Employers
A bricklaying apprenticeship is a training program designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to become a bricklayer.
During the apprenticeship, you will learn how to construct and repair walls, chimneys, and other structures using bricks, blocks, and other masonry materials.
You will gain hands-on experience in laying bricks, mortar application, measuring and cutting materials, and understanding construction plans.
The apprenticeship focuses on safety practices, building codes, and industry standards. By the end of the programme, you will be prepared to contribute effectively to construction projects, whether in residential, commercial, or industrial settings.
Earn a wage, whilst studying a fantastic course
Gaining experience in a fast-paced & competitive industry
No learning costs for the Apprentice
Macclesfield College offers state-of-the-art bricklaying facilities for apprentices attending the college on day release from work. The college provides dedicated apprenticeship workrooms, equipped with modern tools and equipment, ensuring apprentices receive hands-on experience and practical training.
The friendly atmosphere at the college fosters a supportive learning environment, encouraging apprentices to develop their skills and knowledge in a comfortable setting. With these excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, apprentices can make the most of their educational journey and enhance their bricklaying expertise for future success in the construction industry.
Typical completion time is likely to be 24-30 months. This may reduce if an apprentice has gained previous relevant knowledge and skills.
If not already achieved, the apprentice will have to achieve Level 1 English and maths and take the test for level 2 prior to taking their end-point assessment.
CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND BEHAVIOUR REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge
Health and safety: Health and safety hazards, current regulations and legislation including COSHH/risk assessments and understanding the importance of method statements. Codes of practice and safe working practices, including asbestos awareness and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Customer service: The principles of high quality customer service. Establishing the needs of others (colleagues, customers and other stakeholders). Respect the working environment including customers’ properties, impact on other trades and the project. Gaining and keeping a valued reputation in industry with clients, colleagues and industry representatives such as suppliers and manufacturers.
Communication: Different communication methods. How to communicate in a clear, articulate and appropriate manner. How to adapt communication style to different situations.
Buildings: Different eras, types of construction methods, insulation considerations, sustainability, facilities management, fire, moisture and air protection. Fireplaces and chimneys. Damp proof courses and the use of brick ties. An awareness of the location of trees and services, and their impact on foundation types.
Energy efficiency: The importance and considerations of thermal qualities, airtightness and ventilation to buildings.
Materials: Types of materials, their uses and their value. Types of bonds and their uses. Concrete and drainage. Cost awareness and environmental considerations/waste awareness e.g. surface water management and recycling.
Alternative construction techniques: Modern methods of construction, rapid build technology, alternative block, masonry, steel and timber based cladding systems.
Radial and battered brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including complex arches and surrounding brickwork, curved on plan, concave and convex brickwork and battered brickwork.
Feature and reinforced brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including complex decorative features, obtuse/acute angle quoins and reinforced brickwork
Fireplaces and chimneys: Select materials and resources required to set out and build fireplaces and chimneys using materials such as hearths, plinths, flue liners, chimney pots and other modern methods.
Skills
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, 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 (eg trowel, levels, brick ties, DPC, insulation, mixers, lintels etc) 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.
Behaviours
Positive and mature attitude: Conscientious, punctual, enthusiastic, reliable and professional including appearance. Take responsibility for personal judgements and actions. Be aware of the limits of personal competence. Show drive and energy in fulfilling requirements of role, including deadlines and being proactive not reactive. Show honesty and integrity by developing the trust of customers and colleagues and undertaking responsibilities in an ethical and empathetic manner. Demonstrate awareness of equality and diversity in all aspects of role.
Quality focused: Be reliable, productive, efficient and quality focussed in work and in personal standards to current industrial standards. Awareness and consideration of other trades eg build walls in a way that allows for pipes and electrical wiring. Keep work area clean and tidy. Provide good customer service. Give consideration to the appropriate use of resources and personal actions in regards to environmental, social and economic factors and their impacts.
Effective communication: Oral (including listening), written, body language and presentation. Collaborate with others, eg colleagues, clients, architects, contract managers, other trades, clients, suppliers and the public regardless of differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
Self-motivated learner: Identify personal development needs and take action to meet those needs. Keep up-to-date with best practices and new technology. Show initiative to independently complete work and solve problems by seeking out critical information.
The employer, in consultation with the training provider, will make the judgement as to whether the Apprentice is ready for end-point assessment through the achievement of a Level 2 English and Mathematics qualification. On conclusion that the assessment gateway requirements have been achieved, you will be able to proceed to the end-point assessment stage of the Apprenticeship. It is expected that you will complete the assessment gateway requirements within three months of your planned Apprenticeship completion.
Your end-point assessment will consist of the following measures of knowledge and competence:
On completion of this Apprenticeship, the apprentice will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card at the appropriate level.
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