Construction
Summary: Details of Construction Vocational Programmes as part of the Schools Partnership with James Watt College.
What will you learn?
Inverclyde Vocational Programme is a 2-year course and
throughout S3 and S4 pupils will cover 7 trade areas as
well as underpinning theoretical work:
- Building Craft Practices
- Plastering
- Roofing, Slating & Tiling
- Painting & Decorating
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Plumbing
- Electrical
Apart from learning new skills relevant to the individual
trade areas, pupils will also naturally work towards core
skills such as communication, numeracy, working with
others, problem solving and Information Technology – all of
which are invaluable when entering the world of work.
Where will you study?
The Construction Option is delivered at the James Watt
College by College Lecturers. On this option, pupils carry
out their tasks in a ‘workshop’. There will also be a
Vocational Assistant with your group at all times to ensure
attendance, pupil welfare and act as a guide for those with
issues about the course.
What is the difference from school?
The main diff erence between traditional Standard Grade
subjects and the Inverclyde Vocational Programme is
how you will learn. The major factor is that all learning
takes place in a totally di fferent environment to school and is
assessed in a work context.
How are you assessed?
This option o ffers a modular training programme. In the
first year you will complete up to 5 units from the 8 units
available – Building Craft Practices, Plastering, Roof
Slating & Tiling, Painting & Decorating, Bricklaying,
Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing and Electrical.
Each unit has a number of learning outcomes that you must
achieve in order for you to complete the full unit.
You will be assessed in di fferent ways depending on the unit.
This may include observing you during practical work, some
written work & tests, and by answering questions.
If you successfully complete the vocational units that make
up your course, you will receive an Intermediate 1 award for
each unit that you have passed.
In the Scottish Quali cations Authority’s framework, an
Intermediate 1 award rates the same as a General Level
award at Standard Grade.
Overall, there is no “pass” or “fail” and you will accumulate
all the units that you successfully achieve and be certifcated
for these.
Future Opportunites
Inverclyde Vocational Programme aims to give all
pupils a comprehensive understanding of the
Construction Industry by allowing them to gain
experience in its main trade areas.
The Construction Option has been developed in order
to recognise the needs of future employers and it is
hoped that the programme will act as a springboard
to gaining direct entry into the workplace, a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship, or go on to College.
Employment opportunities are excellent – current
research shows that there is a shortage of
appropriately trained personnel in the sectors to which
the Construction Option is linked.
