Bricklaying Courses and Training

Who needs Bricklaying Courses?

Beyond architects and city planners, specialists in bricklaying are among the first contracted for a construction project. Once a project is planned on paper, it is critical that each structure has a strong foundation before building can proceed. Bricklaying and paving materials are often chosen according to the surrounding environment and may include mortar, bricks, concrete, limestone and stucco. Considerations of the environment and building use help ensure that construction materials are safe and will endure over time. As a building craft, bricklaying and masonry techniques have also been developed and adapted to withstand chemical adjustments and exclude dangerous materials, according to current health and safety regulations.

Bricklaying courses will teach you these essential skills. These courses are not just for those wanting to get started in bricklaying, however. Since bricklaying is a physical trade, most bricklayers have no formal education. They have learned on the job. No matter how skilled these people are, an employer can better understand their skill level if they get certified through one of many bricklaying courses.

NVQs and other outcomes of Bricklaying Courses

Since bricklaying is a skill that is learned by doing, most bricklaying courses will be very hands on. They may be focused on specific bricklaying skills or techniques. For example:

• Block Paving
• Archways
• Gauging & mixing mortars
• Erecting thin joint masonry structures
• Repairing and Maintaining masonry structures

There are also bricklaying courses for beginners who might want to do some bricklaying around their own home.

The most common reason to take a bricklaying course in the UK is to gain NVQ credits. NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are based on national standards. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They include all the main aspects of an occupation, such as current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding are the foundation for competent performance. NVQs can only be gained by people who are already within the trade. These qualifications are great for both employees and employers because employees can get them on the job and employers know that they demonstrate true skill.

Getting an NVQ requires that a professional is assessed on the job for a period of time in order to determine if they have an appropriate skill level. Bricklaying courses that result in NVQs can either be a practical class that includes assessment, or they can connect you with an assessor who will watch the candidate on the job and certify them based on their performance there.  

Related training areas

'Build' a solid foundation of construction skills with highly-practical courses in plastering, tiling and plumbing. Experienced trainers from all sectors of construction can help develop your skills with hands-on, learning-by-doing training that you can apply immediately. After completing the right training courses, you can become an employable, accredited construction worker. Courses are available in locations across the UK, including Essex.