I did a C&G award in bench joinery in 2006 at college, followed by an advanced ACA in bench joinery - you learn how to do basic, intermediate and advanced joints, projects range from something as simple as a small bathroom cabinet, to a full size door, mini-stair case with rounded step etc. On top of this are various tests, form filling, you get graded on each project at completion, etc. Really it's a waste of time because you can learn all of this in a fraction of the time in an actual job minus all the bureaucracy (paperwork), and time wasting.
You can even teach yourself, which is what I did, because I wasted so much time doing that C&G, when I took on my house (needed a total refurbishment) I was determined not to waste anymore time chasing bits of paper, and in two years working on the house I learned electrics, plumbing (minus gas), carpentry, together with thousands of hours of site experience. I have a bit of a foundation of joinery knowledge from doing the college course admittedly, which helped, but mostly my confidence came from working on site as a labrourer prior to taking on the house.
This is why I never suggest young people do a C&G course, because what you learn is of limited relevance and employers only want and care about experience, so the best thing is to get on site, even as a labourer, tough it out and consider your options. The college route is utterly worthless, especially if you don't already have a job when you enroll because you can't possibly know whether you are going to like what you are studying until you do it in real life, and it's unlikely if you are studying at the college as part of an apprenticeship that your employer will suddenly give you a pay rise for completeing the course, especially the econonmy being the way it is.
On the flip side the courses don't meet the needs of DIYers because of the long breaks in between terms, you'll have 4 weeks at college, 4 weeks off, they are designed for (mainly under 25s) who are working in the field the C&G is relevant to, and nothing else, which leaves an avid Diyer looking to improve his skill set at the mercy of private colleges. I've seen plastering courses range anywhere from £450 for 2 days to £3000 for two weeks. Best option is to follow a plasterer mate around, .... and we're in 2015.
