96% would recommend NESCol to others.
Construction
Bringing construction to life.
Courses
Build a career in one of Scotland’s biggest industries.
Whether you see yourself as a self-employed tradesperson or contributing to major construction projects, your work will make a huge impact on communities. With the ongoing energy transition, you’ll also engage with new technologies and sustainable solutions.
Our construction courses cover hands-on trades like brickwork, joinery, painting and decorating and plumbing, as well as design and technical drawing. You’ll train in realistic spaces, supported by industry-experienced staff, so you’ll feel prepared for employment, an apprenticeship or further study.
View all full-time construction courses
As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time and distance learning in construction where you can study at a location near you or choose to study online.
26,100
people employed in construction in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire¹
Career opportunities
Architectural Technician, BIM Technician, Bricklayer, Building Services Technician, Building Surveyor, Construction Manager, Construction Supervisor, Joiner, Painter and Decorator, Planner, Plumber, Quantity Surveyor and Site Manager.
3,590
extra workers needed each year until 2029 in Scotland²
Where you can study
From replica home heating systems and circuit rigs for plumbing and electrical engineering students, to full scale interiors in the painting and decorating department and joinery and brickwork workshops, Altens and Fraserburgh campuses provide realistic training spaces that bring the construction disciplines to life.
Study Construction in Aberdeen
- 500+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 2 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
Our Aberdeen Altens Campus houses many of the engineering, construction and automotive courses on offer.
Study Construction in Fraserburgh
- 950+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 2 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.
Study part-time
Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.
What our students think
More than 4,100 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2025-2026 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
"Learning at college has been incredibly fun."
96% feel safe and secure at College.
"I feel very supported in my learning and staff are very helpful."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.
"Staff use their industry experience well."
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Jorja Ross
Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Crafts
Jorja studied a Foundation Apprenticeship while she was still at school, before moving on to Construction Crafts full-time at NESCol. She has since started a Modern Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council.
Construction partnership with Active Campus
Construction Foundation Apprenticeships
A group of construction Foundation Apprentices at Fraserburgh Campus completed a project to design custom cornholes boards for Active Campus.
Wrights and Coopers Award 2025
Advanced Craft Carpentry and Joinery
NESCol students Daniel Carroll and Chae Reid were recognised for their outstanding craftsmanship by the Aberdeen Wrights and Coopers Incorporation. Both are building strong futures in the trade.
Get in touch
Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.
Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.
¹ Source: Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
² Source: Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)