DIY ESSENTIALS - 1 day course
Running from 10am–3pm, this 1-day packed course will teach you some fundamental DIY skills that set you up for key home DIY tasks and build your confidence in using tools and selecting the right materials.
The course covers
- What hand and power tools to use and in what circumstances
- How to put up a shelf to suit the needs of your space
- How to prepare surfaces for painting
- Painting using brushes and rollers, including cutting in
- How to measure, cut and put up a mitred joint
- How to cut and fix plasterboard
All equipment and materials provided, just bring yourself and wear some DIY clothes!
Following this course, you may want to continue with some development courses in specific areas eg wallpapering, plastering and more. Speak to us about future courses or discuss follow on courses as we are driven by our students and what they say the want to learn!
Group size
The group size is limited to 8 so everyone gets the right amount of support from our tutor.
Skills required
Complete beginners are welcome as well as those seeking more knowledge.
Materials
Our course includes use of all equipment and all materials. No hidden charges.
Time
The course runs from 10am–3pm with a lunch break.
Location
Our workshops are in Charlton, south-east London, near trainline and bus routes.
Retrofit
Gain future-proof skills in construction! The construction industry is changing. With the UK's push for energy-efficient buildings, Retrofit Specialists are in high demand!
What you will learn
The City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Retrofit is your chance to gain essential skills that with open doors to new job opportunities and career growth.
- The Basics of Retrofit and why it is essential for modern construction
- Key Techniques to improve building energy efficiency
- How to work towards a career as a Retrofit assessor, coordinator, or installer.
Is this course for you?
- This is a classroom-based programme with a written test. We strongly advise that you have English skills to AT LEAST Entry Level 3 standard.
- Some learners may be eligible for a 100% discount.
- Please call us to discuss prices and availablity.
Call Kay or Jason on 0208 305 5050
fstadmin@flowerskills.com - J.bodimeade@flowerskills.com.
Upgrade Course
For learners who have successfully completed a City & Guilds level 1 Award in Construction Skills, this course adds a further trade (usually plastering) to your repertoire and converts that Award into a Level 1 Certificate.
Accreditations
Leads to a City and Guilds qualification
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including registration and test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in Charlton, south east London.
Time
a 10-day course, normally delivered full time for 2 weeks
Group size
Normal group size is 8-10 learners
Course content
Content varies according to the trade being added to your portfolio but, for example, the plastering unit covers:
- core health & safety
- hawk & trowel techniques
- filling
- rendering
- bonding
- multi-finish
- cutting / fixing beads
Plastering Taster
Learn the basics of plastering, including health and safety, making up mixes, applying render and plaster.
Accreditations
Non-accredited
Materials
Our courses include all materials. No hidden charges.
Location
Located at our training centre in Charlton, south east London.
Time
5 days
Group size
Normal group size is 8-10 learners.
Course content
The course covers the basics of:
- core health & safety
- hawk & trowel techniques
- filling
- rendering
- bonding
- multi-finish
- cutting / fixing beads
Basic Construction Skills
An introduction to basic construction trade skills delivered in workshops, combined with health and safety training to keep you safe.
Accreditations
Leads to a City & Gulds level 1 Award
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including registration and test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located at our training centre in Charlton, south east London.
Time
15 days, normally delivered full-time (5-days per week).
Group size
Normal group size is 8-10 learners.
Course content
The course covers:
- basic construction skills in 1 or 2 trades, such as tiling, brickwork or painting
- health and safety in construction
In2Construction (incl. CSCS)
Our "In 2 Construction" course is a 3 week programme that covers basic construction skills in up to 2 different trades, combined with health & safety training to make sure that you are safe on site. Successful candidates will leave with a City & Guilds level 1 Award in Construction Skills, together with a City & Guilds health & safety qualification and the CSCS test and card. Ideal if you are looking to get work in the industry.
