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Bricklayer Level 2 Apprenticeship

A bricklayer will 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. A bricklayer 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.

The construction sector is the driving force behind the UK economy, employing three million people and contributing 6.4% of GDP. Not only that, the construction industry is central to delivering the homes, schools, hospitals, energy and transport infrastructure our society demands. A career as a bricklayer in the construction industry is like no other. Bricklaying is a core function within the construction sector, particularly the house building sector. The Government has a target to build significantly more new homes over the coming years and therefore the demand for bricklayers has never been higher.

Information for Applicants

What will I learn?

Core Knowledge covered:

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.

Bricklayer Apprenticeship Core Skills Covered:

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.

What are the entry requirements?

Individual employers will set the selection criteria

How often do I have to attend college?

College attendance will be required over the duration of the course. This will be in conjunction with further assessment in the workplace. Our well-equipped workshops will allow apprentices to carry out practical work in a safe environment.

How will I be assessed?

The End-point Assessment (EPA) will assess how an apprentice can apply their skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired in their apprenticeship, through the following three assessments carried out at the end of the apprenticeship after the apprentice has completed the 24-30 month duration of on-programme learning:
1. Knowledge test – assessed by an End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), this test will consist of multiple-choice questions on a computerbased platform. Provisions can be made for paper based assessments to be made available if reasonable adjustments require this.
2. Skills test – assessed over 1 day by an Independent End-point Assessor (IEPA), this assessment will holistically assess skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired throughout the apprenticeship.
3. Oral questioning – assessed by an IEPA following the skills test, to confirm the learners understanding and to obtain further evidence of knowledge. It will extend and amplify the ability demonstrated in the skills test.

The EPA can only be taken after the conditions of the Assessment Gateway have been successfully achieved.

What can I do next?

Possible progression to an Advanced Apprenticeship. Bricklaying and craft masonry offer a wide range of opportunities such as working on new builds and refurbishments.

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. As a result of achieving the Apprenticeship, there will be an entitlement to join the Federation of Master Builders’ continuous professional development (CPD) scheme for individual tradespeople.

Information for Employers

How is my business going to benefit from an apprentice Bricklayer?

Having an Apprentice employee that can demonstrate the following 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 practice and new technology. Show initiative to independently complete work and solve problems by seeking out critical information.

What will this cost my business?

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 has changed the way that government funds apprenticeships in England. All businesses operating within the UK with a wage bill of over £3million are required to contribute to the apprenticeship levy.

  • If the levy applies to your business you will be required to pay 0.5% of your entire wage bill into the levy. This will be offset against a levy allowance worth £15,000 for each tax year.
  • You will only be able to use your levy payment for government backed apprenticeships.
  • Levy payments will expire after 18 months.

Speak to an advisor at CI Business Solutions on 01206 712727 to make your levy payments work for you.

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship. Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee.
Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

As the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Essex, we can provide expert advice and guidance on all areas of apprenticeship provision, including helping you find the right apprenticeship for your business, recruiting apprentices, quality delivery and assessment with on-going support and advice.

Does the apprentice have to attend college?

College attendance of one day per week will be required over the duration of the course. This will be in conjunction with further assessment in the workplace. Our well-equipped workshops will allow apprentices to carry out practical work in a safe environment.

How is the apprentice assessed?

College based assignments/examinations and accredited qualifications, work placed assessment in competency.

What about support in the workplace?

Skilled and knowledgeable staff must be available to support the apprentice as they complete work- based tasks

Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?

Colchester Institute is the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Essex. We are expert at connecting the right people, to the right training, to the right business and when it comes to Apprenticeships, our Apprenticeship Advisors can support your business every step of the way.

As part of our service we can support your business with:

  • Advertising the Apprenticeship vacancy
  • Manage the applications received in line with your individual requirements
  • Match prospective candidates already known to us
  • Conduct initial pre-screening for candidates
  • Carry out visits to your premises alongside regular reviews to support you, your staff and your apprentice
  • Advice on any grants or funding where available

Our team will provide:

  • A fee free recruitment service.
  • Personal 1:1 Apprenticeship Levy advice and guidance.
  • A dedicated Account Manager.
  • Industry experienced, professional, technical tutors.
  • Bespoke programmes available upon request.
  • An Essex priority skills focus.
  • Free employer events.
Bricklayer Level 2 Apprenticeship
Course Outline: Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair structures

Recruiting now for September 2019

Starting employment as an apprentice can occur throughout the year however the start-date for attending college for training, where required, might vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and will be communicated post-employment and sign-up.

LevelLevel 2
LocationColchester
DurationTypical between 24-30 months, less if an apprentice has gained previous relevant knowledge and skills.
CampusColchester Institute
Apprenticeship Funding Band (Levy paying employers)£9,000
Employer Contribution Fee (Non-levy paying employers)£450
Applying for a Full-time Course and ApprenticeshipApprenticeship Enquiry Line: 01206 712 043Open EventsLatest Apprenticeship Vacancies

What will this cost my Business?

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship. Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Apprenticeship Funding Bands

Apprenticeship Funding Bands
Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee. Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2018-19 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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