Construction
One of the biggest and liveliest departments in the college, construction is also one of the most established. We have been training for the trades for over 50 years and we are one of the original departments from the old Ewell Technical College. What this means is that we have unparalleled experience of matching our training with the needs of local employers and long term links with trade and industry. We believe in working hard and playing hard and are a sociable, supportive team. We reward your hard work and you will have the chance to enter national skills competitions, take part in big charity fundraisers and enjoy social events like sea fishing trips to Brighton, paintballing and 5-a-side football.
In construction we are very proud of the quality of our staff’s industry experience. We believe that the variety and quality of the previous experience our lecturers bring to their teaching is hard to match in any other college in the South East:
The staff here can not only teach you the practical skills you need but can show you how to use those skills in the real world.
Our Facilities
Our site at Nescot is large and equipped with well stocked workshops with group work areas and individual units. All the workshops are linked so you will learn your specific subject alongside all the other construction trades to give you an overview of how they fit together. We also have cutting edge facilities like specialist electrical testing rooms to ensure your skills are up to the highest standards.
Links with Other Departments and Organisations
Our Department is passionate about the place our skills have in the wider world. We run competitions sponsored by employers like Tucker French, Rothenberger and British Gypsum and we have speakers, demonstrations and workshops by companies including Conway Hibbs, Durapipe, Grunfos Pumps and Worcester Bosch. Because we work in the trades ourselves, we know that every student we send out reflects on our own reputation. We are proud of the fact that our students leave Nescot fit for purpose.
Your Education and Your Career
Construction courses at Nescot are designed to maximise your chances of success. All our courses lead to industry recognised qualifications and many contain extra certificates that will improve your employability. We are also proud of the amount of students that progress to the highest levels after studying with us.
Students go on to take construction degrees at the country’s top universities, or to our own cutting edge Gas Academy, where they can specialise in the latest industry sectors such as Energy Efficiency or Solar Energy courses.
Previous students are working at the highest levels in their industries, either running their own businesses or for companies like British Gas, London Underground and Smith & Byford.
- Name:
- Sammy Kerr
- Course:
- Painting & Decorating Level 1 Diploma
What made you decide to study Painting and Decorating at Nescot?
I’d finished my Level Two in Animal Care here and was worried about getting a job. My mother said it would be good to have a trade and so I thought I’d get this under my belt so I can support myself while looking for work.
I wanted to stay at Nescot as this is such a good college. I’ve seen and heard about other places but it’s like a massive family here! Do you know, I’ve never seen a fight or even any bad feeling here.
And has the course lived up to your expectations?
I’ve learned so much. I thought it would be easy but there’s a lot to take in. I always look at the paintwork now wherever I go – it’s become my new obsession. I’ve also loved mastering stencilling. We have to design and make our own stencils and it’s not as easy as you’d think. Now I can do curves cleanly I’ve been doing some really good stuff.
How has your time at Nescot changed you?
I work a lot harder now and concentrate more – I’ve already finished my training book and assessments. I look forward to coming in to college because I’m learning things I like and they’re useful. Since starting this course I’ve been doing loads of paid work for family and friends, there’s always someone who needs these skills.
What advice would you have for someone thinking of doing your course?
Come in and have a look for yourself at the facilities here and the work you’ll do. You’ll be impressed I guarantee. The opportunities here are very good. It’s a very friendly college and they really help you to make your way in the world.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m meeting some one who runs a women only painting and decorating firm this week and I’m hoping to be taken on to do a L2 apprenticeship with her company. Our tutors are determined to find employers for any one who wants to do an apprenticeship and, because they’ve all been in the industry for years, they are a big help. I can’t wait. It’ll be good to work with other women as we do things in a different (better!) way than the men.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m hoping to be able to do my L2 apprenticeship in painting and decorating and take this as far as I can. My dream job would definitely be to be an astronaut though. That would be an amazing experience, to travel through space and explore other planets.
