The PDA Level 7 Advanced Craft Carpentry and Joinery is designed for skilled tradespeople who are ready to progress beyond core craft skills and move towards supervisory, technical or management roles within the construction industry.
This advanced qualification enhances your practical expertise while developing the technical knowledge, leadership ability and professional confidence required in today’s modern construction environment.
Qualification
HNC (SCQF Level 7)
Study mode
Part-Time Day and Day Release
Start date
31/08/2026
This course is ideal for:
Whether you are continuing your Modern Apprenticeship or returning to education to advance your skills, this programme supports your professional growth.
You will build on your existing trade experience through a combination of advanced practical training and technical study, focused on complex and specialist areas of carpentry and joinery.
The course is designed to ensure you can immediately apply your learning within the workplace, strengthening both your hand skills and your technical decision-making.
Articulation to HNC Construction Management at South Lanarkshire College.
Assessment is carried out through ongoing practical and written assessments, allowing you to demonstrate both your technical understanding and advanced craft competence.
With continued demand for highly skilled carpenters and joiners across Scotland, this course positions you to stand out in a competitive industry and take the next step in your construction career.
On successful completion, you will achieve a Professional Development Award (PDA) at SCQF Level 7 — a qualification widely recognised across the construction industry and valued by employers seeking advanced craft expertise.
This award enhances both your technical credibility and professional profile, demonstrating your ability to operate at a higher level within the trade.
Graduates may progress to:
By combining advanced practical skills with technical knowledge and leadership awareness, this PDA strengthens your position in a competitive industry — bridging hands-on craftsmanship with the broader understanding required for supervision, management and long-term career progression.
At South Lanarkshire College, this course is designed not just to refine your trade skills, but to support your ambitions and open doors to the next stage of your construction career.
This award is intended for candidates with relevant industry experience who wish to advance their craft skills and broaden their career opportunities.
Applicants may include:
Applications are considered individually to ensure the course is the right fit for your experience and ambitions.
Offers made will be based on your application. Those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements will be invited for an individual interview.
Fees for block release is £1000
Please note, fees are subject to change, please double-check this when enrolling in your course
For more information please visit the finance pages - Fees, finance and funding options.
https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/qualification-grants/advanced-craft-certificate-grant/
Advanced Craft Certificate grant - CITB
We pay grants for learners' attendance on and achievement of a course that leads to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Advanced Craft Certificate in a subject related to construction.
http://www.citb.co.uk
Would you like to speak to someone about your application today? We’d love to hear from you.
You can drop into the Student Advice Centre between 8.45am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Tel: 01355 270750
Email: applications@slc.ac.uk