HNC in Construction

99 thoughts on “HNC in Construction”

1. Are you able to get a trainee job whilest studying a hnc if so what type?

   • You could be fornutate to find an employer who will sponsor your course and give you time off to attend college but these jobs are difficult to get at the moment. Most of them are run via the Modern Apprenticeship scheme http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/
     Have a word with your local college who should be able to tell which companies local to you are running the scheme.

2. I am currently a contracts manager for a civil engineering and groundworks company. Could I do a HNC on line? Or day release? I live in Devon.

   • You can’t do the HNC online but it is offered on a day release basis by most colleges and runs over a 2 year period. Some colleges may also run evening courses if there is enough local demand.

3. I’m trying to find a college in London or Southern Home Counties that provide this course in the evenings – any recommendations? All the ones I’ve found are unfortunately day release and my employer is unlikely to be keen on this..

   • It is unlikely you’ll find a college offering evenings only unless there is a significant demand for it. It may be worth talking to the head of the built environment dept at your college of choice to see if there is anything they can do for you? It is a long shot but, if nothing else, he/she will know if there are any evening courses being run in the area.

4. What qualifications are needed to get onto a HNC course? I have 2 average AS Levels

   • Normally a Level 3 qualification is the minimum. One AS Level is the equivalent of a Level 3 so you should be OK. Or, if you have relevant work experience, the minimum qualification requirement can be waived at the discretion of the college running the course.

5. Is there a recommended reading list for this course or would it be best picking up a more tailored one from the individual’s tutor?

   • Individual colleges tend to issue their own recommended reading lists which will be updated from time to time. Generally speaking The Building Construction Handbook (Chudley and Greeno) and, to a slightly lesser extent, The Building Services Handbook (Hall and Greeno) are pretty much essential sources of reference you’ll find useful throughout the course (and in your working life afterwards).

6. I’ve been unemployed for two months now after working as a contractor for Carillion for 5 years and apparently NVQ level 3 construction supervision and having SMSTS site management is not enough to secure a job with another construction company.
   Is an HNC really going to help??

   • Long term, yes, it’s certainly going to help, depending on the kinds of jobs you’re looking at. But, in the short term, probably not. THE SMSTS, gold or black CSCS card and a first aid certificate appear to be valued more highly than any academic qualification at the moment?

7. I am currently studying for my HNC at college and I am underway with the second year of the two. I am 20 years old and currently work as joiner and do not have a clue what I want to do or when to even go job wise once I finish. What jobs can this take me too. Thank you.

   • Unlike a lot of other vocational qualifications the HNC doesn’t lead to any job in particular. It gives you a basic grounding in many aspects of commercial construction that you wouldn’t gain elsewhere.

     I’m assuming you’re doing the HNC with a view to getting off the tools? The usual career path for someone like yourself would be to progress from foreman to contract manager or assistant site manager. The HNC is often cited as a requirement for these kinds of jobs.

     You might also want to consider going down the professional route as a surveyor? In which case completion of the HNC would enable you to do a foundation degree or full degree in your chosen discipline.

8. Hi I’m currently working for a maintenance company with over 25 Years experance in carpentry & joinery & plumbing, minor building works.
   I’m considering on a HNC course so I can step off the tools I do not think I will be doing a degree as the cost is around £18000, what type of job could I get once I’ve gained the HNC

   • See the previous answer

9. Hi. I am doing my first year of a hnc in construction management. I’m going to do the degree once I have finished the hnc. I run my own maintenance firm and I’m a nvq 3 carpenter with 12 years experience. When should I look at getting in to management? Would I have enough experience now if I did a smsts to get a job somewhere or should I wait until I finish either the hnc or degree. I know I’ll have to start at the bottom but if I had a degree would I be overqualified for a trainee site manager?

