Level 3 Certificate in Building Installation and Property Maintenance Skills Course – Choose any 3 trades

person using his trowel to get a good finish during his training

We have trained over 2,000 learners using ELC funding, our feedback is excellent and our average evaluation score on the ELCAS website is showing as 97% from 1366 evaluation form returned. 

On 23rd September 2021 we had an ELCAS Provider Quality Audit, and the outcome was that we had no resultant actions as a result of the audit.  During the audit, student evaluation since April 2019 was discussed.  During this time 281 evaluations were returned to ELCAS 278 (98.9%) said they would use the learning provider again / recommend them to a colleague, 3 said they didn’t know.

We put a lot of effort into supporting service leavers to ensure they are on a course which is suitable for them and offer all service leavers ongoing support after they have completed their course.  This has led to many service leavers progressing into employment and self-employment. 

  • Investment      £2,850

  • Duration      Between 25 – 28 days, dependant on courses selected

  • Location      Stoke-on-Trent

  • Entry Requirements      None

  • Benefits      Experienced trades people deliver all trades and each trade is taught by a trade specific tutor. Plenty of materials available during all courses.  Good training bays and course content.  You will cover more than at any other training centre over the same period of time.  All learners at the training centre want to be here and learn.  Average age range is mid twenties to late fifties.  Post course support provided, you can contact your tutor after the course should you have any questions or need further advice when completing jobs away from the centre.

Learner Review

I have, thus far, completed 3 courses with your company and I have to say that I find your courses excellent with the standard of instructors of equal calibre, all thoroughly admirable chaps with a good, very experienced grounding in the trade and able to establish an excellent rapport with their students.

Mr Tibbets, ELC funded course

You are welcome to arrange to visit our centre to see ELC funded courses in action and see the high standard of work that all learners achieve.  Our  courses are limited to 10 people and they fill up quickly so visit now and book a place.  Join thousands of satisfied customers who have learned a trade with us.

We offer a Level 3 Certificate in Building, Installation and Property Maintenance Course, which allows you to train in either plastering, plumbing and heating, wall and floor tiling, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying, domestic electrics.  You can then use these skills to complete individual projects or to complete larger projects such as developing/renovating/refurbishing/maintaining properties.

We appreciate that not everyone wants to learn the same trade so this course enable you to design the contents of the training to suit your needs.  You may select any 3 courses from the following:

Kitchen Fitting, 8 days
Carpentry, 9 days
Plastering, 9 days
Wall & Floor Tiling, 9 days
Plumbing and Heating, 9 days
Bricklaying, 10 days
Domestic electrics, 9 days

These trades above are taught at our training centre in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.  Local accommodation is available.

All trades are taught over 2 consecutive weeks.  You can complete the training as either as a block or split into separate trade courses completed over 12 months.

We have trained over 2,000 learners using ELC funding, our feedback is excellent and our average evaluation score on the ELCAS website is showing as 97% from 1,366 evaluation form returned. 

On 23rd September 2021 we had an ELCAS Provider Quality Audit, and the outcome was that we had no resultant actions as a result of the audit.  During the audit, student evaluation since April 2019 was discussed.  During this time 281 evaluations were returned to ELCAS 278 (98.9%) said they would use the learning provider again / recommend them to a colleague, 3 said they didn’t know.

We put a lot of effort into supporting service leavers to ensure they are on a course which is suitable for them and offer all service leavers ongoing support after they have completed their course.  This has led to many service leavers progressing into employment and self-employment. 

This course is accredited to a level 3. 

During your training course you will be assessed at a Level 3 and you will receive Level 3 qualification titled ‘AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Building, Installation and Property Maintenance Skills’ including accreditation for each of the individual trades.

The qualification you will achieve is an accredited, RQF qualification and is listed on the government Ofqual register as shown on the following page Ofqual details

Details of this course can also be found on the Government National Careers Service website as shown on the following page National Careers Service details

The difference between the Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma.

Level 3 Award – any 2 trades, £2,200
Level 3 Certificate – any 3 trades, £2,850
Level 3 Diploma – any 3 trades in addition to the 3 completed during the L3 certificate, £2,850 NOTE: You must have already competed a Level 3 Certificate before you can complete the Level 3 Diploma.

Please feel free to email or call to discuss.

During this course you can choose to complete any 3 of our trade courses detailed below.   At the end of your training you will receive a level 3 qualification titled ‘Level 3 Certificate in Building Installation and Property Maintenance Skills’ with each of the 3 trades you choose detailed on the certificate.

Choose any 3 from the following construction trade courses.

