Brickwork Level 1/2/3
Learn how to become a professional bricklayer and work towards a career in the fast-growing construction industry.
This is a three-year programme of study consisting of three qualifications:
The Level 1 Bricklaying Diploma is designed to prepare people to enter the industry in their chosen craft and will be completed in year 1.
The Level 2 Bricklaying Diploma is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of people, enabling them to work in industry in their chosen craft. This will be completed in year 2.
The Level 3 Bricklaying Diploma has been specifically developed for delivery in a training environment using simulated conditions ensuring you leave us with the expertise and knowledge required industry. Working within our fully equipped training workshops you will work with real materials and on projects you would expect to find in industry. Practical and theory sessions are combined to provide you with an understanding of basic and more advanced bricklaying techniques.
How will I learn?
The Bricklaying Diploma programmes have been specifically developed for delivery in a training environment using simulated conditions. Working within our fully equipped training workshops you will work with real materials and on projects you would expect to find in industry. Practical and theory sessions are combined to provide you with an understanding of basic and more advanced bricklaying techniques. Assessment is based on the student showing what they can do as an individual through the completion of all the requirements of the qualification.
Practical sessions are combined with traditional classroom activities and computer-aided learning; these enable production of a portfolio of evidence. Students work towards passing end of unit tests, practical assessments and an online test set by the awarding body. In addition to your main programme, you will study English and maths. You will also engage in activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills.
All the units of training must be completed by each student. All outcomes must be achieved during the training programme.
Course Content
Level 1 Bricklaying Diploma units may include:
- Carrying out Blocklaying Activities
- Carrying out Bricklaying Activities
- Carrying out Cavity Walling Activities
- Contribute to Setting Out and Building of Masonry Structures up to Damp Proof Course
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction
- Principles of Building Construction, Information and Communication
Developing from the Level 1 programme, Level 2 units and activities include:
- Interpreting Working Drawings to Set Out Masonry Structures
- Producing Thin Joint Masonry and Masonry Cladding (Optional)
- Building Solid Walling, Isolated and Attached Piers
- Construct Cavity Walling Forming Masonry Structures
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction
- Principles of Building Construction, Information and Communication
In addition to this there are seven theory units to complete, each of which have an internal knowledge test, plus an end of year exam on all seven units of study.
Level 3 Bricklaying Diploma units may include:
You will learn about several complex topics in practice. These include; obtuse angle work, acute angle work, axed arches, chimneys, fireplaces and flues, curved walls on plan, convex and concave walls, decorative panel work, quetta bond reinforced walling, battered buttress work and, also, motiff projections .
Alongside this you will learn the theory:
- Repair and Maintain Masonry Structures
- Constructing Radial and Battered Brickwork
- Carrying out Decorative and Reinforced Brickwork
- Constructing Fireplaces and Chimneys
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction
- Principles of Organising, Planning and Pricing Construction Work
Assessment is based on the student demonstrating competence as an individual through the completion of all the requirements of the qualification. The Qualification comprises: General Core units, occupation specific units, practical assignment, and online testing of knowledge. To gain the Bricklaying Diploma, you must be successful in all units and practical assignments.
Entry Requirements
Level 1:
- 3 GCSEs (9-1), including English and Maths
- An interview
Level 2: Satisfactory completion of the Level 1 Diploma and via interview/progression board. Candidates must be deemed to have the potential and opportunity to successfully gain the qualification.
Level 3: Satisfactory completion of the Level 2 Diploma or an ICA in Trowel Occupations and via interview candidates must be deemed to have the potential and opportunity to successfully gain the qualification. A progression interview with Course Leader.
What Can I Do Next?
Level 1: Employment opportunities as a trainee bricklayer/improver. Further vocational training and assessment leading to NVQ Level 2.
Level 2: Further vocational training and assessment leading to a Bricklaying Diploma Level 3.
Level 3: Site foreman or charge hand, in a gang of bricklayers. Master craftsman. Progression could lead to higher education courses at Colchester Institute, in Site Management.
All students aged 16-18 on the first day of their course will have their course fully-funded by the government.
