Construction Technology

Do you have an interest in buildings or construction projects like skyscrapers and bridges, or engineering work like roads and infrastructure?

Would you enjoy learning how these projects are done and what would be involved in creating and planning these large-scale projects?

Why not consider a course in Civil Engineering and learn about the processes involved and how these things are built.

Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing:

• You’ll develop skills in sketching and drawing both with the drawing board and using CAD software.
• You’ll become familiar with construction site Health & Safety practices.
• You’ll learn about how a site is set up and what materials might be used on site.
• You’ll look at groundworks and substructure, from site investigations through to the design of building foundations.
• You’ll explore different Civil Engineering techniques and building frames.
• You’ll carry out practical tasks, such as surveying and levelling.

You may also have the chance to:

• Go on a work placement and site visits via our links with industry.

You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subject choices while still at school. The course takes two years to complete, starting in S5 and finishing end of S6. Transport to and from college/employer will be organised and paid for if you live outside South Ayrshire.

A Foundation Apprenticeship (Group Award) in Civil Engineering includes:

• A National Certificate in Civil Engineering (at SCQF Level 6)
• At least one unit from the SVQ3 in Civil Engineering (at SCQF Level 6)

You should have or be working towards National 5 qualifications in Mathematics during S5. Your guidance teacher should think you can work at SCQF Level 6, the same level as a higher qualification.

Assessment is on an ongoing basis and will include practical sessions as well as a civil engineering project, using the new skills you’ve learned throughout the course.

You will learn the basic theory of construction methods, technology and materials required for most construction or civil engineering projects. There will be maths subjects using engineering formulae, construction materials, what is involved in the ground works and sub-structure of a project.

There will be approximately 80% theory and 20% practical that would include drawing work, learning CAD skills. Assessments are issued throughout each unit of each subject.

If you achieve the Foundation Apprenticeship, you will have a solid basis for progression to a Modern Apprenticeship or a Higher National Certificate in a range of construction or civil engineering careers specialisms like:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Construction Management
• Architectural technology
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Surveying