Plumbing and Heating Training Course – 9 days

During this plumbing course you will:

  • Install a full bathroom suite comprising of a bath, basin, and toilet using copper pipe and soldered end feed fittings, speedfit, compression fitted isolation valves and flexi-hoses.
  • Level a bath.
  • Install a shower.
  • Correctly apply silicone.
  • Remove a bathroom suite.
  • Be able to repair and replace taps, float valves, flushing valves.
  • Complete basic pipe bending.
  • Hang and pipe up a radiator including sealing parallel and tapered threads, connecting union radiator tails, and installing TRVs.
  • Know how to correctly remove and replace a radiator on a live system.
  • Install a heating system pipework and components up to a boiler jig.
  • Understand how to install monobloc taps.
  • Understand how water enters a property and how to find internal stop taps.
  • Understand pressure and flow rates and how this affects what components you should install such as taps and showers.
  • Understand direct and indirect hot and cold water systems and assess which components are suitable for each system.
  • Understand soil stacks, waste pipe and fittings, traps and u-bends; identify components, understand sizing and layouts, understand how and why faults occur.
  • Understand different showers available, their suitability for different systems and how to install them.
  • Understand the components and their positioning within a fully pumped heating system.
  • Understand efficient control of heating systems.
  • Understand microbore and two pipe systems, use rule of thumb pipe sizing techniques, and how to balance heating systems.
  • Understand how to drain and fill a heating system.
  • Identify and understand the operation of the integral parts of a central heating system.
  • Understand how to correctly plan and prepare plumbing projects, including the tools and materials needed, time frames and material costs.
  • Understand the different methods used to price jobs, deal with customers, and overcome problems that may arise.
  • Students will also be provided with support after completing their plumbing course and are able to contact their tutor by phone, email or WhatsApp, or arrange to visit the training centre to discuss their queries.
  • Fully answer all questions related to the trade. The course is taught by an experienced gas safe plumbing and heating engineer with a passion for the trade and we encourage learners to ask as many questions as they wish during the course.


Wall and Floor Tiling Course – 9 days

During this tiling course you will:

  • Set out your training bay ready for wall and floor tiling.
  • Fix tiles to walls, working around obstacles such a window opening/reveals, internal corners, a door opening, a socket and copper pipes.
  • Fix wall tiles in different styles: uniform pattern, brick bond/wall effect, landscape.
  • Fix the following sized wall tiles: ceramic tiles sized 150 x 150mm, 200 x 100mm, 600 x 300mm.
  • Fix tiles to a floor area using 330x330mm ceramic floor tiles, including cutting around a toilet.
  • Mix and apply grout to walls and floors.
  • Measure, cut and fix tiling trim.
  • Correctly apply silicone.
  • Practice tile cutting using dry rail cutters, wet cutters, tile nippers and tile files.
  • Use a selection of tools, equipment and materials used in wall and floor tiling.
  • Safely remove tiles.
  • Understand how to set out bathroom walls ready for tiling.
  • Understand how to set out a kitchen wall splashback area ready for tiling.
  • Understand how to set out kitchen and bathroom floors ready for tiling.
  • Understand how to check floor and ceiling levels and how to check flatness of walls and how to overcome any issues.
  • Understand how to check squareness of a window opening and how to overcome any issues.
  • Understand how to transfer levels.
  • Identify background surfaces and understand any considerations and preparations that may be required prior to tiling.
  • Understand the different types of adhesive available and their suitability for different areas.
  • Understand the different types of tiles available such as ceramic, porcelain, glazed porcelain, travertine, granite, slate, etc and their suitability for different areas and considerations when cutting, fixing, and grouting.
  • Understand how to install tanking systems.
  • Understand which tiles need sealing and why, when to seal the tiles and how to advise customers on any maintenance required.
  • Understand how to correctly plan and prepare tiling projects including the tools and materials needed, time frames and material costs.
  • Understand the different methods used to price jobs, dealing with customers, and how to overcome problems that may arise.
  • Students will also be provided with support after completing their tiling course and are able to contact their tutor by phone, email or WhatsApp, or arrange to visit the training centre to discuss their queries.
  • Fully answer all questions related to the trade. The course is taught by an experienced tiler/bathroom installer with a passion for the trade and we encourage learners to ask as many questions as they wish during the course.