Costs of studying
If you are/will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August in the calendar year when you begin a programme of study, you DO NOT pay tuition fees, College registration fees or examination/board registration fees. However, there are some courses which have additional costs which could include:
- equipment costs – such as uniforms, kits, boots, etc.
- trips and enrichment activities
- DBS checks (formerly CRB checks)
For students with an identified low household income, there may be financial support available. Bursary awards can help with your course related costs such as travel, books and equipment and much more.
Aged 19+ - Fees and Funding
If you are aged 19 and over, in certain circumstances you may be eligible for a fee waiver and therefore you will not have to pay for this course.Â
Eligibility for a fee waiver will depend your age at the start of the course, your previous qualifications, your employment status and whether you claim certain benefits.
If you do not meet the criteria for a fee waiver, you may be eligible for some assistance from the College’s Bursary Funds, depending on the household financial circumstances.
If you do not meet the criteria for a fee waiver, and are not eligible for assistance from the Bursary Fund, you will have to pay for this course.
Published course fees for this course are located further down this course information page.
Level 1 - Do I have to pay a fee?
The information in this section applies to this course, and may not apply to other courses with different funding criteria.
| You will not pay tuition fees if you are: |
| aged 19-24 on the 31st August 2022 and have an active Education, Health and Care Plan |
| aged 19-23 and are required to undertake this level 1 qualification in order to progress onto level 2, provided you have not previously achieved a level 2 qualification in any other subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) by the start of the course |
| over 19, unemployed and in receipt of benefits |
| over 19, employed and have a gross annual salary under £18,525 per annum |
| If you are aged 19-23 and have previously achieved a Level 2 qualification, if you do not meet the low income or unemployment criteria you will not be eligible for a fee waiver |
| You will not meet the low income or unemployment criteria if you: |
| are aged over 19 at the start of the course, unemployed and are not in receipt of benefits |
| are aged over 19 at the start of the course, employed and have a gross annual salary over £18,525 per annum |
| Therefore you will pay tuition fees |
In certain circumstances, the College’s discretionary bursary fund maybe able to assist with a contribution towards tuition fees. Eligibility to the fund depends on the household’s financial circumstances. Further information regarding the discretionary bursary fund can be found further down this page.
Level 2 - Do I have to pay a fee?
The information in this section applies to this course, and may not apply to other courses with different funding criteria.
| You will not pay tuition fees if you are: |
| aged 19-24 at the 31st August 2022 and have an active Education, Health and Care Plan |
| aged 19-23 and have not achieved a level 2 qualification in any other subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) |
| over 19 at the start of the course, unemployed and in receipt of benefits |
| over 19 at the start of the course, employed and have a gross annual salary under £18,525 per annum |
| If you are aged 19-23 and have previously achieved a Level 2 qualification, if you do not meet the low income or unemployment criteria you will not be eligible for a fee waiver |
| You will not meet the low income or unemployment criteria if you: |
| are aged over 19 at the start of the course, unemployed and are not in receipt of benefits |
| are aged over 19 at the start of the course, employed and have a gross annual salary over £18,525 per annum |
| Therefore you will pay tuition fees |
In certain circumstances, the College’s discretionary bursary fund maybe able to assist with a contribution towards tuition fees. Eligibility to the fund depends on the household’s financial circumstances. Further information regarding the discretionary bursary fund can be found further down this page.
Level 3 - Do I have to pay a fee?
National Skills Level 3 Offer
The Lifetime Skills Guarantee gives adult learners (who will be studying for their first full Level 3 qualification) the opportunity to study a fully-funded course. It is part of the government’s National Skills Fund to help adults to gain the skills they need for employment, and to improve their job prospects.
Level 3 of this course offered at Colchester Institute is included in the Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
Level 3 will be free if you meet the eligibility criteria listed below. If these do not apply, you may need to pay a fee, and the fee is located further down the course information page. You can apply for a loan to cover all of your tuition fees.
As there is no direct entry onto Level 3 for this course you will need to enrol on a lower level to be able to progress to Level 3. Depending on your circumstances, this may also be fully funded by the government.