   • There is nothing to stop you looking for and applying for jobs right now; you certainly have sufficient experience. If you wait until you have finished the HNC or degree you may be missing opportunities that may not be available in a few years time. The only downside is that not all employers are keen on having staff who are part-time students. It is a negative attitude on their part and something you’ll just have to accept.
     If you’re looking at opportunities in site management the degree will be beneficial but experience is more important.

10. Please could you give me the costs of undertaking a HNC Course? I would be looking to do a day release from my current firm so would spread the course over 2 years.

    • You’ll have to contact your local college as the prices charged vary quite a bit. The HNC is now eligible for funding under the student loan scheme which has resulted in the fees going up quite a lot over the past few years. As an example my local college is quoting £3,700 for the 2 year part time course (it was £1,200 when I did it 7 years ago).

11. I am a 42 year old bricklayer with over 25 years experience , I am looking to go into a role in health and safety off the tools. I’m looking for the right advice as to what courses I need to be getting on, any help would be greatly appreciated.

    • The NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Health & Safety is what you need to be looking at (details here).

      You could also do the 2 day first aid course, if you haven’t already, and the Site Safety Plus course for managers or supervisors (details).

      I don’t think you need any formal qualifications for the NEBOSH courses although you would likely be accepted on work experience anyway?

      Obviously there is a cost involved with all these courses but sometimes grants are available – ask the course provider if they know of any currently available.

12. I am going to be starting NC CONSTRUCTION BUILT ENVIROMENT in aug, im hoping to progress on to HNC then HND. What kind of engineering jobs would these qualifications get me?

    • An HNC/HND won’t get you any kind of job in itself. If you’re interested in a career in civil engineering it might be worthwhile considering what kind of job you are interested in doing first.

      The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) have more information here

      The National Careers Service also have an extensive list of construction job profiles here

13. Hi I’m looking to do my hnc course for construction after the summer and want to get a head start. Where can I find study books or any kind of studying material?

    • Your chosen college will probably have a reading list but I would suggest you get the ‘Building Construction Handbook'(Chudley and Greeno) and familiarize yourself with the basics.
      ‘Advanced Construction Technology’ (also by Chudley and Greeno) is another book that covers most aspects of commercial construction in concise manner.

14. I am a fully qualified Mechanical Project Engineer with a Full SMSTS qualification. Does this alow me to go into building services

    • If you mean ‘the building services HNC’ your work experience and any relevant qualifications will be taken into account? So the answer is probably yes.

15. Hello,

    I have project managed and self- renovated houses additional to my full time job as a police officer for the last 13 years.

    I have no formal qualifications or nvq’s for any trade although quite proficient in many trades.

    I am 33yrs old and looking to change my career completely, I have just completed the level 3 BTec diploma in construction and the built environment to distinction level and am starting the HNC in the same this September.
    I am looking to complete my level 3 certificate in the electrical city and guilds 2365 and get my 17th edition quals in the next 6-9 months.

    My question is, Is the HNC in construction the right course to have when I hopefully will move into management or would you advise of a differing route to take?

    • As you’re already going down the mechanical and electrical route the Building Services HNC/HND may be worth considering? CIBSE have a list of providers HNC Building Services Courses

      That said the construction HNC does touch on building services to a degree and is probably your best route since it covers many other subjects while allowing you to keep your options open?

16. I have completed, couple of years ago, an Edexcel Level 5 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering. Recently I started a job as a Supervisor for a Drylining company. My question is: what CSCS type of card can I get for my qualification and how?

    • You can apply for the white Academically Qualified Person (AQP) Card which is valid for 5 years. It’s intended as a stop gap until you qualify for a higher level card.
      You’ll need to complete the Managers and Supervisors Health, Safety and Environment Test first though. You’ll also need to send a copy of your qualification to CSCS.

      You can also apply for the standard green operatives card.
      You can take the standard HS&E test for this. You’ll also need to do the Level 1 NVQ course.

