Brickwork

What will I study?

This is a two-year course where you will complete a Year 1 Diploma, followed by a Year 2 Diploma the following year.

Year 1

This practical course is an ideal introduction to bricklaying and the construction industry. You will develop your skills in a realistic workshop environment while building the essential knowledge needed to progress in the trade.

The course combines theory and practical learning. You will study health and safety, principles of building, producing thin-joint masonry, building solid walls, constructing cavity walling and interpreting drawings. Theory and practical sessions are delivered by our experienced staff.

You will learn how to prepare your work area, select and use tools and materials correctly, follow drawings and specifications, and produce brickwork to the required standard.

We also aim to provide you with at least 35 hours of work experience or work-related activities while on the course.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will build on your existing bricklaying skills and develop more advanced practical and technical knowledge.

Working in a practical workshop environment, you will tackle more advanced brickwork projects, improve your accuracy and finish, and develop a greater understanding of the standards expected within the industry.

You will study areas including:

• Health, safety and welfare in construction
• Further principles of building construction, information and communication
• Building solid walling
• Constructing isolated and attached piers
• Interpreting working drawings
• Setting out masonry structures
• Constructing cavity walling and masonry structures
• Forming openings within cavity walls
• Planning work and selecting the correct tools, equipment and materials
• Working accurately to drawings, specifications and required standards

You may also have the opportunity to develop skills in thin-joint masonry and masonry cladding as an additional elective unit to enhance your industry knowledge and skills.

A large part of the course is practical, allowing you to develop your speed, accuracy, independence and confidence while completing increasingly challenging brickwork projects.

You will need to find at least 35 hours of work experience or work-related activities each year while on the course.

You will be issued with a uniform that must be worn in all sessions at college. Personal protective equipment will be supplied.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical assignments, assessments and knowledge tests, including online and paper-based exams.

Knowledge is assessed through multiple-choice examinations or question papers, covering areas such as construction principles, health and safety, working drawings, setting out, solid walling, piers and cavity wall construction.

Your practical work will be assessed by your tutor/assessor, with feedback provided to help you develop your skills and prepare for your assessments.

Assessments are designed to make sure you can demonstrate both the practical skills and knowledge required for the qualification.

Successful completion of Year 1 Brickwork can provide a foundation for further training and progression within the construction industry.

You could progress to the Year 2 Brickwork qualification, seek a bricklaying apprenticeship, or continue developing the skills and experience required for employment in another trade area within the construction sector.

Successfully completing the Year 2 Brickwork qualification can open up a number of progression opportunities, including:

• Level 3 Diploma in Bricklaying
• Bricklaying apprenticeship
• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations

• Employment within the construction industry

With further training and industry experience, career opportunities can include bricklayer, construction operative and site supervisor. In the longer term, you could also become self-employed or run your own construction business.