Carpentry & Construction - Construction Technology
This program provides students with a broad range of skills to work in both the carpentry & construction environment. The course is ideally suited for those who wish to pursue employment, advance to further education or undertake an apprenticeship.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B1 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional :
• Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
• Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship at Kerry College
• B.Tech (Education) in Graphics and Construction Technology concurrent with Teacher Education at University of Limerick (UL)
• B.Sc. in Construction at Munster Technological University (MTU)
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking at Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
• B.Sc. in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology at Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
What are the employment opportunities?
On successful completion of the course students are prepared for employment, including employment with building contractors/developers, architects, quantity surveyors and local authorities. Students may also progress to apprenticeships as follows;
• Brick and Stonelaying
• Painting and Decorating
• Plastering
• Plumbing
• Stonecutting and Stonemasonry
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why Should I Apply?
This course will give you a foundation and understanding of the essential skills needed in the industry. You will gain knowledge and skills across the different construction disciplines such as carpentry, shuttering, blockwork and plastering apprenticeships.
The course is also aimed at people who wish to embark on a career or gain qualifications in the construction industry, with a particular emphasis on carpentry and the build environment. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills associated with the building and construction technology. The course enables students to develop practical skills in the areas of building construction and wood fabrication.
Work experience placement is an integral part of this course. Students must obtain their own work experience. Dates and times of work experience will be specified by the college. A SafePass is required for anyone entering a construction site to work. We will organise the course prior to the commencement of Work Experience (subject to numbers) for those who do not have one.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Construction Technology (5M5010).
What will I study?
Architectural Drawing (5N1558)
Building Construction (5N1570)
Communications (5N0690)
Computer Aided Draughting (2D) (5N1604)
Design Skills (5N0784)
Furniture Making (5N1275)
Wood Fabrication (5N1999)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M5010 - Construction Technology.
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm