Bricklayer, Apprenticeship

One of the great advantages of pursuing a career in construction is the potential for swift entry into the workforce. With an apprenticeship, you not only gain valuable experience but also learn, study, and earn money at the same time.

Led by experienced professionals who have a thorough understanding of the industry, our courses offer specialist training and guidance, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. We prioritise not only practical skills but also employability skills, ensuring you are equipped with the abilities necessary to thrive in the construction sector.

At the South West Skills Campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art training facilities that mirror real-world construction environments. These facilities include well-equipped workshops for each trade area, an industry-standard materials testing lab, an excellent array of tools and equipment, and specialised software packages for individual subjects. We also offer renewable technologies training, an outdoor working arena, and a well-resourced library with e-resources and a laptop loan service.

As a Weston College apprentice, you will join our Career Excellence Hub, which provides numerous career-boosting benefits and focuses on preparing you for the workplace. Our strong partnerships with renowned companies such as Wilmott Dixon, Bradfords, St. Modwen, Galliford Try, Balfour Beatty, Kier, Hydrock, and Real Group ensure that you establish valuable connections and receive the support and development you need to reach your career goals.

The construction industry is a hub of creativity and innovation, with diverse opportunities for individuals with a passion for building, design, and sustainability. At Weston College, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of construction professionals. Join us today and embark on a journey that will shape your future.

What Does This Course Invole

You will learn essential skills such as building cavity walls, building to gauge and line, joint walling, and correctly positioning wall ties, DPCs, cavity trays, and weep holes.

You will learn about a range of bricklaying components, including decorative panels, setting out complex structures, and projecting brickwork. In addition to the main units, you will be assessed on your ability to operate in the world of work and in areas such as maintaining a safe, clean, working environment We also focus on developing the employability skills demanded by employers, including problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and teamwork.

An apprentice will learn:

• Preparation of materials: Determine quality and quantities of building material including mix ratios of mortar and concrete. Areas and volumes of materials and resources.

• Safe working: Adhere to relevant health and safety legislation, and codes of practice and apply safe working practices, including when working at heights. Safe use of disc cutters and power cutters.

• Working area: Select appropriate tools, equipment, and materials (e.g., trowel, levels, brick ties, DPC, insulation, mixers, lintels) for use when setting out and erecting masonry walling. Maintain a clean working environment.

• Masonry structures: Interpret drawings and specifications. Measure the work area and set out level first courses of bricks to a plan, including bonds for openings and the damp course. Mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer. Lay bricks to set dimensions and apply mortar with a trowel to completion. Shape and trim bricks/blocks using hammers, chisels, and power tools. Use of laser levels, spirit levels, optical levels, and string lines to check that courses are straight, horizontally, and vertically, and laid to a gauge. Ensure thermal qualities, airtightness, and ventilation are maintained. Remove waste materials. Repair and renew masonry structures.

• Radial and battered brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including simple arches and surrounding brickwork.

• Feature and reinforced brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including common decorative features such as oversailing courses and simple corbels.

• Other brickwork: Block laying. Cavity walling to include openings, brick inspection chambers, joint finishes, set out a square, set out to a gauge rod and/or profiles.

• Building technology: Select materials and resources to be able to set out and lay concrete, drainage, and other substructure materials.

Assessment Method

The end-point assessment will consist of a knowledge test of 40 multiple-choice questions, a 2-day skills test of three simulated practical tasks, and oral questioning of approximately 15 questions.

Future Opportunties

You could progress to site management roles or set up your own business. Upon completion, you are then eligible to apply for the Blue skilled worker CSCS card required to work on large construction projects.

Entry Requirements

You don’t need any formal qualifications to enrol on this apprenticeship, but you will be assessed to ensure you can complete the English and maths qualifications. You will also need to be in relevant employment, but we can help you find this.