Construction Skills Level 1

Health and safety is the most important part of working in construction. Every trade relies on following safe working practices to protect yourself and others.

Your Task:

Watch an introductory video about health and safety on construction sites.

Then answer the following questions:

1. What does PPE stand for?
2. List five items of PPE used on a construction site.
3. Why is risk assessment important?
4. Identify three common hazards found on a building site.

Suggested Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OwVSkpcPNoQ

During the course you will experience several different trades before developing your practical skills.

Your Task:

Research the following five areas:

• Painting and Decorating
• Carpentry
• Domestic Electrical Installation
• Bricklaying
• Plumbing

For each trade write:

1. What the job involves.
2. The tools commonly used.
3. One interesting fact about the trade.
4. The skills someone would need to be successful.

Construction is all about measuring accurately, following instructions and taking pride in your work.

Your Task:

Using recycled materials from around your home (cardboard, small pieces of wood, or other suitable materials), design and make a small desktop tool organiser that could hold items such as pencils, screwdrivers, rulers or paintbrushes.

Your organiser should:

• Stand up on its own.
• Be neat and well-finished.
• Include at least two separate compartments.
• Be no larger than approximately 30 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm.
• Be made safely using appropriate hand tools or simple craft equipment.

Before you build it:

• Draw a simple sketch of your design.
• Label the dimensions.
• List the materials you plan to use.

When you bring it to college, be prepared to explain:

• Why you chose your design.
• What materials you used.
• What went well during the build.
• What you would improve if you made it again.

Remember: Safe working is more important than producing a perfect model.

To learn more about construction before starting your course, have a look at these websites:

• CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)
  Information about careers, qualifications and working safely in construction.
• Go Construct
  Excellent careers information covering every construction trade.
• HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
  Essential guidance on staying safe when working in construction.
• SkillBuild UK
  Information about the UK’s largest construction skills competition.
• DIY Doctor
  Useful guides explaining basic construction techniques and tools.