Plastering Training Course – 9 days

During this 9 day course you will

  • Apply finishing plaster to flat walls.
  • Apply finishing plaster to wall with a window opening.
  • Apply finishing plaster to a Niche.
  • Apply finishing plaster to reveals.
  • Apply finishing plaster to an attached pillar.
  • Apply finishing plaster to a ceiling.
  • Apply finishing plaster to a raked ceiling.
  • Apply finishing plaster to intricate areas.
  • Measure, cut and fix plasterboards to a stud wall.
  • Fix plasterboards to solid block walls using the dot and dab technique.
  • Fix plasterboards to a ceiling area.
  • Fix plasterboards to a raked ceiling/wall.
  • Measure, cut and fix beading and scrim tape.
  • Complete patch and repair work to a damaged wall.
  • Understand how to cover artex.
  • Understand how to board and skim an RSJ.
  • Understand the range of materials used in plastering including bonding, multi finish, hardwall, different beads, PVA, Thistle Bond-It, etc., when to use these products, coverage, setting time and considerations when applying.
  • Understand the different boards available, including soundbloc, moisture, fireline, foilback, duraline, thermaline, etc., and their suitability for different applications.
  • Understand and carryout preparations required prior to plastering and gain knowledge of different backgrounds that receive plaster and how to prepare different backgrounds.
  • Understand the different tools and equipment used in plastering.
  • Understand how to correctly plan and prepare plastering projects, including the tools and materials needed, time frames and material costs.
  • Understand the different methods used to price jobs, deal with customers and overcome problems that may arise
  • Students will also be provided with support after completing their plastering course and are able to contact their tutor by phone, email or WhatsApp, or arrange to visit the training centre to discuss their queries.
  • Fully answer all questions related to the trade. The course is taught by an experienced plasterer with a passion for the trade and we encourage learners to ask as many questions as they wish during the course.


Kitchen Fitting Training Course – 8 days

During this course you will complete the following :

  • Using hand and power tools required to successfully install a kitchen so that you are confident in using them which will improve the quality of your work and the reduce the time it takes.
  • Materials – understand the different units, worktops and finishes for a kitchen and understand the difference in quality as well as things to consider when recommending and installing these items.
  • Kitchen Plans – how to read plans and how to advice and plan kitchen layouts to meet customer requirements.
  • Install base, wall and larder units into your training bay.
  • Install end panels, corner posts, etc.
  • Cutting of worktops using a worktop jig and router and cutting out for sinks and cooker hobs and completing mitre cuts / secret cuts and bolt together worktops.
  • Fitting cornice/pelmet and plinth.
  • Hanging and levelling doors and fitting handles.
  • Understanding the different methods used to price jobs, dealing with customers and overcoming problems that may arise. You will also be provided with support after completing your course and you are able to contact your tutor by email, phone or call into the training centre to discuss your queries related to quoting for work.
  • Fully answer all your questions related to the trade, you are taught by experienced tradesmen with a passion for the trade, ask as many questions as you wish during the course.
  • Full support after completing your course.  If you have any questions relating to anything that you have covered on your course you are free to contact your tutor or the centre, by telephone, by text message, by whatsapp, by email or by calling into the centre. There is no charge for this and you can call at anytime in the future.


Carpentry Training Course – 9 days

During this course you will complete the following:

  • Correct use of hand and power tools used within carpentry so that you are confident in using them which will improve the quality of your work and the reduce the time it takes to complete jobs.
  • Materials – understand the different materials available – where and why they are used, how to install and maintain.
  • Build stud walls leaving a door opening.
  • Install a door lining into a new stud wall – once you have built the stud wall you will install a door frame.
  • Hang a door into the new door frame including fitting door furniture including hinges, handles, tubular notice latch
  • Install sash lock using a DBB Mortimer jig.
  • Hang a door into an existing frame which is not plumb, straight, we will use packers to bow the frame.
  • Cut and fix architrave.
  • Cut and fix skirting boards to various angles.
  • Cut in a window opening to a stud wall.
  • Make and fit pipe boxing.
  • Lay laminate flooring.
  • Make a meter box; waist high with door and a shelf on top.
  • Complete repairs to damaged timber. When you rehang your door on the opposite side you will repair the old hinge cuts outs so they cannot be noticed when painted.
  • Understanding the different methods used to price jobs, dealing with customers and overcoming problems that may arise.
  • Fully answer all your questions related to the course content, you are taught by experienced tradesmen with a passion for the trade, ask as many questions as you wish during the course.
  • Full support after completing your course.  If you have any questions relating to anything that you have covered on your course you are free to contact your tutor or the centre, by telephone, by text message, by Whatsapp, by email or by calling into the centre. There is no charge for this and you can call at anytime in the future.

Bricklaying Course – 10 days

You will complete 10 days of bricklaying training in a practical training area, you will be supplied with all tools and materials throughout and you will be laying bricks on day 1 of your course.  The aim of this course is for you to be able to price and complete a number of bricklaying jobs to a high standard so that you can charge customers and be satisfied of a job well done.

You are taught by an experienced bricklayer who has 37+ years experience on the tools – we teach you what you need to earn money.  It is one thing being taught how to complete tasks it is another knowing the tips and tricks of the trade from someone who has been doing it for 37+ years.