The course is free to adults aged 19 or over on 31 August 2025 and who are in receipt of an eligible benefit (such as Universal Credit). Plese contact us for more details and for costs if you are not entitled to study for free.
Accreditations
Successful candidates earn the CSCS card
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including registration and test fees. No hidden charges.
Funded
Eligible candidates may be fully funded
Location
All training and testing at our Charlton Centre
Group size
Normal group size is 8-12 learners.
Course content
Course content
The course covers:
- basic construction skills in 1 or 2 trades, such as tiling, brickwork or plastering
- health and safety in construction
Successful candidates will complete the following qualifications:
- City & Guilds level 1 Award in Construction Skills
- City & Guilds level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
- the CSCS test
Successfully completing the programme allows candidates to apply for the CSCS Labourer's (Green) Card
Traineeship
A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience. It is focused on giving young people the skills and experience that employers are looking for. At its core are work preparation training, English and Maths for those that need it and a high quality work experience placement.
Benefits of a Traineeship
- A Traineeship will put you in a better position to compete for an Apprenticeship or other job.
- The opportunity to build your CV and get vital experience with local and national employers.
- Improving your English and maths skills will boost your chances of getting a job, as well as improving your long-term prospects and earning potential over your lifetime.
- Employers are at the centre of Traineeships to ensure they give you the skills you need to secure a job.
- At the end of the work experience placement, you’ll get a job interview with the company if a role becomes available or a reference and an exit interview.
Will I be paid?
Work experience placements are unpaid, but employers are encouraged to support expenses such as transport and meals and depending on your circumstances you may be able to access financial support from your training provider.
Course content
Traineeships last anything from six weeks to a maximum of six months, incorporating a minimum of 70 hours of work experience, with the content tailored to your individual needs, including:
- Work preparation training which ensures you are ready and have the confidence to take the first step in your career, such as an Apprenticeship.
- English and maths support to help give you the literacy and numeracy skills needed for the workplace.
- A meaningful work experience placement which provides insight and experience of the world of work.
Post-16 Multi Trade Level 2
This qualification allows candidates to learn, develop and practice a range of trade skills to prepare them for employment or career progression in building maintenance.
It is also suitable for those who want to work in the industry but are usure which trade to specialise in.
Accredited
A formal qualification can give those that are less academically inclined the opportunity to achieve recognition and boost their self confidence.
Practical
Our approach for school learners is around practical, hands-on training. Not all students learn best in a classroom environment.
Paced
Learners work at their own pace and take an assessment - or re-take it - when they are ready.
Challenging
Trade skills can be continually developed so there is always a sense of challenge for learners
Group size
Normal group size is 8-12 learners.
Course content
The qualification covers:
- Health & Safety
- The principles of building construction
- Brickwork repairs
- Painting and decorating repairs
- Plastering repairs
- Plumbing repairs
- Carpentry repairs
Learner engagement
The programme is aimed at small groups of learners who have become disengaged with education.
We work in a workshop environment rather than a classroom one and encourage plenty of "hands-on" engagement and learning opportunities.
Bespoke
We will design and deliver a programme to meet your needs, and those of your learners.
Short courses
Taster courses can be used to engage or re-engage learners, assess interest in the subject or just to provide “something different.”
Practical
Our approach for school learners is around practical, hands-on training. Not all students learn best in a classroom environment.
Focused
Engaging learners in practical tasks, keeping them focused and learning.
Group size
Normal group size is 6-8 learners although smaller or larger groups will be considered.
Course content
Through practical workshops covering a range of differrent trade skills such as painting & sdecorating, brickwork, tiling, carpentry and plastering, we would encourage participants to re-discover the benefits and enjoyment of learning.
This programme is designed around the specific needs of the learners and of the school or other agency referring them. We offer this as part of an extended support plan for re-engaging the students back into education.
Progression opportunitiesinclude transfer back into formal education and/or further placement with Flower Skills.
COSHH Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
The course covers all the information necessary to keep you and your staff safe from substances that could potentially be harmful to their health.
