Our Schools Provision
Cornerstone has trained people in the construction trades for 25 years. Alongside our adult programmes, we offer schools a practical, workshop-based provision for Year 10–11 learners — one to three days a week, fitting around the school timetable — giving young people genuine experience of the trades in a professional training environment. Our adult courses are delivered in a separate building, so school and 16–18 groups never share space with adult learners.
AIM approved centre. Cornerstone is an approved centre for AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, so schools can be confident the units their pupils complete here are delivered and quality-assured to a national awarding standard.
What Learners Do
Learners spend their time in a real training workshop, working with professional tools and materials under the guidance of experienced trade tutors:
- Hands-on experience across our trade areas — joinery, kitchen fitting, roofing, brickwork, block paving and basic plumbing
- Working safely with professional tools, materials and techniques
- Health and safety and safe-working habits embedded throughout
- Structured, project-based tasks that build practical skills and confidence
- An early, realistic taste of what a career in the trades involves
- A change of environment and a sense of achievement for learners who thrive through practical work
How It Works
Learners attend our Birkenhead workshop one to three days a week across the school year, around the rest of their timetable. Sessions are practical and project-based rather than classroom-led, and the focus and pace are agreed with each school.
Over the year, students experience all six of our trades. In each trade they build a range of fundamental and advanced skills, then use that knowledge to build a range of practical projects. The programme is organised into three-week learning blocks, with students developing their skills and knowledge in one trade before moving on to the next. Across the year, students work towards a Level 1 qualification — an Extended Award, Certificate, or Extended Certificate.
Throughout, school groups are kept entirely separate from our adult learners, who are taught in a different building.
Who It’s For
Designed for Key Stage 4 learners (Year 10–11, ages 14–16) — particularly those who learn best through hands-on work, or who would benefit from an engaging, practical alternative alongside their school studies.
Safeguarding & Supervision
Safeguarding is central to how we work with schools. Learners are supervised by experienced staff at all times, school and adult groups are based in separate buildings and never mix, and we work closely with each school’s designated safeguarding lead. We’re happy to share our policies and discuss your school’s specific requirements before any placement begins.
Working With Schools
We work flexibly with each school on the days that suit your timetable — students can attend one to three days a week, and you choose which days. Beyond that, every learner follows our structured three-week learning block model, working through the trades in small classes. If you’d like to talk through how the provision could work for your students — or arrange a visit to the workshop — get in touch and we’ll set up a conversation.
Make a Schools Enquiry
To discuss bringing your learners to Cornerstone, contact us and we’ll get straight back to you.