The information in this section applies to this course, and as such may not apply to other courses with different funding criteria.
| You will not pay tuition fees if you are: |
| aged 19-24 on the 31st August 2022 and have an active Education, Health and Care Plan |
| aged 19 and over at the start of this course and you do not already have a qualification at this level (a full Level 3 or equivalent). * This means that you have not previously attained a full Level 3 or equivalent (2 A Levels or 4 AS Levels, or QAA Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma at Level 3, or a Level 3 Tech level or applied general qualification (e.g. BTEC)). In some cases, if you need to first enrol on a lower level course, before progressing to a level 3, this may also be fully funded by the government. |
| From 1st April 2022 adults in England who already have an existing full Level 3 qualification or higher, or have previously achieved any other qualification included in the Level 3 adult offer, may be able to study this qualification for free. |
| You will not pay tuition fees provided that your qualification was achieved before 1st April 2021 and you meet either of the criteria below: |
| aged over 19, unemployed and in receipt of benefits |
| employed and earning under the National Living Wage annually (£18,525) |
If you are aged over 19 and have studied this course at Level 2 with us previously (or at another training provider) and would like to enrol directly onto Level 3 please contact our Admissions Department, where candidates will be assessed on an individual basis prior to application.
| You will pay tuition fees if you are: |
| aged 19 and over at the start of this course and have previously achieved a full Level 3 qualification |
| Learners required to pay tuition fees can either self-fund (whereby you or your employer pays for the course) or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover all, or part, of the tuition fees for this course. The minimum loan you can get is £300, but the maximum will depend on how much the fees are and the type of course you take. |
For students with an identified low household income, there may be financial support available through the College’s discretionary bursary fund. Although the funds cannot be used to pay for course fees they can be used to contribute towards other course related costs such as travel, childcare, books and equipment.
Advanced Learner Loans
Am I eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan?
To qualify for an advanced learner loan to cover the fees for this course you must be:
- 19 years old or over on the first day of your course (there’s no upper age limit)
- A UK national or have ‘settled status’ (this means there are no restrictions on how long you can stay)
- Living in the UK on the first day of your course, and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years immediately before this
Most learners that fall into this bracket will be eligible, it doesn’t depend on your household income and there’s no credit check!
If your nationality or residency status is different to the above, then please contact the national Advanced Learner Loan helpline on 0300 100 0619 or check the Advanced Learner Loan website where you will be able to find further information on eligibility.
How do I apply for an Advanced Learner Loan?
Once you have applied and been offered a place on the course, the college will provide you with a ‘learning and funding information letter’. These are normally sent out in early July.
You need this to complete the loan application and you cannot apply for a loan until you have received this.
Once you have applied for a loan and it has been approved you will receive an official letter from Student Finance England.
Am I eligible for a bursary?
Applicants thinking of enrolling on this course can apply for funding to help with the costs associated with attending college. Bursary funds are targeted at students where there is an identified low household income.
The bursary fund cannot provide help with costs unrelated to your course, such as general living expenses, nor can it be used as an attendance incentive.
Applications to the fund are not normally considered if the household income exceeds £25,000 but may be considered in some instances if the household is experiencing severe financial hardship.
| The 16-19 Bursary Fund is aimed at helping: |
| Students who are aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August 2022 |
| Students aged 19 who started a two-year programme before their 19th birthday |
| Students aged 19 or over on 31st August 2022 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) |
| If you do not meet the above criteria then you are likely to be eligible for support through either the: |
| 19+ Bursary Fund |
| or |
| Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund (for students paying Level 3 tuition fees for with an advanced learner loan)* *Awards from the Advanced Learner Loans Bursary Fund can only be made to students who have received an Advanced Learner Loan. If you do not intend to apply for an advanced learner loan or if your application has been unsuccessful you will not be eligible for an award from this particular fund. |
Funds are targeted at course related costs such as travel, childcare, books and equipment.
Regardless of income or employment status, students self-funding (including where an employer is covering course fees), are not eligible for financial assistance through any discretionary bursary funds.
When can I apply?
