Our Bricklaying Skills for Adults course is a practical, hands-on programme designed for adults who want to either learn bricklaying from scratch or improve their existing skills to confidently complete projects. The course covers everything from setting out and laying bricks and blocks to mixing mortar, using tools correctly, and finishing walls to a professional standard. With weekly sessions held in our fully equipped workshop, all tools and materials are provided, and learning is tailored to suit individual experience levels and goals. There are no exams or qualifications—just a friendly, supportive environment where you can build your confidence and skills at your own pace.
You should have a genuine interest in this subject
How to lay beds and perp joints
Set out walling
How to build to the industrial standards of plumb level and gauge
How to joint and point brick and blockwork
Understanding tools and equipment used within bricklaying tasks
To build block walling including attached piers
“It’s been nice to work in a professional environment. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, not pressured, and the afternoon just flowed. We learned new skills and were made to feel at ease.”
The college has invested in a range of vehicles for the course, including a VW Golf GTE, a Honda Civic Hybrid, and three Nissan Leafs. The students also have access to specialist diagnostic equipment and all required safety equipment.
“I love it. The guys are easy to talk to and we have a lot of fun. I like a brand new site day when everything is covered in mud and you are trying to pull pipes through chest height trenches and wrestling them through. I feel like I have achieved something.”
“You need to push yourself and be determined. I would say to anyone thinking about training to be a plumber, go for it. If you find someone to give you a chance it’s a win win. You have to have a good outlook on things and be resilient.
“The thing I enjoy most about my course is that it is creative and hands on – I get to come in each day and try something new. And I love seeing the change from the start to the end results.
“I definitely want to stay in the industry. I’d like to think in 10 years time I’ll have my own salon – fingers crossed!”
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.
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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.
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At South Devon College, our advanced electrical workshop facilities provide the perfect environment to develop the high-level technical skills required for a successful career in the building services and construction industry. Designed to reflect the expectations of modern employers, our spaces combine practical, hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology, including green technologies.
You’ll train in fully equipped electrical workshops featuring industry-standard tools and materials, where you’ll carry out complex installation work, fault-finding, and inspection and testing techniques. Whether you’re wiring a domestic circuit or diagnosing issues on a more advanced system, the workshop environment supports both your technical knowledge and practical skill development. There will also be the opportunity to become a qualified solar photovoltaics or EV charger installer, learning on all the latest technology in our cutting-edge Clean Energy Centre.
In addition, you’ll have access to our additive manufacturing suite, which includes an electrical electronics lab, CAD software, industrial photonics and optical electronics lab, and state-of-the-art 3D printers. These facilities allow you to explore how digital tools and smart technologies are shaping the future of electrical installation and design.
Taught by experienced professionals from the industry, the Electrical Installation Advanced Technical Diploma helps you build on your previous knowledge and prepares you for apprenticeship opportunities, higher-level qualifications, or direct employment in the sector.
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.
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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.
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At South Devon College, our state-of-the-art plumbing training facilities are designed to prepare you for a modern, future-proof career in the building services and renewable energy industries.
Within our plumbing workshops, you’ll also develop core trade skills, including installing copper and plastic pipework systems, hot and cold water supply, central heating installation and maintenance, fitting guttering and rainwater systems, installing sanitary ware, including taps, siphons, and float-operated valves, and copper fabrication and soldering techniques.
As the demand for sustainable technologies continues to grow, our cutting edge Clean Energy Centre will focus on the latest advancements in green energy and environmental efficiency, including the installation and maintenance of systems including air source and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems, all delivered in purpose-built training spaces with the latest industry-standard tools and equipment.
With the integration of new IT systems and AI features, students are trained not only in practical skills but also in digital tools that reflect the direction of modern plumbing and building services engineering.
We have courses to suit everyone so if you haven't found exactly what you're looking for yet, we recommend you take a look at the following courses. We've selected these for you based on your interests.
At South Devon College, student life is more than just studying – it’s about feeling supported, connected, and ready for the future. With excellent student support services, including wellbeing and mental health support, careers advice, and financial guidance, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Getting here is easy with affordable travel options, including discounted bus and train passes. Our campus community is welcoming and vibrant, with clubs, activities, and a dedicated Student Union ensuring you make the most of your time with us.
