Building Confidence with Practical Construction Skills

With the construction sector facing ongoing skills shortages and increasing demand for a trained workforce, Norfolk County Council Adult Learning is using Gateway Qualifications’ Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Awards in Building and Construction to help engage adult learners and rebuild confidence.

They deliver short, practical construction courses designed to support adults back into learning and employment. Built around these flexible, fully funded qualifications, the programmes offer a welcoming first step for learners who may have been unemployed for a long time, lack confidence or feel uncertain about returning to education.;

Students wearing yellow high vis vests pour mixed plaster onto a wooden surface.Engaging learners with practical, achievable courses

Norfolk County Council Adult Learning delivers a range of beginner-friendly construction tasters designed to build learners’ confidence and introduce key practical skills. As part of this offer, the centre delivers plastering and electrical units taken from Gateway Qualifications, fully funded Building and Construction qualifications. Additional tasters, such as basic DIY, woodwork, and brickwork, are delivered as non-accredited, tailored sessions to meet the needs of local learners.

Delivered in small, supportive groups across morning, afternoon and evening sessions, each programme offers a supportive introduction for learners who may not be ready for longer courses. Safeguarding and wellbeing are delivered with the course to support learners’ personal development and prepare them for their next steps.

Our learners need short taster courses that focus on building confidence. Gateway Qualifications’ Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Awards are ideal because they’re practical, fully funded and flexible, meeting the needs of different cohorts. Their structure also allows us to tailor delivery around the learner, ensuring our programmes remain relevant and accessible.

Mark Yorkston, Curriculum Manager at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning

Breaking down barriers to learning

The learners supported by Norfolk County Council Adult Learning often face significant personal and practical barriers, including long-term unemployment, low confidence and limited prior qualifications. Norfolk County Council Adult Learning receives referrals from the Jobcentre and works closely with local homeless charities and community partners to reach individuals who are traditionally hard to reach.

For these learners, large workbooks or academically demanding programmes can present a barrier. Gateway Qualifications’ unit design, with smaller workbooks and concise, achievable tasks, helps reduce this pressure and supports learners in re-engaging with education at a comfortable pace.

Gateway Qualifications smaller workbooks mean learners don’t need to complete large amounts of written work straight away, which makes a huge difference to the people we support. We’re able to combine hands-on construction activities with manageable written elements and embedded maths skills such as measurements and estimates. This helps learners build sector-relevant competency while gradually rebuilding confidence in their ability to learn.

Mark Yorkston, Curriculum Manager at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning

Clear pathways into further learning and workA student in high vis with red hair is smiling holding up a plug.

The construction tasters have resulted in strong retention and increased confidence. Many learners have been unemployed for an extended period or are returning to learning after long absences, so having clear, achievable next steps is essential.

At enrolment, staff work with each learner to set personal goals and outline a realistic progression route. The practical nature of Gateway Qualifications’ units helps learners achieve early success, which is a significant motivator for future steps.

Many learners move on to Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), apprenticeships or employment, while others use their newfound confidence to explore different learning opportunities. Partnerships with the Jobcentre and local employers also enable the Council to support general labourers in developing the skills they need and in gaining a CSCS card, significantly improving their employability. Mark highlights how Gateway Qualifications underpin this progression:

From the moment learners enrol, we work with them to map out a clear pathway and Gateway units fit perfectly into that journey. Learners can get a taste of a specific area of construction and, if they choose to pursue it, progress into further learning or Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Some learners attend multiple courses to explore different areas before deciding on their next step, while others move on to apprenticeships or directly into work. These tasters help learners explore their options, build belief in their potential and take meaningful steps toward their next opportunity.”

Mark Yorkston, Curriculum Manager at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning

Together, Norfolk County Council and Gateway Qualifications are empowering learners to rebuild confidence, develop practical skills and progress toward employment.

Discuss your needs

Our friendly and experienced Business Development Team are happy to discuss your needs and offer advice on curriculum planning and funding.

Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award in Building and Construction (Entry 3)

Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Building and Construction

Sector-based Work Academies | Off-the-shelf packages to support delivery.