We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College in September!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying Construction subjects, including Bricklaying, Carpentry & Joinery and Electrical Installation, at Andover College is like. Scroll down to learn more about the courses on offer and have a go at the activities provided by our experienced team of lecturers!
If you wish to respond to anything on this page please email andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with 'Construction' as the subject heading. Also, if you have any questions about our courses please email AskConstructionMV@sparsholt.ac.uk.
Check out the pictures of all the trips and extra-curricular activities our students get to experience along with all the help and support we can provide through our experienced Careers and Health & Wellbeing teams.
Bricklaying
Hello and welcome to our bricklaying course!
Our lecturer Martyn has put together a collection of videos and resources to help introduce you to the course. These resources will provide you with an understanding of the work you would be carrying out and the industry that you are looking to go into.
This first clip is Martyn Smith our bricklaying lecturer welcoming you to the course!
Over the length of the course you would be working within our on-site workshop in the Technology and Future Skills building carrying out a range of brick and blockwork training and assessment jobs. We have attached a video showing the type of working conditions you will experience in college and the types of walls that you would be constructing.
Bricklaying Apprentices
If you decide that bricklaying is a job that you would enjoy doing in the future then we recommend that you try to find employment as a Bricklaying apprentice. Take a look at the videos below showing the experience of bricklaying apprentices while working on site.
Take a look at the GoConstruct page below to learn more about the profession, career prospects and potential salary.
Have a look here.
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topics that you would study at Andover College? Please take a look at these additional resources and activities.
Video catalogue/recommendations:
- Basic bricklaying brick corner - here.
- Laying bricks to a string line - here.
- Take a look at this funny construction video, maybe don't try these at home though! Here.
Have a look around the GoConstruct page to explore your options in this exciting industry! Here.
Other activities you could have a go at are:
- Research 5 tools that a bricklayer uses including price and where to buy from.
- Research Bricklaying apprentice jobs in your area
- We love working to music so pick a song that you would like to play on your groups playlist in the workshop!
Use this website to practice 101- Principles of construction & 201 Health & Safety mock tests.
Electrical Installation
Our lecturers Jon and George have prepared a short presentation and workbook to give you an idea of what studying Electrical Installation at Andover College is like! They have also provided a numerical rounding challenge to keep your maths skills sharp over the summer!
Meet the lecturers here.
"We want to welcome you to our college, and soon, hopefully, we'll be able to greet you in person. In the meantime, please watch the presentation, and complete the 3 projects and other units in the workbook. Most of all, have fun, stay safe, and we look forward to hearing from you. See you soon!"
George & Jon - Electrical Tutors
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topics you could study at Andover College? Please take a look at the resources below!
Video recommendations:
- How ELECTRICITY works - here.
- Current Vs Voltage: How Much Current Can Kill You? Here.
- Spacer Installation on 765,000 volt line - here.
Recommended reading:
The Open University has a variety of free online courses available in an array of different subjects. Take a look at the catalogue to choose your course! Here.
You could also investigate the courses offered at the EtonX web page; please note these are paid for programmes that your current school may have access to so please check with them and back here regularly for updates.
Carpentry & Joinery
Hello and welcome to our Carpentry course!
Our lecturer Jason has put together a compilation of videos to give you a better understanding of the work you could be carrying out and the industry that you are looking to go into!
Over the length of your course you would be working within the workshop carrying out a range of carpentry and joinery training and assessment jobs. I have attached a video showing the type of working conditions you could experience in college as well as the tools you will use and the joints you will be making.
Carpentry Apprentices
If you decide that carpentry is a job that you would enjoy doing in the future then we recommend that you try to find employment as a Carpentry or Joinery apprentice. Below are two short video clips, firstly showing the experience of Joinery apprentices while working in a workshop, the second clip is a carpentry apprentice talking about their experience.
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topics you could study at Andover College? Please take a look at the resources below!
Video recommendations:
- How to Make Mortise and Tenon Joints with Hand Tools - here.
- Laurel & Hardy (busy Bodies) comedy but identifies the Risks and Hazards in the workplace and how Joinery workshops have changed since the 1930s - here.
The Open University has a variety of free online courses available in an array of different subjects. Take a look at the catalogue to choose your course! Here.
You could also investigate the courses offered at the EtonX web page; please note these are paid for programmes that your current school may have access to so please check with them and back here regularly for updates.
Our Courses:
Level 1 Diploma (City & Guilds) in Bricklaying (1 Year)
Level 1 Diploma (City & Guilds) in Carpentry & Joinery (1 Year)
Level 2 Diploma/NVQ (City & Guilds) in Bricklaying (1 Year)
Level 2 Diploma/NVQ (City & Guilds) in Carpentry & Joinery (1 Year)
Level 2 Diploma (City & Guilds) in Electrical Installation (1 Year)
Level 3 Diploma (City & Guilds) in Electrical Installation (2 Year)
T LEVELS ARE COMING…
T Levels are a new qualification after GCSE that will take your future to the next level.
From September 2022, the college has been selected to deliver T Levels in a range of subjects including Onsite Construction (Brick and Carpentry). T Levels are a new, two year qualification for students aged 16 to 19. They have been developed in collaboration with employers and providers to meet the needs of industry and to prepare students for work.
When taking a T Level qualification, you will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and the other 20% in an industry placement. Through this you will learn the skills needed in your chosen industry and then be able to put those skills into practice. You will spend at least 45 days, each year of the course, in your industry placement, giving you valuable experience to help you stand out against the rest.
T Levels are nationally recognised by universities and employers. They also hold UCAS points as they are equivalent to three A Levels.
Bricklaying Quiz for Applicants!
Electrical Installation Workbook
Carpentry & Joinery Workbooks and Resources
-
115 produce woodworking joints textbook C&G-pdf.pdf Details
Download 115 produce woodworking joints textbook C&G-pdf.pdf [926.8KB]} -
Hand tool wordsearch 1.2.pdf Details
Download Hand tool wordsearch 1.2.pdf [18.8KB]} -
power tool wordsearch 1.3.docx Details
Download power tool wordsearch 1.3.docx [141.5KB]}
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We also have at the college Romeo our therapy dog! Romeo is part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to wellbeing provision for students. Romeo is based on campus with his owner throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present.
Important Information: Electrical Installation Students
As part of our EAL Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation, all students will complete a work placement in the industry throughout the academic year. Your weekly timetable will include one dedicated work placement day and there will be group tutorial sessions throughout the year, in order to complete time sheets and portfolios.
Social Media
We love to post about all our students on our platforms including their achievements, trips and excellent work - take a look at some of the highlights below and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!