17. I’m currently working within the Estates department for the NHS in the West Midlands. I have completed my first year HNC studies and will be starting my second year in September (paying for the course myself). However I want to find a new job that would let me attend college but also give me experience and on the job training ideally towards project management/ site management . Any suggestions as to what companies may be suitable or any advice?

    • What you’re describing would be an ideal way for the construction industry to train and recruit project/site managers. The problem is that many of the main contractors and housebuilders are only interested in recruiting young graduates. And they complain about skill shortages?

      Smaller firms tend to be more forward thinking but investing in training is still something a lot of them are nervous about.

      Your best bet is to contact local small/medium sized builders and contractors and ask if they’d be interested in employing you on a trainee basis. The fact that you’re already paying for your own studies demonstrates the level of commitment they might be looking for?

18. I am aiming to get into project management within construction long term; I have experience managing projects and managing in house tradesmen while working in retail as space planner. I’d like to know what is the best route for me to take in regards to training. Do I take a course and if so which one as I alteady have a HND in Product Design? I am 31 and a bit long in the tooth for an apprenticeship. In an effort to get closer to my goal, I have completed my CSCS training and have organised some work project and admin experience with a contractor. I’d like to look for work now as there’s so many opportunities in London at the moment but doubt my lack of experience and qualifications will convince firms to offer me paid work.
    I’m in need of a clear list of options.

    • I have just answered a similar question here. Your circumstances are different but the route to management is much the same.

      However, as an absolute minimum, I would say the Construction HNC ought to be your next step.

19. Hi, I am currently looking at further education as a part time / evening class mature student.

    On looking at appropriate courses, an HNC in Construction Management interests me.

    I have no prior experience in the construction industry and work full time as a Police Officer, but I would like to keep my future career options open.

    What are the possible careers/jobs that this qualification could lead to and what college courses could I progress onto to open up even more careers/jobs?

    Many thanks in advance for your response.

    • The HNC is generally a prerequisite for management roles or to proceed onto a degree such as the Construction Management Degree or Construction Surveying.
      For someone with little or no on the job experience I’d suggest Health & Safety as an area worth looking at. You can do the NEBOSH qualification in a relatively short period of time and doesn’t require the level of experience that, say, an assistant site manager position would do.

      The problem with the construction industry is the tendency to pigeonhole people into job specific roles and it can be difficult to break through this barrier. Obviously, any hands on experience you can get is going to be to your benefit.

20. Would a HNC construction help on the way to becoming a Quantity surveyor?

    • To qualify as a QS you’ll need to do a relevant degree and complete an assessment of professional competence (APC).
      Universities will generally accept candidates with decent HNC grades and some relevant experience. So yes, the HNC will help on the way; it’s also a course worth doing as a way into a number of job roles, not just surveying.

21. Hi I’m looking to get into project management for the company I currently work for.im a heritage joiner and have 13 years experience in the making and installing of all joinery aspects. I only really have nvq level 3 in bench joinery as qualifications so wondering what would be the best step for me to take?

    • I guess the first step is to talk to your employer to discuss what it is they need from you that you don’t already have? A course such as the HNC building studies may give you a grounding but it covers a lot of subjects, some of which you may or may not need? The HNC construction management may also be a more suitable course but isn’t so widely available.

      A meeting with the head of built environment at your local college would also be worthwhile. It won’t cost you anything and will give a you a better idea of what route to take.

22. Hi im a groundworker/pipe layer i want to move of the tools into setting out surveying as an engineer if i complete hnc in construction and the built environment could i then apply as a trainee/junior site engineer and gain my experiance that way?

    • You could start applying for trainee jobs as soon as you start the course. Also look out for chainman jobs as a way of getting some relevant experience.

23. Hello, I am an NVQ level 3 qualified electrician with 4 years experience.

    I want to start my own electrical contracting firm. I have noticed a lot of the work I want to go for is put out for tender. Will this course teach me about the tendering/ bid process & would you say it would be a good step for starting my own business baring in mind I won’t be on the tools myself but rather ‘managing’ things.