During this course you will complete the following:

    • Use hand tools used within bricklaying so that you are confident in using them which will improve the quality of your work and the time it takes to complete jobs.
    • Materials – understand the different materials used within bricklaying.
    • Demonstrate planning, organising and setting out a work area. 
    • Build 4″ and 9″ brick walls, 90corners and attached piers.
    • Build block walls.
    • Build cavity walls including ties and damp proof course.
    • Understand different bonds.
    • Demonstrate producing neat and tidy cuts to bricks.
    • Demonstrate pointing and finishing.
    • Build a two brick pier and attach a wall.
    • Set up a dummy window frame – plumb, level, range and gauge.
    • Complete correct seating and placing of lintel over opening.
    • Produce decorative brickwork – soldiers, dental tooth and oversailing course.
    • Produce basketweave decorative panel – brickwork plumb, level, range and gauge.
    • Discussion and demonstration on the setting out of a building – transferring levels, different foundations.
    • Understand the construction of a solid floor to DPC.
    • Discuss popular building projects and go through the stages step by step.
    • Understanding the different methods used to price jobs, dealing with customers and overcoming problems that may arise. You will also be provided with support after completing your course and you are able to contact your tutor by email, phone or call into the training centre to discuss your queries.
    • Fully answer all your questions related to the trade, you are taught by experienced tradesmen with a passion for the trade, ask as many questions as you wish during the course.  We employ experts in each field so they are able to answer all your questions.
    • Full support after completing your course. if you have any questions relating to anything that you have covered on your course you are free to contact your tutor or the centre, by telephone, email or by calling into the centre. There is no charge for this and you can call at anytime in the future.


Introduction to  Domestic Electrical Installers Course –  9 days

During this course you will complete the following.

  • Understand and use different tools so that you are confident in using them which will improve the quality of your work and the reduce the time it takes.
  • Understand and use materials and components so you know how to select the correct materials for different tasks.
  • Understand circuit theory such as radial circuits, ring final circuits, lighting systems including loop in pendant, loop in switch and junction box method.
  • Safe Isolation procedures so you know how to safely work on electrical installations.
  • Electrical calculations needed so you are able to select the correct components, cable etc.
  • Applicable building regulations
  • Zoning and selection of equipment
  • Install a radial power circuit
  • Install ring final circuit
  • Install 1-way lighting circuits
  • Install 2-way lighting circuits
  • Install a 2-way lighting with intermediate switch
  • Swap a pendant light for downlights
  • Install a fan
  • Install a cooker point
  • Install a metal socket using steel armoured cable
  • Install interlinked smoke alarms for domestic properties
  • Earthing and bonding requirements
  • Understanding the different methods used to price jobs.
  • Fully answer all your questions related to the trade, you are taught by experienced tradesmen with a passion for the trade, ask as many questions as you wish during the course.
  • Full support after completing your course.  If you have any questions relating to anything that you have covered on your course you are free to contact your tutor or the centre, by telephone, by text message, by whatsapp, by email or by calling into the centre. There is no charge for this and you can call at anytime in the future.

Please note the electrical course is an introduction to domestic installations and completion of it will not allow you to complete electrical works.  I need to make you aware of this as some people think after completing a two-week course they can go out and rewire a house and sign it off.  You will need to complete further training e.g. Part P, 18th Edition, Testing & Inspection, NVQ Level 3 qualifications and gain approx. 2 years’ experience. 

Between 25 – 28 days attendance at our centre.  The course can either be attended as a block or as separate trade courses completed over 12 months.

Our centre is open from 8am until 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am until 4pm on a Friday.  You will receive email confirmation of your start and finish times when you select each trade.

The course is held at our Stoke-on-Trent centre, ST6 2DJ.  There are a number of hotels within the area, please see the link at the bottom or email for more information.  Please arrive at the training centre at least 15 minutes before the course start time.

The cost of this course is £3,450 INC VAT   £2,850 INC VAT  (ELC, armed forces discount).

As this is a level 3 course, if you are entitled to you can use your ELC funding towards the cost of the course. For the most up-to-date information about claiming ELC funding please visit the ELCAS website at http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

When completing your funding application form you will need the following information:

Course Code: CSC04
Course Title: Level 3 Certificate in Building, Installation and Property Maintenance Skills
Cost: £2850
Qualification Achieved: AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Building, Installation and Property Maintenance Skills
Start and End Dates: These can be arranged to suit your requirements, to discuss dates further call our centre on 01782 837007 or email enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk or dave.hare@tradeteacher.co.uk

If you require any help or advice with regards to funding then please do not hesitate to contact the centre via email at enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk or by telephone on 01782 837007.

You may also be able to use IRTC funding to pay towards your contribution.

You can book online or via email at enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk or call 01782 837007.

Our courses are very popular and book up quickly and as we only have limited spaces on each course. 

The course dates below maybe full before we have time to update this website. 

