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Bricklaying 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.


National Skills Level 3 Offer

From April 2021, 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.

Do I have to pay a fee?

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 you may also be eligible for free training at Level 2 or below.

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.

Level 3 of this course will be free:

  • If you are aged 19+ and enrolling on a full level 3 course and you do not already have a qualification at this level*.

* 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)).

***Applications for full-time courses to start in September 2022 are now open!***

Application for this course are made by the ‘Apply Online’ button located further down the page.

If you are looking to start, or are a parent/guardian of a learner looking to start in September 2022, then bookings for our popular October Open Events are also open.

October Open Events

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.

How to make an Application – Watch our video guide!

We have also prepared a step-by-step video guide – please view this video which will guide you through the application process.

Bricklaying Diploma Level 1/2/3
LevelLevel 1
Level 2
Level 3
LocationColchester
Braintree
DurationThree years
Year 1: Level 1
Year 2: Level 2
Year 3: Level 3*
*Level 3 available at Colchester Campus only
Study ModeFull-Time
CampusColchester Campus
Braintree Campus
Start DateSeptember 2022 - Applications open on 1st October 2021
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: Year 1: £1,470
19+: Year 2: £1,632
19+: Year 3: £2,944*
Apply Online For ColchesterApply Online For BraintreeCourse Enquiry Line: 01206 712 777Open Event UpdatesReceive Updates For Parents & GuardiansLifetime Skills Guarantee
Fee Exemptions ApplyAdvanced Learner Loan Available
*This course will be free to any adult meeting the eligibility criteria under the Lifetime Skills Guarantee

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2021-22 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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