    • The HNC/HND courses are designed to cover all aspects of commercial construction so you’ll find a lot of the modules useful and relevant. Individual colleges provide the course with a selection of mandatory and optional modules – some in more detail than others.

      This is a list of all available modules for HNC/HND Construction and Building Services Engineering courses. You’ll need to check with your local college what courses they run and what modules they include.

      As an electrician you may find the Building Services Engineering course more appropriate but I would recommend talking to the head of dept at your college of choice for more specific guidance.

24. I need a copy on my HNC certificate passed more than 25 years ago in Somerset , does anyone know who could help ?

    • 25 years may be too far back but,
      http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/Services/replacement-certificates.html

25. I dropped out of my HNC Course in 1989/1990. How can I find out which units I need to complete the course. Is there a database that BTEC could access to find my records.

    • The college where you took the course should have the records. Unless you still have all the completed coursework it may not be possible to pick up where you left off, bearing in mind the HNC has changed significantly since you began.

26. I’m currently about to finish my last year in my HNC construction and the built environment course. I’ve funded the course myself and am currently working for the NHS in the facilities and estates department in Birmingham. I want to use the HNC qualification I will get to go into project management.

    Do you have any advice or point me in a direction?

    • You could do the BSc (Hons) Construction Management Degree that’s offered by a number of Universities. Completion of the HNC should enable you to join the course in the second year.

      You might also consider taking the professional route via the Chartered Institute of Builders which would be the preferable route for your long term prospects.

      https://www.ciob.org/become-a-member

    • I have finished the 1st year of my apprenticeship (BTEC Level 3 Construction and built environment) and have one year left. I am trying to gather as much information as possible to make my life easier when it comes to applying for colleges or University for September 2017.

      I am torn between completing a subsidiary diploma or moving up to a Full diploma, as I am not sure if I would prefer to complete an HNC or go straight to university and will be studying quantity surveying in the future.

      If I complete a 2 year part time HNC course in Surveying, will this allow me to start the 2nd year of a part time University degree or allow me to start the 3rd year (5 year courses).

      The reason why I ask is that I have been given a lot of conflicting information. A colleague of mine and my college tutor both completed a 2 year HNC course and went into the 3rd year of a degree. However, I contacted Greenwich university who advised that it would allow me to start on the 2nd year of the course.

      Any advice would be extremely welcome.

      • As a rule of thumb good HNC grades (mostly merits and distinctions) will allow you to join a relevant degree course on the second year. However, individual Universities will have their own criteria depending on how the course is delivered and this is why you may know of exceptions to this rule.

        The advise you got from Greenwich University is what I would expect but you may get a different response elsewhere. I wouldn’t count on it though.

27. I have just finished completing my Construction level 3 and am slightly confused on what to do next. I want a career in quantity surveying so should I take up a HNC or what other option? I’m 18

    • The HNC is a good route to take as it will give you a good grounding in commercial construction and basic surveying principles. To go further you’ll need to do a degree in a surveying discipline and getting decent HNC grades will help you – especially since you’ll be able to join the degree course on year 2 rather than starting from the beginning.

      You could also become a student member of RICS where you’l find more specific guidance and advice on your options in the world of surveying.
      http://www.rics.org/es/join/student/

      The CIoB is another option although more centred towards construction management than surveying.
      http://www.ciob.org/become-a-member

28. I am a nvq level 3 plumbing and heating engineer. I’ve got 7 years experience on the tools. Is this enough to be eligible for a hnc course

    • Very likely yes. Course admission is at a individual colleges’s discretion but more than 5 years industry experience is usually acceptable.

29. Does anyone know any colleges that do the HNC course in one year in the Essex/London area

    • hovering ardleigh green campus

30. i have just finished my first year HNC with 3 distinction and 1 merit and was lucky enough to get a job in quantity surveying, but i’m not sure it is what i want to do i have looked at other degrees other than quantity surveying and architect and project management stand out and i would find more interesting could i do this degree of a HNC and what year/level could i jump onto after finishing my course?

