Business Details
15 Years
experience
Expert Construction Training in the Midlands
Chameleon School of Construction has been delivering high-quality vocational training in construction and motor vehicle maintenance since 2010. Our mission is to equip learners with practical skills and industry-recognised qualifications through hands-on training in bricklaying, plastering, tiling, and motor vehicle maintenance. We prioritise a personal approach, offering tailored guidance to help learners achieve their career goals. Our commitment to quality assurance ensures rigorous training standards, with tutors bringing extensive industry experience and a passion for teaching. We continuously update our programmes to align with evolving industry practices, ensuring learners receive relevant, up-to-date education. As a CITB-recognised training provider, we collaborate with NOCN and IMI to deliver accredited courses. Our flexible funding options support low-income individuals, the unemployed, and school leavers, with FREE CSCS test provision to enhance employability. We maintain strong partnerships with employers and educational institutions, providing pathways to apprenticeships and employment. Our facilities across the Midlands offer accessible, state-of-the-art environments for practical learning. With a proven track record of successful learner outcomes, we remain dedicated to transforming lives through construction education.
Services
Bricklaying Courses
Plastering Training
Tiling Diplomas
Motor Vehicle Maintenance
CSCS Preparation
NVQ Assessments
School Construction Training
Short Skills Courses
Employer Partnerships
Career Transition Support
Served areas
- Swadlincote, Derby, Burton on Trent, Chesterfield, Pinxton, Ripley, Barlborough, Staveley
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Hands-on learning in purpose-built construction facilities
- FREE CSCS test with funded short courses
- Expert instructors with industry experience
- Tailored support for low-income and unemployed learners
- Nationwide NVQ delivery without workplace disruption
Associations and certifications
- NOCN
- IMI
- CITB
- East Midlands Chamber
What people say
Expert instructors
Hands-on learning
Career progression
FREE CSCS support
Industry-recognised qualifications
Services
Bricklaying Courses
Our bricklaying courses range from Level 1 to Level 3 Diplomas and NVQs, covering traditional techniques and modern construction methods. Learners gain hands-on experience in brick and block laying, with progression pathways to advanced qualifications. The 10-week Level 2 Diploma provides accelerated training for career changers, while NVQs assess workplace competence for experienced professionals.
Plastering Training
Plastering programmes include Level 1 to Level 3 qualifications, teaching both traditional and contemporary finishing techniques. The 10-week intensive course prepares learners for industry entry, while NVQ assessments validate workplace expertise. Our practical-focused training develops skills in solid and dry lining plastering for various construction contexts.
CSCS Preparation
We provide Health and Safety in Construction Environment training leading to the Level 1 Award, required for CSCS Green Labourer Cards. Our FREE test provision includes preparation materials and flexible scheduling, helping learners meet updated industry standards for site access and professional development.
School Partnerships
Our Alternative Provision offers 14-16 year olds practical construction experience in bricklaying, plastering, and motor vehicle maintenance. Designed for students who thrive in hands-on environments, the programme builds employability skills and provides progression routes to apprenticeships, combining workplace learning with academic development.
Short Skills Courses
Six-week funded courses deliver essential construction skills in bricklaying, plastering, and tiling. These intensive programmes combine practical training with FREE CSCS test provision, preparing learners for immediate site work. Ideal for career changers or those seeking rapid employment in the construction sector with no prior experience.
People
Teresa Swift
Centre Manager and Lead for Quality and Training
Recognised as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction by CITB, Teresa brings decades of industry experience and educational leadership to Chameleon School of Construction.
Steve Crossley
Operations Manager
With extensive experience in construction education, Steve oversees operational excellence and learner support services across our Midlands training centres.
Questions
Are your courses fully funded?
Yes, we offer fully funded courses for eligible learners aged 16+, including those earning under £25,000 or unemployed. Funding covers tuition costs with no upfront fees.
What locations do you operate from?
We have training centres in Swadlincote, Ripley, Chesterfield, and Burton-on-Trent, with nationwide NVQ delivery options available for workplace assessments.
Do you provide CSCS card support?
Yes, we include FREE CSCS Health and Safety test provision with our funded short courses, helping learners obtain their essential site access card.
Can I get construction training without prior experience?
Our Level 1 courses and short skills programmes require no prior experience, making them ideal for complete beginners entering the construction industry.
How long do courses take?
Short courses complete in 6 weeks, Level 2 Diplomas take 10 weeks, while full NVQ programmes vary depending on workplace experience and assessment readiness.
Do you help with job placement?
We provide employment support including CV preparation, interview guidance, and connections to industry partners seeking skilled construction professionals.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Craig Gibson
Apr 15, 2021
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I did my plastering training with chameleon at swadlincote daz and crew are a great bunch very helpful and knowledgeable love every moment of it.
Simon Lewis
Apr 15, 2021
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I have just finished the 5 day short plastering course which I took to enhance my painting and decorating work. I spoke to the tutors especially Darren and he literally tailor made the five days to suit my needs, which Ive never experienced on a course before. Anything Darren knew or thought of which he thought Id benefit by, we did with practical demonstrations and scenarios and his attitude was, how can I, with my knowledge and experience (which is priceless) make you benefit... totally student / learner driven..
For me its a great course to do, especially, like me, for those who want to broaden their skill set. With first class instructors, especially Darren, his attitude is basically student first me second, any questions I had, Darren would explain thoroughly and then demonstrate which was great for me because thats, like so many of us thats how we learn the most . Excellent facilities, fantastic instructors, great staff!! 10/10 spot on!!
For me its a great course to do, especially, like me, for those who want to broaden their skill set. With first class instructors, especially Darren, his attitude is basically student first me second, any questions I had, Darren would explain thoroughly and then demonstrate which was great for me because thats, like so many of us thats how we learn the most . Excellent facilities, fantastic instructors, great staff!! 10/10 spot on!!
Mark Flint
Mar 17, 2021
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Great for learning New skills in plastering and bricklaying and motor vehicle skills as well and great to work for
Matthew Reeves
Oct 20, 2020
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I did the 5 day plastering course at the swadlincote centre. I had a great week with Darren and his team. It was very informative and achieved a lot more than I thought l would in the time that I had there.
Kirsty Marshall
Oct 15, 2020
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Attended the 2 day plastering course to try and get some knowledge & skill to plaster some of my own house which has become more of a project than expected! The course was completely tailored to what I was looking to achieve while still giving me the absolute basics and starting as a complete beginner. Daz and Rich were fabulous at explaining everything and demonstrating the techniques without hanging over your shoulder while you had a go yourself.
At the end of the 2 days I'd plastered a wall and a ceiling (pretty decently I think!) and been given some excellent advice to take away. I asked a lot of questions and they were so informative in their answers. Hayley in the office is a lovely ray of sunshine and so friendly too. I felt really taken care of by all at Swadlincote. Thank you everyone!
At the end of the 2 days I'd plastered a wall and a ceiling (pretty decently I think!) and been given some excellent advice to take away. I asked a lot of questions and they were so informative in their answers. Hayley in the office is a lovely ray of sunshine and so friendly too. I felt really taken care of by all at Swadlincote. Thank you everyone!