Why Us?

Trade courses.

Learn a trade with your hands

Train in real workshops and salons for a skilled trade, from bricklaying, plumbing and electrical installation to motor vehicle, hairdressing and beauty therapy. Everyone starts at Level 1 or Level 2 and builds up, one level at a time.

Choose your trade Register for an open event

At a glance

Where you start
Level 1 or Level 2
How long
One year for each level
How you learn
Mostly practical, in real workshops
Assessed by
Practical tasks, with some written work
Compare all your options

11

trades to choose from

Level 1 or 2

is where you start, so you do not need high grades

Real

workshops, salons and tools, like a working site, garage or salon

100%

pass rate in 74 vocational courses in 2026

Right for you

A trade course could be right for you

A good fit if

  • you like making, fixing and building things
  • you want a skilled job you can do anywhere
  • you learn best by doing, not sitting at a desk
  • you might want to run your own business one day

Think about another route if

  • you prefer reading, writing and exams
  • you want to study several subjects
  • you want to start straight at Level 3

Not sure yet? Compare A levels, T Levels, vocational courses, trades and apprenticeships.

How it works

What studying a trade is like

  1. Start at Level 1 or 2

    Your GCSE grades decide where you start. Level 1 builds the basics, and Level 2 builds the skills employers look for.

  2. Learn in real workshops and salons

    Most of your time is practical, using the same tools, products and materials as the trade.

  3. Move up each year

    Pass your level and move up to the next, as far as Level 3 in some trades.

  4. Get ready for work

    Employer visits, projects and work experience help you take the next step.

Subjects

Choose your trade

The levels show where each trade starts and how far you can go with us.

Beauty therapy Level 1 Beauty therapy Level 2 Beauty therapy Level 3 Beauty therapy
Bricklaying Level 1 Bricklaying Level 2 Bricklaying
Carpentry and joinery Level 1 Carpentry and joinery Level 2 Carpentry and joinery
Electrical installation Level 1 Electrical installation Level 2 Electrical installation Level 3 Electrical installation
Engineering Level 1 Engineering Level 2 Engineering
Fabrication and welding Level 2 Fabrication and welding
Hairdressing Level 1 Hairdressing Level 2 Hairdressing Level 3 Hairdressing
Motor vehicle maintenance Level 1 Motor vehicle maintenance Level 2 Motor vehicle maintenance Level 3 Motor vehicle maintenance
Painting and decorating Level 1 Painting and decorating
Plumbing Level 1 Plumbing Level 2 Plumbing
Vehicle body repair and paint Level 1 Vehicle body repair and paint Level 2 Vehicle body repair and paint

Not sure which trade? Construction Skills: Multiskills (Level 1) lets you try several construction trades, and Hair and Beauty (Level 1) lets you try both before you choose.

Entry requirements

The grades you need

These are our usual requirements. Each course page lists its exact entry requirements.

Level 1

3 GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths.

Level 2

4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths, or a Level 1 in the same trade.

Level 3

Only for students who have already completed Level 2 in the same trade, with us or at another college.

English and maths

If you have not got grade 4 yet, you keep working on English and maths alongside your trade.

Not sure what your grades mean? Enter your predicted GCSE grades to see where you could start.

Check your grades

Where it leads

Where a trade could take you

An apprenticeship

Most trades are learned on the job too. Your college skills give you a head start with employers.

A skilled job

Work on sites, in garages, workshops and salons, or for yourself.

Higher level study

Move up to Level 3, then on to higher technical qualifications such as HNCs.

See where our students go Explore careers

Other routes

Compare with other options

A levels

Study 3 subjects in depth, mostly assessed by exams.

Find out more

T Levels

One technical subject with a 45-day industry placement.

Find out more

Vocational courses

Hands-on learning in a subject you love, from Level 1 to 3.

Find out more

Apprenticeships

Work for an employer, earn a wage and train with us.

Find out more

Enquire

Not ready to apply yet?

Leave your details and we will send you information about our courses, open events and life at New City College. You can also ask us a question.

  • Course information sent to you
  • Invitations to open events and taster days
  • Help from our advisers

Questions

Questions about trade courses

Still have a question? Email info@ncclondon.ac.uk or telephone 0330 135 9000.

  • Trades are built on practical skills that take time to learn. You start at Level 1 or 2 so you have the skills you need before you move up.

  • We provide the tools and materials you need in our workshops. You may need your own safety boots and workwear, and a bursary can help with the cost.

  • Yes. Trades are for everyone, and employers want to hire people from all backgrounds.

Start something new with us

Come to an open event on Saturday 21 November or Saturday 30 January, 10am to 2pm, or apply for your course today.

Register for an open event How to apply