Construction Building

Bricklaying

At South Devon College, our purpose-built bricklaying workshops provide a professional, hands-on training environment where you’ll master the skills needed for a successful career in the construction industry. Designed to reflect real-site conditions, our facilities give you the space, tools, and support to work confidently and safely from day one.

As part of our Construction provision, our bricklaying courses offer practical, skills-based learning in areas such as blockwork, cavity walls, decorative brickwork and foundation construction. You’ll work with industry-standard materials and equipment, gaining experience that mirrors what employers expect on-site.

Our expert tutors are experienced tradespeople who will guide you through every step of your development—whether you’re starting at entry-level or aiming for advanced qualifications. Many of our students have competed successfully in the renowned SkillBuild competition, showcasing their skills in front of a panel of expert judges on a national stage.

Carpentry

At South Devon College, our specialist carpentry and joinery workshops offer the perfect space to develop your craft in a realistic, professional environment. Fully equipped with a wide range of industry-standard tools and materials, our facilities are designed to mirror real working conditions, giving you the confidence to step onto site or into the workplace from day one.

In our dedicated carpentry workshops, you’ll learn to produce complex building components such as doors, windows, staircases with turns, and decorative panelling or cladding. You’ll also be given the chance to work on other areas such as kitchens and roofs, alongside working on real-world community projects. You’ll be trained in both traditional hand tool methods and modern machinery, helping you develop the precision and problem-solving skills needed in today’s construction industry.

Our courses are taught by experienced trades professionals, who bring years of site experience into the classroom. Whether you’re studying full-time or completing an apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on, practical experience that prepares you for a career in site carpentry, bench joinery, or bespoke woodwork fabrication. Many of our students have competed successfully in the renowned SkillBuild competition, showcasing their skills in front of a panel of expert judges on a national stage.

Painting and Decorating

At South Devon College, our dedicated painting and decorating workshops provide the perfect space to master the tools, techniques and creative skills needed for a professional career in this versatile trade. Designed to reflect real working conditions, our training environment supports everything from traditional brushwork to cutting-edge decorative techniques.

As you progress you’ll have the opportunity to use more advanced equipment, including HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray systems, developing the precision and control required for high-quality finishes. You’ll explore both modern and traditional methods, building a comprehensive understanding of surface preparation, colour theory, wallpapering and decorative effects.

Our workshop is designed to mirror real industry challenges, helping you prepare for a wide range of career paths. Whether you’re aiming to become a set designer, shop fitter or site foreperson, the skills you develop in our facilities will support your progression into employment or further study.

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through work placements, giving you the chance to apply your learning in professional settings and build connections with employers. Many of our students have competed successfully in the renowned SkillBuild competition, showcasing their skills in front of a panel of expert judges on a national stage.

Plastering

The Construction Multi-Skills programme at South Devon College offers the ideal introduction to the construction trades, featuring dedicated training in plastering alongside carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, and painting and decorating.

Our plastering workshops are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and materials, giving you the opportunity to build practical, hands-on experience in a professional environment. You’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, apply solid and fibrous plaster, and achieve high-quality finishes across a variety of surfaces and settings.

Whether you’re creating smooth internal walls or applying external rendering techniques, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to work efficiently and accurately, developing the skills that are in high demand across the construction sector.

Many of our students have competed successfully in the renowned SkillBuild competition, showcasing their skills in front of a panel of expert judges on a national stage.

How to use the 360 tour

Use your mouse or touchscreen to click and drag for a full 360° view of each facility or building.

For the best experience, we recommend making the tour full screen by clicking the settings (cog) icon in the bottom right corner of the tour window and then clicking on the arrows that appear.

Click on arrows or hotspots to move between rooms and areas.

To see a list of all points of interest, click the circle with three dots.

You can also zoom in or out for a closer look and enjoy an immersive virtual experience from anywhere!

Don’t miss our dedicated brickwork, carpentry and painting and decorating workshops.