Accreditations
IOSH Approved
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Group size
Normal group size is 10-12 learners, although smaller and larger group sizes will be considered
The course covers
- the variety of hazardous substances, how to handle them and the effects of exposure to them;
- hazard symbols - the Globally Harmonised System;
- the various ways that your organisation can reduce and control the risks to your health and safety; and
- what you need to do if there’s an accident or emergency
Employability
The course can be modified to suit the needs of the particular group of learners and can cover a range of skills and techniques to improve the chances of securing employment and of staying employed once they have found a job.
Accreditations
City & Guilds accredited
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, you will be trained on our site and get practical experience.
Time
The course runs over a period of 5-10 days based on needs
Group size
The normal group size is 10-12 people, although larger or smaller group sizes will be considered.
Course content
A specific programme can be developed for each group of learners, focusing on their needs and interests. Different units can be combined to cover the areas in which the group need most support.
Units can include, for example:
- Job search
- Making applications
- Interview skills
- Preparing for work
- Effective commnication
- Working as part of a team
- Building working relationships in the workplace
- Safe learning in the workplace
- Career progression
In addition to learning some key construction skills you will build your confidence and knowledge, and working with others will develop more effective communications skills. You can choose the elements that work for you.
Working in confined spaces
This training is ideal for those whose job involves working in poorly ventilated, confined spaces.
Accredited
IOSH-approved qualification
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Course content
Whether you work there all the time or only on some occasions, this course will equip you with the knowledge you need to spot hazards, properly follow safety instructions, and keep yourself and others safe whilst working in confined spaces.
The course covers
- What is a confined space and why are they dangerous?
- The legal framework - duties and responsibilities, risk assessments, permits, rescue plansand safe systems of work
- What to do before entering a confined space
Working at height
If you work at height as part of your job or you supervise those who do, this Working at Height Training is essential.
Accreditations
IOSH-approved
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Did you know?
- falls from height are the leading cause of deaths at work
- most accidents from height occur at a height of less than 2 metres
- the vast majority of falls from height can be avoided
The course covers
- the basic principles of Health & Safety
- the legal obligations of employers and employees
- using equipment - what to use and when
- best-practice guidance designed to keep everyone safe
Fire Marshall training
Every business requires a Fire Warden.
This in-depth Fire Warden training course equips you with all the knowledge you need to become a fully trained Fire Warden or Fire Marshal.
IOSH and RoSPA approved, helping you work towards compliance with the Fire Safety Order 2005 and other current legislation.
Accredited
IOSH-approved qualification
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Group size
Normal group size is 10-12 learners, although smaller and larger groups will be considered.
The course covers
- the nature of fire
- signage
- your proactive and reactive duties as a fire marshal
- when it is safe to fight a fire and when it isn't
- how to use the various types of fire extinguisher safely
You will learn how to look after yourself and your colleagues and discuss real-life scenarios with your tutor. Enhance your CV adding another valuable qualification to your resume.
Asbestos awareness
This is designed for anyone who works with, or might potentially come into contact with asbestos at work.
This course is IOSH Approved and has been audited by the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP).
Accredited
IOSH-approved qualification
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Group Size
Group size is normally 10 - 12 learners although smaller groups will be considered.
The course covers
- what asbestos is
- what medical conditions are associated with asbestos
- what an Asbestos Management Plan is
The course covers what you should do if you are accidentally exposed to asbestos. You will learn how to look after yourself and your colleagues and discuss real-life scenarios with your tutor.
There is an online test at the end of the course.
Multi Skills for Schools
A multi-skills course covering the basics in a range of different trades including painting & decorating, brickwork, tiling, plastering etc. The course is focused on practical skills and is assessed mainly on practical tasks. There is some theory work on health and safety.
Accredited
A formal qualification can give those that are less academically inclined the opportunity to achieve recognition and boost their self confidence.
Practical
Our approach for school learners is around practical, hands-on training. Not all students learn best in a classroom environment.
