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Civil Engineering - Level 2
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
What is the civil engineering course?
The Civil Engineering Level 2 is a practical, hands-on course designed to introduce you to the essentials skills and knowledge needed for a career in the construction and civil engineering industries. You'll learn how construction projects such as roads, railways, drainage systems, pathways and foundations are planned, prepared and constructed.
This course focuses on real-world construction techniques, helping you develop industry-relevant skills using professional tools, materials and equipment. It's ideal for students who prefer practical learning rather than spending all day in a classroom.
Who should study the civil engineering qualification?
This course is ideal for school leavers or anyone aged 16-18 who are:
- Interested in construction, civil engineering or infrastructure projects
- Looking to develop workplace skills and industry knowledge through practical, hands-on learning
- Considering a career in groundworks, highways, rail engineering, drainage or construction operations
- Wanting to progress into an apprenticeship or further construction-related qualifications.
What will you learn on the civil engineering course?
Throughout the course, you'll develop the practical skills, technical knowledge and professional behaviours expected within the construction industry.
Course modules:
- Health, safety and welfare in construction
- Principles of building construction, information and communication
- Preparing and mixing construction materials
- Setting out secondary dimensional work in construction
- Carrying out basic construction operations
- Construction plant and equipment awareness.
Practical skills you'll develop:
- Safe working practices on construction sites
- Groundworks and site preparation techniques
- Installing drainage systems
- Mixing and using concrete
- Laying block paving and slabs
- Measuring, setting out and levelling techniques
- Teamwork and communication skills
- How the construction industry works.
What additional opportunities are available?
Alongside your course, you'll have access to valuable industry-focused experiences that can help prepare you for future employment.
You may have the chance to gain experience through:
- Railway engineering industry placements - this could include a placement at QTS (one of the leading railway contractors in the UK)
- Employer engagement activities
- Guest speakers from construction and engineering industries.
Green CSCS Card Preparation
As part of the course, you can receive support to achieve an approved Health and Safety qualification and prepare for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test.
These are important steps towards applying for the Green Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Labourer Card, which is widely recognised across the construction industry and can support progression into:
- Site-based work experience
- Apprenticeships
- Entry-level construction employment.
Additional support
You'll also benefit from:
- English and maths support
- Tutorial and progression guidance.
Trips and visits
Learning extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities to visit real live construction environments and engineering locations to see how the industry works in the real world.
Trips and visits may include:
- Major construction sites
- Rail engineering environments
- Highway and infrastructure projects
- Plant and machinery demonstrations
- Construction training centres
- Employer workplaces and depots.
How is the civil enginnering course delivered?
The course is delivered through a blend of:
- Practical workshop activities
- Theory sessions
- Employer engagement activities
- Site visits and industry experiences.
The emphasis is on learning through practical application, helping you build confidence and workplace-ready skills in a realistic construction environment.
When does the civil engineering course start?
This course starts in September 2026.
- Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements.
- Assessment
- Practical assignments/tasks
- Tutor/assessor observations
- Portfolio evidence.
- Progression
- Railway Engineering - Level 2 (for students aged 16-18 only)
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - Level 3 (for students aged 16-18 only)
- Level 2/3 Engineering courses.
- Careers
- Additional costs
Students will need to purchase PPE.
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
- Studying Construction Crafts and Building Services at West Notts College
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.