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Construction and the Built Environment

Discover a trade that will give you the practical skills for a successful career.

Bricklaying student learning how to level from his teacher

Get Work Ready

Alongside your course you will have the opportunity to work with key employers in the construction industry, including Jenner and Morgan Sindall.

Our Industry Liaison Officer will help connect you to meaningful work placements that will give you the confidence to enter the construction and built environment industry.

Construction students on a trip

Learn from the Professionals

All our lecturers have extensive experience in the construction and built environment industry. Whichever trade you choose to study, you will learn from an expert who can pass on industry knowledge and give you practical advice for your future career.

Electrical student working

Skills Competitions

You can take part in national and international competitions to showcase your newfound skills. We regularly enter students into World Skills Competitions and consistently offer high standards in the KFE4Skills Competitions.

This year Thomas Wakelin came 2nd for his pipework skills in the Plumbing catagory.

Stretch and Challenge

We ensure learners get the most out of their time at college, and where possible challenge students to stretch their skillset.

Just like Level 3 Brick students, Harry and Lewis, who successfully built an archway which they’re not expected to master until Level 3.

Be Part of Something Bigger

You will take part in social action projects throughout the year. Students lead of a variety of fundraising and volunteering projects as a way to give back to the local community.

In the past projects have included making owl boxes for Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, organised a Charity Football Match in aid of Leukaemia UK and raising funds for East Kent Hospitals Charity.

Industry Liaison Officer Chloe and Lecturer Darron give giant cheque to Dee Muligan from the NHS.

‘Electricians of the Year’ receive grand prize from local firm 

20 September 2024
Two aspiring Electricians have been named the ‘Electricians of the Year’ and have received a grand prize awarded by Watkins Plumbing and Heating. 
Sophia and Lindan posing with their toolkits won as part of their prize for 'Electrician of the Year'. They are sat down in the Electrical workshop.

How you apply for a course at Canterbury College

Step 1 – Find a subject you’re interested in

Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.

Step 2 – Apply

Apply through our online application system for the department you are choosing.

Step 3 – Come to an interview

Come along to EKC Canterbury College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see which course is right for you.

Career prospects

Example:
Construction and Building Trades Supervisor
£
£39,520
Annual pay
Annual pay is per year, based on full-time employment and on the South East region.
Role description
Construction and building trades supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in construction and building trades.
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Carpentry student Owen

“I like that the Carpentry course has a lot of variation, and I can transfer the skills that I have learnt at College when I am working on-site in my industry placement. I have secured future employment at the company I worked for, which has really increased my confidence and knowledge in the sector.”

Owen Chapman
Level 2 Site Carpentry
Electrical student Jude

“The course is really different than being at school and is a lot more hands-on which I really enjoy. We have enough equipment and tools for everyone to use on our course. After passing this year, I am planning on enrolling on the Level 3 course and then going into the workplace.”

Jude Farnham
Level 2 Electrical
Plumbing student Joe

“My course is really enjoyable and it’s great to learn a valuable trade. We have all the resources that we need to work efficiently and I have really supportive tutors who offer extra help and support if we need it.”

Joe Clark
Level 2 Plumbing

We’re part of six community-based colleges

Our mission is to play a leading role for East Kent in developing the economic and social prosperity of the diverse communities we serve.