Focused
Engaging learners in practical tasks, keeping them focused and learning.
Flexible
We use different approaches with our learners and are always looking for new ways to engage them.
Group size
Normal group size is 10-12 learners although smaller or larger groups will be considered.
Course content
The course focuses on practical skills and is assessed against practical tasks throughout the programme. There is some theory work and a written test for Health & Safety.
Students can learn the basics in a range of different construction trades - the number of unitsthey achieve will affect whether they complete an Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma.
Trades covered include:
- painting
- wall-papering
- brickwork
- tiling
- plastering
- carpentry
Painting & Decorating Taster
An introduction to the basics of painting and decorating, covering wall-papering and painting. Elements include preparation of surfaces; applying paint with a brush and roller; and hanging wall-paper, including internal and external corners.
Training
We will cover the knowledge you need to do it yourself in future.
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, you will be trained on our site and get practical experience.
Time
The course is an intensive five day course.
Learn by doing rather than by listening or watching. Here you can try out your skills at our centre and get it right at home. You will be able to ask our tutors any questions you have, they are happy to help. And build confidence in your skills learning at your own pace. You will be surprised how much you can learn.
Health & Safety Basics including CSCS
The course includes training and test for both the City & Guilds level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment and the CSCS test.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
All-in-one
All the training and both the tests you need for a CSCS Green card
Time
The course is an intensive five day course. Courses and tests can be arranged to suit you.
CSCS Card Training
Passes in both tests are required for the CSCS Green (Labourer's) card.
Both qualifications involve an on-line test, which can be taken at Flower Skills as part of this programme.
Course content
- The principles of risk assessment
- The importance of safe manual handling in the workplace
- The importance of working safely at height in the workplace
- The risks to health in a construction environment
- the importance of working around plant & equipment safely
I had a bad time at school and was always getting into trouble and didn’t achieve much. This is the first time I ever revised for anything! This is a big turning point for me.
ANTHONY - CSCS STUDENT
OSAT & EWPA
This is for experienced construction workers with no formal qualifications. Flower Skills can support your employees to achieve an NVQ qualification with minimal disruption to the working day by arranging observations of them and discussions with them on site.
NVQ qualified
Get qualified whilst you work.
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Held at your place of work making it time efficient and effective
Time
Depending on what we are covering times can vary, but timings can be arranged to suit you
For employers
There are two different methods of assessment to qualify experienced workers, both of which help convert existing skills into an NVQ. They provided a range of business benefits:
- Provide proof of workers skills, so you can be reassured they can do the job
- Help qualify workers for CSCS and other scheme card – essential for getting work with an increasing number of contractors and clients
- Minimise downtime – by carrying out assessment on –site wherever possible and in the shortest possible timeframe.
- Grow your skills base and increase the range of work you can take on
- Help build confidence and pride in the workforce
- Help drive up standards and improve the image of the construction industry
For employees
The benefits of OSAT and EWPA:
- Assessing the individuals trade skills
- Supporting the individual in building a portfolio ready for assessment
- Site visit/s by an accredited assessor
- Identification of any additional support or training needed to address skills gaps
- Support to complete the registration process for the full CSCS card award
OSAT (On Site Assessment Training)
This is the most widely available route, it is offered in most of the building trades and by assessment centres in the UK. It involves an assessor working with an experienced worker to build up a portfolio of evidence to prove that they are competent in their trade. This route can involve some forms of training needed by the worker to up-date their personal skills in the trade and will normally take between four to six visits over a period of three to six months.
EWPA
This is a faster route than the OSAT but is only available in a small number of trades. It is only open to workers that have extensive knowledge and experience in their trade and require no training. The worker will undergo an assessment process of their practical skills, followed by a professional discussion with an assessor. The assessment itself involves spending 1 - 2 days at an off-site NVQ assessment centre, producing a bank of evidence as a result.
