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Construction

NPA Construction Multi Trade

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2025

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Course overview

This NPA Multi Trade in Construction is designed for students who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in a construction setting.

During this course, you will learn and understand the basic principles of Roofing, Plastering, Painting and Decorating, and Bricklaying.

You will be taught by staff with extensive experience in the construction industry. This is a full-time course taught at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus for one year. You will be awarded a National Progression Award (NPA) in Construction Multi-Trade.

This course is taught in Edinburgh College classrooms and our excellent workshops, where you will gain essential, hands-on, and real-life experience in the construction trades.  

This course offers practical, transferable skills and theory knowledge of the Construction Industry to help you find an apprenticeship or further study with us at the college.

What you will learn

  • Single Lap Roof Tiling
  • Plain Roof Tiling
  • Half Brick Walling
  • One Brick Walling
  • Building Piers
  • Solid and Bench Plasterwork Skills
  • Producing and Fixing Plaster Mouldings
  • Fixing Plasterboard
  • Preparing and Painting Surfaces
  • Prepare and Hang Lining Paper
  • Wallpapering
  • Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
  • Employment and Behavioural Skills
  • Construction Occupation Practices
  • Efficient Construction Practices
  • Information and Communication Technology

How the course is assessed

  • This hands-on course will be assessed through practical activity and some classroom theory.

Number of days per week

  • 2.5 Days per week. Tuesday will be a half-day, with Wednesday and Thursday being full days.

Entry requirements

  • 2 x National 4's in Maths and English.

Or 

  • Completion of NPA Construction Crafts level 4 or NPA Construction Skills level 5, or successful completion of Edinburgh College Intro to Construction course.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • Candidates who meet the entry requirements will be invited in for an interview before the summer of 2025.
  • Be clear in your personal statement why a career in Painting and Decorating is appealing to you. 

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • This course provides the underpinning skills and knowledge, to gain an apprenticeship in Construction.

Career options

  • Modern Apprenticeship

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Full time 25/08/25

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