Carpentry & Joinery

You will be provided with a detailed kit list at enrolment so you can purchase the required items before starting your course.

This typically includes personal protective equipment and essential hand tools that will support your practical training. Having the correct kit from the outset helps you work safely, develop good habits and take pride in your craft from your very first workshop session.

Yes. Steel toe cap boots, durable work trousers and a plain black t shirt are required for all practical sessions.

Wearing appropriate workwear reflects real site expectations and reinforces a professional mindset. It also ensures you meet health and safety standards while working with tools, machinery and timber materials in our workshops.

Carpentry and Joinery courses combine substantial hands-on workshop training with essential technical theory.

At Levels 1 and 2, most of your time is spent developing practical skills such as measuring accurately, cutting timber, assembling frameworks and installing components. As you progress to higher levels, you will explore more detailed technical drawings, construction principles and planning processes that underpin complex projects.

This balanced structure ensures you not only know how to complete a task but also understand why precision and method matter in professional carpentry.

Yes. Many students choose to progress into an apprenticeship during or after their full-time course.

Our dedicated apprenticeship team can advise you on current vacancies, help you prepare applications and connect you with local employers. An apprenticeship allows you to earn while continuing to refine your skills on site, building experience and confidence in a real working environment.

Yes. All your study, including any required maths and English, takes place at our North Harbour Campus.

Training in one location gives you consistent access to specialist construction facilities and experienced tutors who understand the demands of the industry. In this focused environment, you can steadily build competence, independence and find your brilliance within a skilled and respected trade.

Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.

Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.

Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.

Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.

Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.

Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.

After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.

Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.

Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.