BTEC Level 2 Firsts Construction and the Built Environment

Through a combination of practical experience and written assignments, this vocational qualification provides Level 2 learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for a career in the construction sector.

This course will cover 4 units over 1 academic year and is equivalent to a GCSE.

BTEC First Awards are primarily designed for use in schools as an introductory Level 1/Level 2 course for learners who want to study in the context of a vocational sector. The knowledge, understanding and skills learned in studying a BTEC First will aid progression to further study and, prepare learners to enter the workplace.

Learning aims:

Construction Technology

• Understand the structural performance required for low-rise construction
• Explore how sub-structures are constructed
• Explore how superstructures are constructed

Construction Design

• Understand the work of the construction industry
• Understand a client’s needs to develop a design brief for a low-rise building
• Produce a range of initial sketch ideas to meet the requirements of a client brief for a low-rise building

Construction Mathematics

• Understand the effects of forces and temperature changes on materials used in construction
• Use mathematical techniques to solve construction problems

Practical options for this course include:

Please note: A group can only study one BTEC practical option from one of the below.

Plumbing

• Understand tools, materials and equipment used for plumbing operations
• Develop practical skills using safe techniques to undertake plumbing operations

Carpentry

• Understand tools, materials and equipment used in carpentry and joinery
• Develop practical skills using safe techniques to produce a timber frame

Brickwork

• Understand tools, materials and equipment used for brickwork and blockwork
• Develop practical skills and safe techniques to construct brickwork and blockwork

During the academic year, students will also learn how to:

• Install laminate flooring
• Install skirting boards, fill and gloss
• Build a brick wall
• Install a tiled roof
• Wire an electrical ring main
• Heat weld plumbing fittings
• Install wall tiles
• Form four different wooden joints
• Sand and gloss doors
• Install door furniture
• Build a stud wall
• Use various hand and electric tools