Course Details

This apprenticeship is designed by key employers in the Construction industry and is one of the new ‘trailblazer apprenticeships. It provides the skills and underpinning knowledge for Bricklaying. Apprentices will learn how to lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures e.g. chimney stacks. They might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects. The range of sites and projects that bricklayers will work on include large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations, extensions and restorations. A bricklayer may work one-on-one or on larger jobs where their bricklaying group (gang) may work on a particular section of a building alongside other bricklaying gangs as well as other trades. Off the Job Training A key requirement of an Apprenticeship is Off-the-job training. This must make up at least 20% of the apprentice’s contracted hours, over the total duration of the apprentice’s planned training period. Off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and must take place within the apprentice’s normal working hours. The new learning must be documented and reflected on through the Learner Journal on e-portfolio.

Before a candidate is offered a place on the Bricklaying Apprenticeship, both the candidate and the employer will be assessed to make sure they’re suitable to undertake the apprenticeship. The apprentice will need to meet academic entry requirements and the employer must be able to offer the apprentice the range of work required to enable the candidate to gather sufficient evidence throughout the course. Once accepted onto the course, the apprentice will attend college on a Friday to study theory work, undertake reviews, update their portfolio and record their ‘Off the job Training’. The apprentices will also attend several block weeks for their practical training. The apprentice will attend college for 65 days per year. The apprentice will be assessed by a work-based assessor through practical work with their employer and at college. Review of progress and growth targets will be set every 4 – 10 weeks, depending on individual needs. A full delivery plan will be provided when the apprentice starts on the programme. End Point Assessment During their time on-programme, the apprentice will build a portfolio of evidence of their work and their knowledge. The assessor and employer will help the apprentice to create a ‘Showcase portfolio’ which will be used by an Independent End-Point Assessor during the End-Point Assessment. The Final Assessment forms a large part of the assessment of the apprenticeship and will be delivered by a 3rd party independent assessor. End-Point Assessment includes: • An Online Knowledge Test (45 Questions / 60 Minutes) • A Skills test in an unfamiliar location (6 Hours) • Oral Questioning related to the learners Showcase Portfolio (60 Minutes) Progression 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 The bricklaying apprenticeship will qualify apprentices to a good standard which will enable them to work independently as a Bricklayer. Apprentices could also move onto Level 3 qualifications in Site Management or other office-based roles in the construction industry. office-based roles in the construction industry.