It is worth noting that as we are flexible with customers, we do allow them to change course dates and so spaces may become available before we have had time to update the website.  It is worth adding your details to our reserve list as we will contact people on the list first to offer new spaces.  To be added to our reserve list, email your contact details to enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk

Start Date
April 28th 2025
May 12th 2025
May 26th 2025
June 9th 2025
June 23rd 2025
July 7th 2025
July 21st 2025
August 4th 2025
August 18th 2025
September 1st 2025
September 15th 2025
September 29th 2025
October 13th 2025
October 27th 2025
November 10th 2025
November 24th 2025
December 8th 2025
Dates for all of 2025 are available, please email for more information

This course is approved for ELC funding.

The cost of this course is £3,450 INC VAT   £2,850 INC VAT  (ELC, armed forces discount).

For the most up-to-date information about claiming ELC funding please visit the ELCAS website at http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

When completing your funding application form you will need the following information:

Course Code: CSC04
Course Title: Level 3 Certificate in Building, Installation and Property Maintenance Skills
Cost: £2850
Qualification Achieved: AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Building, Installation and Property Maintenance Skills
Start and End Dates: These can be arranged to suit your requirements, to discuss dates further call our centre on 01782 837007 or email enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk or dave.hare@tradeteacher.co.uk

If you require any help or advice with regards to funding then please do not hesitate to contact the centre via email at enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk or by telephone on 01782 837007.

You may also be able to use IRTC funding to pay towards your contribution.

Our training centre is based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 2DJ.  We have no other training centres anywhere else in the UK and we are not associated with any other training providers.

There are several hotels and B&Bs within 5/10 miles of our training centre.  We have agreed reduced rates for people using ELC funding at hotels.  pleas either email or call for more information.

As of 22nd April 2025, 1450 evaluation forms have been received by ELCAS directly from service leavers.  Our average Eval Score is 97% from these 1450 returned forms.  Below is a selection of comments service leavers added to their evaluation forms after completing the required feedback questions.

Really great course, i learnt loads of very practical skills all useful in my next career. This course was reccomended by a friend and i would definitely rate this course. Great tutors, the knowledge they had was vast and they put that across to you in the lessons. N Eddles, April 2025

It was a great course and was really helpful. I would be happy to recommend the course to anyone who is thinking of something similar as a good use of ELCAS and personal money invested. I have learnt a lot and feel confident to be able to develop my skills further on my own in the future. The instructors were all welcoming and knowledgeable around their subjects. S Williscroft, April 2025

The course was great and very well delivered. Great instruction for someone who had never even been in that trade. great establishment and highly recommended for future courses. C Gamon, April 2025

Really good training provider. Instructors and staff very knowledge and professional. A Armstrong, April 2025

The course I completed were very useful and value for the money. The staff at the location were friendly and most importantly supportive. The learning environment was good and most of the materials for the relevant course were in place. Very experience and competent instructors. R Gharti Magar, April 2025

They are absolutely professional tutors. N Rai, April 2025

The course was very productive and useful. S Rai, March 2025


All the tutors were very professional and had full knowledge on what they were teaching. Very good environment for learning. Lesson were mostly practical followed by few theory lesson and tutors were sharing their experiences giving us more depth knowledge on the subject and finally with good guidance when required. P Gurung, March 2025

Best course I could’ve picked!  E Aldred, March 2025

A brilliant course, great facilities, great instructors with vast amounts of knowledge. Really enjoyed the course. D Gosney, March 2025

Two excellent and enjoyable courses. Highly recommended.  J Picken, March 2025

Excellent courses with great support and feedback from tutors. Facility and materials more than met my expectations. M Young, March 2025

Fantastic college was a pleasure learning with them and all the instructors was approachable and knowledgeable and would highly recommend other forces personnel to use their training facilities.  B Marcon, March 2025

Outstanding in all areas. D Baikie, February 2025

Very good course. C Wightman, February 2025

I was thoroughly impressed by the instructors, who were extremely positive, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the course. The content was well-structured, highly relevant, and delivered in an engaging and effective manner. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I feel much more confident in applying the skills I’ve learned. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain practical knowledge in these areas.  S Myers-Evans, January 2025

Brilliant College with a friendly, hardworking atmosphere. D Loakman, January 2025

Amazing in depth trade knowledge giving confidence to work on substantial projects. All instructors extremely helpful and a pleasure to learn from. Thoroughly enjoyed and always recommending to colleagues. A Kirwan, January 2025

All courses attended at this provider were set in real life, real world situations knowledge and skills gain are easily transferable to real life situation. All tutors were approachable and if needing for practice or tuition they were more than welcoming to assist. R Singh, January 2025

