Construction Bootcamps

The Focus Training Group is delivering a Construction Skills Bootcamp in Exeter, designed to support adults looking to gain practical trade skills and progress into employment or an apprenticeship within the construction and building services sector.

This structured programme includes specialist trade training followed by employability skills to support learners into the next stage of their career.

Gain essential skills and certifications to get site-ready, including

• Highfield L1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
• CITB CSCS Test
• Emergency First Aid Training
• Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS)
• Manual Handling and Fire Safety
• COSHH Awareness & PPE
• Toolbox Talks and Safety Culture
• Safe Use of Hand and Power Tools
• Working at Height and Confined Space Awareness (knowledge only)
• Employability Skills – CVs, interviews, workplace behaviour

This Skills Bootcamp is suitable for individuals who

• Are aged 19 or over
• Are unemployed, returning to work, or looking to upskill
• Are interested in progressing into the construction industry

You may be eligible to apply for a Skills Bootcamp if you

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Live in Devon, Plymouth or Torbay

To register your interest for future Skills Bootcamps, click below.

This 10-day Construction Skills Bootcamp gives you the essential skills to start work in the construction industry. You will take part in practical training and learn health and safety knowledge, gaining hands-on experience across key trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, plastering and painting and decorating.

The course helps you develop the core competencies needed on site, building your confidence and capability in a supportive training environment. Alongside practical activities, you will complete the NOCN Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, preparing you for safe working practices.

On the final day, you will sit the CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Test. If you successfully complete both the qualification and the test, you can apply for a CSCS Labourer Card, which is an important step towards employment in the construction sector.

Click below to find out more and register your interest.

This Level 2 Skills Bootcamp in Construction Multiskills will provide you with an introduction to the practical skills in a range of trade occupations within the construction industry. Its is aimed at adults who are:

• Currently employed in construction, who want to gain a broad range of trade skills to be able to take on additional duties or a new role for the employer,
• Currently not in work and looking to gain skills to enable them to enter employment in the construction industry, or;
• Self-employed and providing DIY services, looking to increase customer base and services you can provide.

This part time programme focuses on developing practical skills for direct application to the construction workplace and will be delivered one day a week learning with our subject specialist lecturer. As part of your studies, you will follow and complete projects that will provide you with a portfolio of work and confidence to move on or up in the construction industry.

The programme will cover the following practical tasks:

Carpentry – we will teach you how to use basic hand tools safely, then apply those skills for sawing straight and chiselling. We will teach you how to measure and mark out accurately, then cut, and assessable a small stud wall, then position a lining in it, before cutting and fitting an architrave

Bricklaying – you will learn about bonding in brickwork and the reason for this, then build a straight wall in half bond, applying a half round finish

You will then build a corner and run a stretcher bond wall off this then apply a half round finish. You will have the opportunity to build a blockwork corner positioning wall tie, then form a brickwork cavity.

Paving and Slabbing – you will learn how to prepare a base for slabbing and paving as well as learn patterns and installation techniques.

Decorating – you will learn how to prepare and apply wallpaper to a wall with different materials and patterns.

Plastering – you will learn to apply multi finish plaster in 2 coats to a wall, the size of the area will depend on your ability and confidence.

Tiling – you will learn how to set out and apply tiles to walls including decorative patterns.

(The order of the subjects may change)

Each week will be broken down into theoretical input and practical skills training. Practical training will be provided for each area to develop the specific skills required to compete tasks and improve to a professional standard.

For more information please contact one of our Skills Bootcamp Advisers:
Email: skillsbootcamps@exe-coll.ac.uk
Call: 01392 400800

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course need to be either:

• Employed – to take on a new role or duties in your current workplace. Your employer will be asked to pay a contribution (dependent on the size of the organisation),
• Unemployed – committed to actively seeking employment opportunities independently during the course and gaining employment in the sector,
• Self-employed – You currently have a self employed business, and are using the course to help grow your business and commit to provide evidence that you have acquired new clients and provide additional services, after the course has finished.

To apply you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You were aged 19 on or before 31st August 2025
• You have the right to work in the UK.
• You have lived in the UK or EU/EAA for the last 3 years or have a residency status that makes you exempt from this rule.
• English skills including written/spoken required with Level 1 being the minimum.
• You have not completed another Skills Bootcamp in this current financial year.
• You are committed to participating in delivery sessions for 10 weeks.
• This course is open to aged 19+ residents of Devon.

All applicants will be assessed at interview.

Working with industry experts, this Heritage Construction Skills Bootcamp has been specifically designed for builders and tradespeople already working in the construction sector. This is a unique professional development opportunity to upskill and meet local demand.

Bringing together specialist from across the UK, this intensive bootcamp has been carefully crafted in response to local research. You will learn about the repair and maintenance of pre 1919 buildings, whilst developing practical skills in stonemasonry repair, lime plastering and sash window repair.

Click below to register your interest for future courses.

This Bricklaying Skills Bootcamp introduces learners to the principles of retrofit within bricklaying and construction.

It covers sustainable building practices, the role of retrofit in improving energy efficiency, and the practical considerations for bricklayers in modern construction projects.

Learners will also develop essential health and safety knowledge, employability skills, and prepare for their CSCS card, supporting progression into further training or employment in the bricklaying and wider construction sector.

13 weeks, daytime (Monday to Friday). Please note this course will be face to face classroom delivery.

Click below to register your interest.

This Electrical Skills Bootcamp provides learners with an introduction to the principles of renewable energy technologies and sustainable electrical systems, preparing them for work in the low-carbon and renewable energy sector.

It is designed for individuals working in, or entering, the electrical industry who wish to gain knowledge of sustainable energy systems, environmental awareness, and the safe, effective application of renewable technologies in line with the UK’s net zero commitments.

The programme also includes preparation for the CSCS card, helping learners gain the qualifications and confidence required to progress into employment or further training in construction and related trades.

This course will be 13 Weeks, Monday to Friday daytime. Please note this course is face to face, classroom delivery.

Click below to register your interest.

This Plumbing Skills Bootcamp introduces learners to the fundamentals of renewable plumbing and low-carbon heating systems, including heat pumps, solar thermal, and water recycling technologies. It is designed for those entering or already working in the plumbing industry who want to build knowledge of sustainable energy solutions and support the UK’s net zero targets.

Learners gain an understanding of efficiency, safety, and environmental requirements, while employers benefit from staff prepared for the growing demand in renewable and retrofit plumbing projects.

The programme also includes preparation for the CSCS card, helping learners gain the qualifications and confidence required to progress into employment or further training in construction and related trades.

This course will be 13 Weeks, part-time during the day, Monday to Friday. Please note this course is face to face, classroom delivery.

Click below to register your interest for future courses.

Cohort start and end dates:

18/05/2026 – 13/07/2026

22/06/2026 – 17/08/2026

Our IT Smart Technician Skills Bootcamp prepares you for entry-level roles within the growing smart technology sector by developing the technical skills needed to work with connected and intelligent systems. The programme focuses on the practical knowledge required to support, install, and maintain smart technologies used across a range of industries.

This government-funded Skills Bootcamp is part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs. Previous experience is not required, but you must have a strong interest in technology and innovation, and a desire to work with smart and connected systems.

Click below to register now.

The Welding Skills Bootcamp will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to get started in a career in welding or which may be used to develop new business opportunities. This Skills Bootcamp will include:

• a basic introduction to welding and the different types of welding
• an introduction to advanced welding and the different typesof advanced welding
• welding techniques using augmented welding – MMA and MIG welders
• preparing and using MMA welders
• preparing and using MIG welders

Click below to register your interest for future courses.