    • Good HNC grades will get you to the second year of most construction related degrees. However, rather than looking for something more interesting at this stage it might also be worth thinking about things such as how you are going to fund the degree and membership fees etc? Will the company you are working for now fund this for you and how easy do you think it will be to find another decent employer if you do make a change?

      Quantity surveying is, perhaps, not the most glamourous option but I can tell you this. If you do qualify as a QS you are unlikely ever to be out of work, even if you switch disciplines later on.

31. My son would like to do the HNC in Construction and is trying to find a course in or around Oxford. It appears the nearest is at Swindon and wondered if anyone knew of any courses in Oxfordshire?

32. I am working for a company as an assistant engineer and am on the verge of being promoted becoming a site engineer. I can perform most of the tasks expected by a civil engineer. The only problem is I hold absolutely no recognised qualifications. My conpany have funded college and I have been accepted into a HNC in construction. I am due to enrol next week but am I little worried as rhey have asked me to bring my gcse results and I dropped out of school with nothing. I do think im capable of achieving this course. Should I be worried? Or will my experience be recognised when I enrol?

    • There is no reason to worry since relevant work experience is generally accepted. However, this is at the discretion of the college so, to save embarrassment, it would be a good idea to contact the head of the built environment department before you go to enrol. You can, of course, expect any communication with the department head to be confidential.

      If you contact the college reception they should be able to give you a direct email or direct phone number for him/her.

33. I’m a NVQ level 2 carpenter with 6 years experience I want to become a site manager or quantity surveyor should I bother doing my NVQ level 3 or go straight to HNC

    • You could go straight on to the HNC but you could also do your level 3 NVQ at the same time. Obviously, it depends on funding but that would be the best option.

    • Im doing the HNC course part time which later will be helpful for me to get into university for a bachelors degree in quantity surveying.

34. I’ve been working in Property Management for 4 years and other office roles for 8 years previously. I have decided to focus on Building Surveying as a chosen career. I have 10 GCSE’s (A-C) and 3 A-levels (BCC), but at 30 I am not 100% on the best route towards qualifying as apprenticeships are now beyond me…

    Based on research, the ‘approved’ path towards qualification is a 2 year part-time HNC in Construction, followed by a 3 year part-time degree in Building Surveying.

    Would you agree with this route? Thanks

    • You should also consider joining the RICS as student member and network as much as possible. For non-conventional (non-school leavers, that is) entrants it’s often a case of being in the right place at the right time and getting your foot in the door.

35. I have question that may sound very weird, I am currently in the financial sector completing my AAT level 3 while working for a construction company, lately I have been very interested in BIM and I am looking to change my profession, can I dive into a new position that has opened up for trainee BIM/CAD asking for minimal 120 ucas points to enter a HNC course in civil engineering? will my level 3 (160 ucas) points suffice or will I have to do construction courses before I can get into this position? or am I asking this question in the wrong place?

    • It will be at the course provider’s discretion but the likely answer is yes. The HNC course is designed for people with at least some basic knowledge of construction but you’ll find even with people who do have a lot of industry experience there are lots of subjects they know nothing about. You may find your experience in finance gives you some advantage in some areas.

      The right place to ask is the college providing the course, since it is they who can give you a definite answer.

36. Hi there, I’m taking Hnd 2nd year in Architectural design. At the end of this course should I be considered to get into Architecture BA and if so, for which year? Someone there which are and the same boat?

37. I already have a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering but now I wish to change my field to civil engineering. Can I still do a HNC even if I already have a degree? Also, can gaining a HNC lead straight to employment or do I need to do a HND and then complete the final year of my degree to get a job within civil engineering?

    • Yes, you can do the HNC even if you already have a degree. Having the HNC will certainly help when it comes to finding a job but there are no guarantees, even if you go on to do another degree. You can find more specific advice about careers in civil engineering and how to gain professional status via The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

38. Can I do a HND or hnc, I’m 19? Thanks

    • You have to do the HNC first and you’ll have to contact your nearest college to enrol on course.