Bursary Fund applications for courses starting in the 2022/23 academic year will be open from June 1st 2022.
For courses starting in September 2022, applications should be made by 1st November 2022. If you find yourself in financial hardship after this date it is important that you still contact Student Services. Applications received after 1st November will be considered on a pro-rata basis subject to need and the availability of funds.
Payment Options
Can I pay in instalments?
Where total course fees exceed £200 you (or your employer, if they are paying your course fees) can choose to pay your fees in instalments through a monthly payment plan.
40% of the fee or £500 (whichever is lower) will be payable at enrolment.
The balance must be paid within 6 months or by the end date if the course is less than 6 months in duration.
Payment in full in advance
Payment should be made in full at the time of enrolment. Acceptable payment methods include Debit Card and Credit Card (excluding American Express). Please note that we are no longer able to accept cash or cheque payments.
How to make an Application – Watch our video guide!
Applications for September 2023 open now!
The application window for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications opened on Monday 3rd October at 12pm.
Before submitting your online application, make sure you have got an email address which you will check frequently and which is professional and appropriate for this purpose, and use this when you create your account. Submit the application as early as possible and remember to make a note of your USERNAME and PASSWORD details! You will need these later.
We have prepared a step-by-step video guide below – please view this video which will guide you through the application process.
Application Do's and Don'ts
Application Tips
If you have chosen the study programme you would like to apply for then you are almost there. We recommend that you read our handy application tips, watch our video and then make your application.
You can only apply for one full-time programme and one apprenticeship. You can do this together within the same application form, in what is known as a joint application.
Remember, you cannot study more than one core subject. For example, you would not be able to study two full-time programmes in different subjects simultaneously. You would take Plumbing or Music, not Plumbing and Music.
Your subject will be your primary qualification and forms the bulk of your programme of study.
Application Dos
- Apply as early as possible. We want to make sure you have the best chance of securing a place with us. All full-time applications received by the 31st of January 2023 will be guaranteed a place at Colchester Institute, subject to you satisfying the published entry requirements. We still accept applications after this date but may not be able to guarantee you a place on your chosen programme.
- Think carefully about your course choice before you apply. Talk to your head of year or careers adviser at school to make sure you have explored all your options and have found a course that suits you best. You may wish to attend one of our open days to find out more before applying.
- Make sure you attend any interviews or assessments we invite you to. These are a mandatory part of our process. They give you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, as well as allowing us to make sure you are on the most appropriate course for you. Some courses may invite you to attend a second interview or audition to demonstrate your skills and to ensure you are on the most appropriate level for you.
- Please let us know if your contact details or address change. We will use a variety of letters, emails and texts to communicate with you throughout the process, and the information we provide is both confidential and vital to your application. If you move home or change your phone number and don’t inform us of any changes, you could miss some vital information.
Application Don’ts
- Do not make multiple applications. If you are unsure, for example, of which construction/trade subject you would like to study, please only make an application for one of them. Likewise, if you later wish you had applied for a different course, please don’t worry – we can change your application. Whatever the reason for wanting to change, there is no need to make another application.
- Do not use a school email address when you create your account. Remember, you will need to access this account later in the summer after you have left school.
- Do not create another account if you have previously applied. If you have applied in previous years, please do not create a new account. If you are unsure, contact us to check which username and password to use.
Just call us on 01206 712777
Bricklaying Diploma Level 1/2/3
| Level | Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 |
|---|---|
| Location | Colchester Braintree |
| Duration | Three years Year 1: Level 1 Year 2: Level 2 Year 3: Level 3* *Level 3 available at Colchester Campus only |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Campus / Adult Skills Centre | Colchester Campus Braintree Campus |
| Start Date | September 2023 |
| Applications | Applications opened on Monday 3rd October 2022 |
| Fee(s) | 16-18 year olds: Free 19+: Year 1: £1,470 19+: Year 2: £1,866 19+: Year 3: £3,345* |
*This course will be free to any adult meeting the eligibility criteria under the Lifetime Skills Guarantee
Other courses in this area
Disclaimer
All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2022-23 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.
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.