Excellent courses delivered by knowledgeable staff, that knew their trade and were very patient and supportive. I have already recommended these courses to several of my friends and colleagues. K Errington, January 2025

Excellent service all the instructors are very helpful and supportive specially plumbing and heating instructor. A Malla, January 2025

Excellent course and great value for money. I highly recommend the Construction Skills College to service leavers. J Cheetham, January 2025

Yes. I look forward to starting new courses ASAP. R Rai, January 2025

I would highly recommend, brilliant courses! C Ellis, January 2025

Really useful course, well delivered by excellent tutors.  P Steele, December 2024

Loved these courses great college and instructors. Thankyou Dave and all your staff. A Briggs, December 2024

Excellent set of courses well worth doing, would use again in a heartbeat. R Broomhead, December 2024

The training suites are fantastic and the provider ensures you are training from Day 1 of the training. you continue to learn at your own pace and where mistakes are made they are used to aid others from making the same mistakes. I would recommend construction skills college and I will attending courses there in the future.  S Bond, November 2024

Brilliant course with fantastic supportive instructors. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about learning a trade. C Ball, November 2024

I can add that it exceeded my expectations was highly professional and very enjoyable. The facilities and infrastructure made for a very positive learning environment, and I would recommend this course to others. R Vickery, November 2024

It was a great course and improved my knowledge significantly. Highly recommended course. H Tamang, November 2024

Although I answered ‘YES’ to the questions above, I would say the LP actually exceeded my expectations and I learnt significantly more than I thought I would prior to attending the course. Fantastic facility and I hope to return to complete additional courses in the future? D MacDonald, October 2025

Yes, I will be using them again they are very professional the whole set up and instructors did not disappoint, I have already recommended the provider to several of my friends and colleagues. M Bradley, October 2024

I learnt the skills for life and I can go as a professional too for my next career. K Rai, October 2024

The courses I have taken part in thus far have proved invaluable. Though I don’t intend to go into the construction industry as a trade it has been very useful and a way to save money now that I have moved into a new house. Thoroughly recommend. D Massey, October 2024

Construction skills college in Burslem Stoke-on-Trent is an absolutely excellent facility well resourced good venue and facilities and the staff are fabulous. I’m going to continue to book the rest of my training with this training provider as a result of this experience, which is absolutely outstanding in every respect. C Watts, September 2024

This is an excellent course, whether you would like to do a DIY job in a professional manner or will prepare you to take the trade specific self-employed job.  This certainly boost the service leaver a sense of confidence and firmness on their feet to jet start a new career. N Rai, September 2024

This course provider is absolutely outstanding. I will be returning to conduct more courses. A Wooldridge, September 2024

Fantastic learning environment, great Instructor with depth knowledge and understanding, high instructional skills. S Rai, September 2024

Very good course would recommend to anyone. J Perks, September 2024

Yes, the college is excellent choice for learner from all over the UK. The service providers and instructor are very supportive in every aspects. I highly recommended this college to everyone seeing to advance their career. I am planning to enrol in additional courses myself. R Rai, August 2024

Extremely informative, hands on course with extremely experienced and knowledgeable tutors. Wonderful learning curve and a great insight into a career within the trades. Excellent confidence builder given the many opportunities to use a multitude of tools both manual and power. No expense spared by the provider with the materials and tools available to use throughout. A Kohut, August 2024

Highly recommended. K Curran, August 2024

I am very grateful for the opportunity to do this course and I would like to recommend it to every Service Personnel. T Botsime, August 2024

I enjoyed and learnt loads on my 3 courses at the Construction College. All instructors are highly experienced, professional, and extremely helpful. No hesitation in recommending anyone to attend their courses, however I would recommend that for one or two of the more physically demanding courses that they stipulate this. Due to my age and mobility issue, I found plastering very challenging, although successful, on hindsight I would have picked another course. J Cameron, August 2024

I absolutely recommend this course to a colleague because all the tutors are professional and very helpful. This course is very useful for anyone considering a second carrier in property maintenance. R Dura, July 2024

Great Course. J Hart, July 2024

It is one of the best Construction School to learn multiple trades and the level of support received was top. I’ll definitely recommend my friends and work colleagues to use the service. S Rana, July 2024

Excellent course and although I have now secured future employment in a different sector to the courses, I chose this gave me a great insight into plastering, tiling and electrical installation and would have given me a great first step into pursuing one of those fields. H Blenkinship, July 2024

Unbelievable course to attend as a service leaver. M Frodsham, July 2024

A team of truly experienced professionals offering a unique opportunity to learn trades at an accelerated rate in a hands-on mature environment. H Wood, July 2024

Fantastic training centre I can’t wait to go back and do more training with them. I have now used the skills I learned professionally and felt confident using them. Thanks to Dave and all the staff. A Briggs, July 2024

