South West Building Skills Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South West Building Skills Academy?

We run a range of hands-on practical building courses in Stroud, all taught by working builders with real industry experience. The aim is to provide practical skills and confidence whether you’re interested in DIY or looking to start a career in construction.

Is there a minimum academic requirement to attend the courses?

At South West Building Skills Academy, we do not believe academic grades define practical ability. Many training providers require GCSEs or formal qualifications, but this often excludes people who are naturally hands‑on and capable.

Construction is an industry where skill, attitude, and work ethic matter far more than exam results. Some of the best tradespeople learned through practical experience, not classrooms.

That is why we do not require any formal qualifications to enrol. We simply look for enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn.

Our goal is to give practical people the chance to develop real trade skills that can lead to employment or self‑employment, helping both individuals and the wider construction industry.

Do the courses have lots of written work?

The courses are designed to be mostly practical, so we presume a 90% practical class. There will be moment where we are interactive with questions, and obvious tutorials which are vital for you to fully understand the procedures taught. No one is pressurised at all to speak or interact, but listening and maybe jotting down some vital information would be beneficial.

How many people will I be on the course with?

All courses are run in small groups of up to 8 people to make sure everyone gets plenty of hands-on time and guidance.

How do I secure a place on the course?

To secure your place we require a 20% deposit at the time of booking.

The remaining balance must be paid one week before the course start date.

Once booked, we will send over full course details including start times, location, what to bring, and course structure.

What should I wear?

We provide all task specific PPE (Personal protection equipment) however we would ask that you wear safety boots with steel toes at a minimum. We can arrange for a hire fee of £5 per day, boots if necessary.

We would also ask that you wear long sleeves and full length trousers/jeans/workwear and suitable outdoor clothing depending on weather

If you have any specific requirements for clothing or you feel what you wear does not fit our requirements, please feel free to give us a call or send a message and we can discuss requirements.

What do I get once I have finished the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a South West Building Skills Academy Certificate of Completion.

These certificates confirm attendance and practical training; however, they do not constitute a formal NVQ or government‑recognised qualification.

We will also support participants where possible by sharing industry contacts and leads that may help with apprenticeships, further training opportunities, or potential work placements.

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