Course Overview

This one-year, practical programme develops the knowledge and hands-on skills required for routine building maintenance and small-scale repair work across a range of trades. Learners undertake workshop-based tasks and classroom theory to prepare for employment in general building maintenance or progression into more specialised construction pathways.

It’s ideal for:

Learners aiming to enter the construction and facilities sector.
Those preparing for maintenance operative and multi-skill repair roles.
Individuals wanting a broad foundation before specialising in a trade.

For this course, learners will need steel toe capped safety footwear, stationery & learning materials, notebook or notepad for theory lessons, pens, pencils, ruler, folder or document wallet for portfolios and a tape measure (basic 5 m or similar for practical measurement tasks.

Entry requirements

A minimum of GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent) in English Language and a minimum of GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent) in Mathematics.

Course Modules

Health, Safety & Welfare in Construction

Principles of safe working practices on site

PPE and workplace risk control

Legislation, hazard awareness and reporting

2. Principles of Building Construction, Information & Communication

Basic construction terminology

Understanding plans, specifications and information sources

Workplace communication and record-keeping

Practical Repair & Maintenance Units

These modules develop practical multi-trade skills:

Small-scale building repairs – structural repair tasks

Painting & Decorating repairs – preparation and finishing

Plastering repairs – surface preparation and plasterwork

Plumbing repairs – basic plumbing fittings and rainwater systems

Carpentry repairs – timber work and simple carpentry tasks

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through:

Knowledge Tests

End-of-unit knowledge checks (multiple choice / short answer)

Externally set and marked assessments for core units

Practical Assessments

Tasks performed under supervision in workshop or real-world contexts

Performance evidence logged in a portfolio

Demonstration of competence and skill application

Portfolio / Coursework

Summative evidence of practical works

Written reports, photos and supervisor observation records

What can I do next

Completing this diploma can open several pathways:
Employment
Maintenance operative
Building site assistant / general operative
Facilities maintenance technician
Multi-trade maintenance assistant
Further Study
Level 3 Technical or Trade-Specialist Qualifications (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, plastering)
Apprenticeships in property or facilities maintenance
Construction supervisory or occupational competence qualifications
Apprenticeships
Property or Building Maintenance Operative apprenticeships
Built environment technical apprenticeship standards