In overall, the courses provided to us was fruitful. The instructors were professional and supportive. The training centre was well facilitated and welcoming environment. Staff working at the college were helpful, friendly and supportive. We managed to gain knowledge and skills that were intended. Very much recommended for next generation too. R Gharti Magar, July 2024

Friendly tutors , enjoyed my classes learning new things. N Rai, July 2024

Top quality training, I would and have recommend this training provider to other service leavers. The instructors are very knowledgeable and easy to approach if needed. All instructors are happy to give extra training if there is an area where the students were struggling. Not only were we taught the theory and practice elements but also where and how to apply the skills in real world scenarios. M Blackburn, June 2024

Good instructors and a good learning environment. S Carleton, June 2024

Great course and great team teaching it.  L Reynolds, June 2024

I really enjoyed the course, it was set in a professional environment with very good tutors. All safety equipment, supplies and tools are provided and are of excellent quality. I would definitely refer to a friend. L Walton, June 2024

Very professional company, went into detail for many scenarios which helped. Picked up loads of extra tips and tricks.  W Sykes, June 2024

Excellent course and brilliant value for money – the staff and instructors are fantastic, highly knowledgeable and very patient with the students. Have already recommended to multiple friends and will be returning next year to complete another 3 courses with my next ELC. A Piggott, June 2024

Course that I have recently attended was very useful although you planning to get into the trade or just for DIY. Very accurate and informative and useful course. P Purja, June 2024

Yes, It was really beneficial course for beginners about trade skill and to build career on tradesman. Course provider were very flexible and instructor were very professional and helpful. D Rai, June 2024

I found this course was very useful for me. I have learnt a lot and enjoy the course throughout. R Rai, June 2024

Really useful course and learnt lots. Really pleased with the course and already putting a lot of my new skills and knowledge to use in and around our new home. S Crook, June 2024

Great course and collage, thank you.  R Barber, May 2024

The Pre-course admin was excellent and accessible, all correspondence was responded to in good time. Throughout the course there was always support, the team were extremely professional throughout. I would highly recommend this course for anyone going into the trade or looking at taking on more complex DIY projects. M Bage, May 2024

I found the training and course content provided very useful. There were a variety of skill stations that allowed for the practicing and honing of new skills. There were also a good variety of tools available, and these were replaced if required during the training. The working areas were appropriate to the course content and in good condition. I would attend again in the future as there are courses that I did not take that look very useful in civilian life. D Watt, April 2024

Exceptional and invaluable course.  A Byrne, April 2024

The college setup was of a good standard and met all requirements. The instructors were very professional and helpful. The instructors had wealth of experience which I found helpful and useful. A Cavubati, April 2024

Great course I have now set up my own business in plastering. L Perry, April 2024

Support provided when choosing a course

We will provide you with as much information, advice and guidance as we possibly can and if we are not able to offer you the course that best suits your needs or give you the information you require we will signpost you to somewhere that is able to. We do not pressure you to book onto any course and if we feel that you would be better suited to a course we do not offer then we will give you the contact information of a college that does.

Hopefully the majority of the information you require is available on this website but if you have any questions at all then please contact us and we will help in any way we can.

We would like to invite you to attend the training centre to view the facilities and discuss the course with both the tutors and current learners. We suggest if possible that you visit our centre towards the end of a course as people in general are always happy at the beginning of training and you want to make sure that they are as happy at the end of the course. When you visit you will be free to discuss the course with current learners on a 1-to-1 basis, if someone has paid good money or used limited funding to attend a course and they are not happy they will definitely tell you. If you visit towards the end of a course you will also be able to see the standard that everyone on the course has achieved.

One of the most popular comments we receive on questionnaires is that people did not expect to reach the high standard that they do on a course, it is also one of the most popular negative comments that we receive by people who are not aware of what we offer as they will say ‘you won’t be any good after 10 days’, if you yourself are unsure then why not pop down for a pressure free look around.

During Training

During your time with us every member of staff will do their best to help you achieve your aims. You will be provided with supporting literature relating to your trade and have access to further reading to research the trade further in your own time.

If you struggle on any element of the course then we will provide additional training at no extra cost to ensure that you reach the required standard.

If you have any learning difficulties or disabilities or have any physical difficulties or disabilities then we will support you throughout and this additional support will remain between the centre and the individual. The majority of the training courses are practical based but if you do have any concerns then please contact the centre.

We will also provide you with additional IAG relating to progression routes available after completing the course including further training, finding employment and starting to work for yourself. Whilst on a course please contact a member of staff if you require any further in information.Whilst you are at the centre there may be other courses running so if you have any questions relating to another trade please feel free to speak to the relevant tutor – they are all here to help you.