Our tradesmen are BLOOMING since Flower Skills came along.
Paul Barber, SALTASH ENTERPRISE LIMITED
CSCS training and test
Flower Skills and Training is an accredited CSCS training centre. We offer a programme incorporating targeted health and safety training in preparation for formal testing for CSCS cards, which we can also help you apply for.
Training
We will cover the knowledge you need to pass the test and explain the mechanics of being tested.We will train you and give you mock tests - take the formal test when you are ready.
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre - be tested where you were trained.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course. Courses and tests can be arranged to suit you.
For employers
We can arrange training and testing for CSCS cards at a time to suit you and your employees.
For employees
The CSCS cards is your doorway to a career in construction and the first step towards working on site:
- Access to construction sites
- Improve Health and Safety awareness
- Competent and safe labour
- Recognition of skills, competence and qualifications
- Industry standardisation
The CSCS scheme
The scheme aims to:
- Keep a record of workers in the construction and built environment industry who have achieved a recognised level of competence and to provide a means of identification.
- Be available on a voluntary basis to construction workers whose occupations are not covered by a certification scheme.
- Raise standards of health and safety to reduce risks and accidents throughout the industry.
- Encourage the construction sector and its clients to use skilled workers.
- Provide certification for UK workers that could be accepted in Europe through agreements with other European national schemes mutually to recognise qualifications.
- Be self-financing; with any surplus funds being used for the benefit of the scheme or the construction industry
CSCS Smartcard
SmartCard technology ensures that safety, security and efficiency remain top priorities on your construction sites. A CSCS SmartCard is a credit card sized plastic card containing a simple computer chip that can store and process electronic data in a highly secure manner. This technology offers construction clients and the contractors you commission many benefits.
- SmartCards are much harder to forge than plain printed cards.
- Counterfeit cards can easily be detected using an inexpensive card reader. Because information is stored electronically in the card chip, the CSCS SmartCard can be used for a host of new applications. Things like tracking tool box talks and site inductions; recording continuing professional development; controlling access to building sites; monitoring time and attendance; cashless vending; verifying occupational health restrictions and much more.
- SmartCard technology eliminates the need to ring the CSCS Helpline to verify a card’s authenticity.
- A cardholder’s identity can be verified using a card reader even if the printing on the card is badly worn.
- Information on the card has the potential to be updated electronically without having to issue a replacement.
After months of searching South East London for vocational skills training centre, we eventually discovered Flower Skills. We were very impressed.
Phil Hoppenbrouwers
Our tradesmen are BLOOMING since Flower Skills came along.
Paul Barber, SALTASH ENTERPRISE LIMITED
Accredited
City & Guilds level 1 Award
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre.
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Group size
The group size for the programme is between 10 – 12 students, though smaller group sizes will be considered.
Course content
Candidates who successfully complete the training will understand:
- That manual handling operations can be hazardous to health
- How manual handling operations can cause injury and harm
- The scope of legal requirements with regard to manual handling operations in the workplace
- The process for assessing risks from manual handling and the factors that need to be considered in a manual handling risk assessment
- The mechanics of movement
- How to assess, plan, prepare and conduct manual handling operations
The course covers
- Introduction to the principles of manual handling
- Manual handling hazards
- Legislation and guidance
- Manual handling risk assessment and controls
- Manual handling techniques
Emergency Life Support Certificate
At the end of the course the student will understand the need to manage a casualty who is injured or suffers a serious illness, while waiting for more qualified medical help to arrive.
Accreditations
This is a qualified course
Materials
Our courses include all materials, including test fees. No hidden charges.
Location
Located in south east London, our centre is an approved CSCS Test Centre .
Time
The course is an intensive one day course.
Group size
The group size for the programme is between 10 – 12 students, though smaller group sizes will be considered.
The course covers
- How to administer C.P.R
- The A.B.C of breathing
- The correct procedure of contacting the emergency services
- How to deal with minor injuries
- How to complete an accident book