39. Hello

    I am 45 and looking towards doing a HNC in construction and have city and guilds advanced craft( which is now replaced with the Nvq cert )

    I have 28 years experience in construction and have recently been moved into the office and feel I need the relevant qualifications to progress in my new surroundings, any advice or help would be greatly appreciated

    • I would advice you try and get as much support from your employer as possible but also bear in mind this is as much about your own future as your employers. Once you have settled in to the course start thinking about what you will do afterwards, maybe a degree or professional qualification?

      The Chartered Institute of Builders (IoB) have a lot of advice and you would do well to think about membership. http://www.ciob.org/Your-Career

40. Hi there.
    Can I access the HNC course with an NVQ level 2 in carpentry. ?

    • It is at the discretion of the college. If you also have a few years work experience the answer is likely to be yes.

41. Hi

    I have a civil engineering degree, would the HNC compliment this?

    • Unless you have a specific goal in mind it may not be worth the time and money? Of course, any qualification is a bonus but how much it’s going to enhance your career prospects is something you need to really think about.

42. Hello, do you know of any accredited online providers?

    Many thanks

    • There are none, it can’t be done online.

43. Does anyone know a hnc in construction and built environment course that is ov an evening? Liv coll does it but hardly any work up there and I live in london (am still prepared to move tho)

44. Hi, just wondering if anyone knows about any evening courses? or weekend? Live in London

    thank you!

45. Hi I have a hnc in construction and my cscs card for professional and managers can I apply for a site manager position??

    • Yes, it is up to each employer what cards (if any) are applicable to the position.

46. Hello, I have just completed my level 4 diploma in construction management, is the HNC a similar qualification as it looks like it covers units that I have done already?

    • The HNC is similar indeed and is also a level 4 qualification. The HNC has the advantage that it is more widely known about but, unless money and time is no object, there would be little to gain by doing both.

47. I have a nvq level 3 in painting & decorating, would this be enough for me to qualify for the hnc building studies course?

    • It is at the discretion of the college running the course. If you don’t have the necessary qualification to start the course (usually 2 A levels) then it tends to go on work experience rather than the actual qualification.

48. Hi ,

    I currently work in construction industry as site assistant , thinking of doing the level 4 construction diploma to enhance my prospect, doing this through online distance learning is it worth it please? As I don’t have time for live lectures.

    Many thanks.

    • The online NVQs are worthless, save your money.

49. Hi

    I have done a HNC and HND in Construction I believe its a waste of time, as no employer does look at them qualifications. I come from Trades background, with years of experiences in all in environments, with the correct tickets such CSCS and SMSTS it still does not have a direction. In my view I would go straight on to a degree which at least will give a specialist tile such a QS, Building Surveyor, Construction Manager.

50. Hi
    I’ve been in construction for 15 years and I’m currently a supervisor/manager for my company. I want to progress to project management level but all I have is experience can you point me in the right direction thankyou

    • There isn’t a right direction as such, a lot depends on who you work for and what opportunities may arise. If it isn’t happening with your current employer then you should think about moving?

      Academically, the route you could take is HNC Construction followed by a degree in construction management but there is no guarantee of a job at the end of this long road.

      Personally, I would try and join CIoB and progress through to the NVQ levels 5 and 6. You may have to do the HNC first but I think this gives you more chance than the degree route?

      Completing the NVQs level 5 and 6 qualifies you for a Black CSCS card and this seems to be a golden ticket, so to speak.
      https://www.ciob.org/routes

      You should also do the First Aid certificate and keep it up to date as well as the SMSTS course as soon as you are able.

51. Thank for responding to my message. The courses at the college I’ve applied for does evenings 6-9pm which is good it’s going to be a bit of a push as I don’t finish work till 5.30 but again thank you.

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