After Training

We will continue supporting you after you have completed a course with us and you can contact us either by email, phone or in person to discuss any aspects that you covered on your course. For example you may wish to contact us to clarify how to complete a job or how to price a job or maybe to ask for information on writing a business plan.

Your tutors will give you their contact telephone numbers and email address so if you have any questions at all you can give them a call. It is invaluable to have this continuous support available and will give you the confidence to complete work away from the centre.

The commitment to putting the needs of learners at the heart of everything the service does was demonstrated in the ways support is provided. Extract from Matrix Assessment Report

Learning a new skill was what I needed to better my chances for a career change.  The tutor and college made every aspect of the course interesting/useful from start to finish.  Probably one of the most understanding companies I’ve come across. Helped me with health issues whilst on course – Martin Pearson

You are Taught by Experienced Tradespeople.

Our courses are intensive but taught in a relaxed, friendly and professional manner by experienced tradespeople.  We will fully support you when you finish your training course so you will be confident using your new found skills, after completing any training with us you are able to call into the centre or contact your tutor directly to discuss anything that you covered on your course.

More Training for your Money.

Less classroom time, more tools in hands time.  Although our courses are short they are very intensive and you will be completing practical work from day 1.  The only way you are going to learn is by having expert advice and lots of practical time to practice, practice, practice.

It is also important when completing a course that you are working in a good sized area as this give you the confidence to complete work when you leave the centre.  When deciding on which training centre to attend take the time to compare sizes of training bays and visit a centre when a course is on to speak with learners and see the standard of with the produce. 

Regular Start Dates.

We have courses starting every two weeks, throughout the year.  We do not close for bank holidays, half terms, college summer holidays.  We only close for two weeks at Christmas.  Please feel free to contact Dave on 01782 837007 or via enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk or dave.hare@tradeteacher.co.uk and he will work with you to plan dates.

An excellent learning provider who I will definitely be recommending to my colleagues. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable and were able to pass this on to all students during their modules.  The college is excellent and has everything that is needed to successfully complete the courses. It has a welcoming atmosphere and all staff are extremely helpful and want everyone there to succeed. ELC learner 06/22

This is my last of three courses completed.  I want to say a massive thank you to you all for sharing your vast knowledge on all of the courses covered.  I love how relaxed an environment the college has, all of the tutors are very friendly and welcoming, they always go that extra mile.  There was always an abundance of materials for the course.  I have already recommended the the course to others. D Harris, ELC course.

Based on my own (military) experience, I never found the time to learn and develop my DIY skills.  I would encourage many of my colleagues to attend these courses, which are valuable life skills. JM, ELC funded learner

4th course, will be back for more.  Have set up my own business directly from the skills, knowledge and confidence gained. R Rea, ELC course

Our ELC Funded Construction Courses

More about us and our courses.

Our courses are taught by very experienced tradespeople who have many, many years experience working in their trade and running their own business. All tutors will give you their contact details so if you have any questions after completing our courses you can just give them a call. So if you are wanting to change jobs and learn a trade, at our a centre our tutors they know what they are doing and will help you succeed.  We have many, many years experience re-training people who are looking at learning a new skill to change careers. We have been selected for two visits from MP’s due to the work we have done retraining people facing redundancy.  We have training over 1,350 people who were using ELC funding and we continuously receive excellent feedback.  We know what we are doing and we know what you can do.

Our training courses are ideal if you wish to learn the trades we offer, as they have been designed by experienced and qualified tradespeople and are aimed at giving you knowledge and skills in construction trades as well as the confidence to use your skills. You are taught the skills you need to complete the majority of work that customer want you to complete.

Our courses are intensive but taught in a relaxed, friendly and professional manner by experienced tradespeople who are approved to deliver training. We will fully support you when you finish your training course so you will be confident using your new found skills, after completing any training with us you are able to call into the centre or contact your tutor directly to discuss anything that you covered on your course.

We are based in the Midlands and close to major motorways, train stations and airports. Local accommodation is available at a reduced rate and we can advice and/or arrange this if you wish. People travel from throughout the UK for our construction courses.  People have travelled from Manchester, Kent, South Shields, Liverpool, North East, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Scotland, North Wales, Leeds, Derby, West Midlands, Bristol and the North West to attend our plastering, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying and electrical courses.  We have also had people fly in from Ireland, France, Spain, Canary Islands, Germany, USA, Australia and Brunei to attend a course with us.  We are definitely worth travelling to – you are investing in your future.

Our training centre in Stoke-on-Trent has approx 10,000 square feet of purpose built training facilities.

The courses on offer are ideal to help you achieve your aims be they:

  • You may be interested in a career change or wish to earn an additional income and have no previous experience, or
  • You may want to become a property developer, or
  • You wish to learn a trade to enable you to complete work of a high standard on your own property or for family members

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