employers, and get you in the best position for a new job or career progression - with a guaranteed job interview upon completion for unemployed learners.
Each three-week bootcamp covers practical skills, theory, and health and safety. They run on set dates from October 2025 to March 2026.
At City of Portsmouth College, choose between Brickwork or Plastering combined with Carpentry & Joinery.
LEARNER REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility criteria
- aged 19 and over
- living in Hampshire
- all employment statuses accepted - employed, self-employed, unemployed, returning to work after a break
- no experience or qualifications required
- suitable for learners who are currently not undertaking any formal education (including another bootcamp)
- Skills Bootcamps are free to all learners, however a contribution may be required from your employer if you are employed.
What's included and what will I gain?
- you'll receive practical hands-on training in your chosen construction pathway
- you'll study as part of a small group of 10-12 learners
- you will end your studies with a free CSCS Green Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) worth £70 - a requirement before working on a construction site
- for unemployed learners, a guaranteed job interview upon completion of your course
- an intensive learning experience, putting you on a great fast-tracked route to a new career
- new-found practical skills that Hampshire construction employers are actively searching for.
WHAT CAN I STUDY?
Bootcamps we offer
When choosing the Brickwork Skills Bootcamp, you will focus on the four core themes of brickwork, providing a thorough baseline of knowledge and skills to take with you into your new career.
Health & Safety
- site induction, construction health & safety and welfare
- CSCS preparation and mock tests
- manual handling
- fire marshal training
- working at heights
- abrasive wheels training.
Practical trade skills
- preparing for building work
- develop basic brickwork skills
- constructing walls in English bond, Flemish bond, and Stretcher bond
- building a Pier and associated Dwarf Walls.
Theory and knowledge development
- the principles and purpose of bonding
- sustainability and ethical building practices - basic concept and global challenges
- the importance of natural resources.
Employability & career skills
- transferable workplace skills
- CSCS test booking opportunity.
Various start dates available from October 2025 - March 2026
When choosing the Plastering combined with Carpentry & Joinery Skills Bootcamp, you will focus on the four core themes of these industries, providing a thorough baseline of knowledge and skills to take with you into your new chosen career.
Health & Safety
- site induction, construction health & saftey and welfare tailored for both industries
- CSCS preparation and mock tests
- manual handling
- fire marshall training
- optional specialist safety training: Abrasive wheels or PASMA.
- working at heights
Paractical Skills
- Plastering: surface preparation, safe tool use, skimming techniques, application of plaster to assessment standard
- Carpentry & Joinery: measuring & cutting, setting out, timber joints, applying drawings, building a frame to specification.
Theory and Knowledge Development
- properties of skimming materials
- the purpose of a workstation
- sustainability and ethical building practices: basic concepts and global challenges
- the importance of natural resources.
Employability & Career Skills
- the development of transferable workplace skills
- careers sessions.
Various start dates available from October 2025 - March 2026
NORTH HARBOUR CAMPUS OVERVIEW
Where will I study?
City of Portsmouth College - North Harbour Campus
Located just off the M27 motorway, close to Lakeside and Port Solent, our North Harbour Campus is home to purpose-built learning spaces, tailored to the trades we specialise in such as: Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing & Gas, Air Con & Refrigeration, Plastering, Painting & Decorating, Bricklaying and many more!
You will find fully equipped classrooms and industrial spaces set up to mimic realistic worksites, alongside our talented and experienced lecturers.
