An excellent course for all ages on the art of wood craft
We teach traditional skills, utilising modern tools for contemporary industry requirements
What is Bench Joinery?
Bench Joinery is the traditional method for joining timber without the use of nails or screws, typically done at a workbench
It is most commonly used for architectural timber components to then be installed into buildings and structures
Utilising a mixture of hand tools, power tools, and industrial machines, Bench Joiners will spend most of their time in a workshop producing items that will then be exported to where that item is required
Who is it for?
A rather consistent work pattern makes Bench Joinery perfect for those that enjoy routines, often taking place in a workshop and sheltered from the elements
It is quite a static craft which rarely requires a change in location, unlike Site Carpentry or Bricklaying. This is due to the tools and equipment required for Bench Joinery not always being easily portable
Requiring close attention to detail and razor sharp precision, accuracy is the name of the game. Often allowing room for some creativity, this craft is perfect for those wanting to create high quality bespoke items
What do we teach?
At the Building Crafts College we value the traditional approach to the craft of wood working. You will be taught how to form traditional joints using hand tools and how to produce setting out using the industry standard technical drawings
As you progress modern power tools and woodworking machines are utilised to produce Joinery to a professional standard
As well as the practical element to the course, there are also theory work books that cover a range of topics from construction methods to timber and traditional jointing methods for a range of joinery products
Practical & Theory
Whilst there is a lot of practical work on this course, which takes place in our purpose-built workshops, theory, technical drawing, and setting out still play a huge role
Our students will still spend some time in classrooms as they learn things like history, industry knowledge, and technical aspects. The rest of the teaching occurs in the workshops through practical demonstrations and 1:1 guidance from our experienced tutors
The most notable components of the course are:
Development of a high standard of Bench Joinery skills
Use of woodworking machines
Use of portable power tools
Making and assembling joinery products such as basic frames, cabinets, doors and stairs
Completion of study packs, practical pieces, module tests and end test
Maths and English GCSE tutoring if required (for 16-18 year olds only)
Who can apply?
No previous woodworking or carpentry experience is required, and no prior qualifications are needed to join our L2 course. We welcome all with a passion for the crafts and an eagerness to learn
Bench Joinery L2 is taught to both 16-18 year olds, and 19+ students. Although these age groups are kept in separate classes, the content of the course is still quite similar, with some small but important differences to note:
16-18 year olds
Duration
The course runs 3 days per week for all 16-18 students, though whether it is a 1 or 2 year course depends on whether you have a grade 4 or above in GCSE English & maths. If you are without either of these you will need to continue studying them whilst at the college. Typically 1 day per week is allocated for this which means the course will be over 2 years instead. If you have a grade 4 or above in both English & maths it will remain a 1 year course
Cost
Government funding means the course is free for those that start the course before they turn 19
19+ students
Duration
For all 19+ students the course is 2 days per week over 1 year (37 weeks). There is no requirement for 19+ students to have English & maths GCSE’s. The course runs on set days every week, these cannot be changed and access to the workshops is not possible outside of these days
Cost
Bench Joinery L2 costs £8500 for the entire 1 year course. Unfortunately government funding is not available for this course for 19+ students, so it must be funded by the student themselves. Students are able to apply for funding from WC Carpenters via the college once they have been offered a place on the course. More info can be found on our Funding Information page, please see our Useful Links section at the bottom of this page
Course syllabus & timeline
- Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery
Ideally Grade 4 in Maths and English. If you do not have these then you must continue to work towards a Grade 4 with our tutors whilst at College
Completion of Maths and English basic skills assessment
Please note: No prior woodworking qualifications are required (this course is for entry level upwards, with the skills equivalent to Carpentry and Joinery Level 1 included in the syllabus)
- 1 year, 3 days per week (37 weeks per year) for 16-18 year olds
- 1 year, 2 days a week (37 weeks per year) for 19+
16-18 year olds:
1 year for those with Grade 4 in Maths and English
2 years if you do not have Grade 4 in Maths and English
- 16 – 18 NIL
- 2026/27 course fees: £8500*
- Applications for scholarships can be submitted to help support fee costs
*subject to approval
- Apprenticeships
- Opportunity to progress into employment
Please fill out an application form here.
