Bricklayers build and repair solid and cavity walls, block work, chimney stacks, and decorative stonework like archways. You might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects.
As a bricklayer the projects you work on can range from a house extension to a large commercial development.
If you enjoy doing practical things and you are interested in construction, this could be the perfect job for you.
As a bricklayer, your work would include:
Measuring the work area and setting out the first rows of bricks (courses) and the damp course
Mixing mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
Shaping and trimming bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
Checking that courses are straight using water or laser spirit levels and plumb lines
To become a qualified bricklayer you will need to have:
Good practical skills
The ability to read plans
The ability to work in a well organised and accurate way
An awareness of safety issues, especially when working at heights and carrying loads
The ability to work as part of a team and with other tradespeople
A good level of fitness
Salary range: £15,000 - £30,000+ for an average 38 to 42 hours per week.
This apprenticeship programme is for one day per week in college over 2 years.
Steel toe capped shoes/boots and sturdy clothing to protect your body will be required.
This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to work in a real construction environment.
Elements of the apprenticeship
Level 2 Diploma and Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Bricklaying
Functional Skills: Level 1 English and Level 1 Mathematics
Employee Rights and Responsibilities
Personal Learning and Thinking Skills.
Delivery model and duration
This apprenticeship will take 24 months to complete
Students will be required to spend one day per week in college
Students may need to attend additional workshops to complete their Functional Skills
Assessment takes place in the workplace (a number of visits will be scheduled)
Time will be required off the job to complete college work.
To enrol on the Level 2 apprenticeship you will need to be employed and have at least 3 GCSE's at grade E or above
including Maths, English and a science/technical qualification. If your qualifications were completed before 2012 then you will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade D and above.
Shortlist and Apply
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What You Will Pay
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Construction is a key industry sector in Gloucestershire and now is the perfect time to train for a qualification in any of the industry areas we offer. Our construction courses are a great way to develop skills and build the foundation for a successful career in domestic and industrial construction.
We are the first UK college to buy a house as a renovation project for our construction and building services students, to further develop their skills and provide them with practical experience of working on-site with other trades, and it’s initiatives like this that ensure our students leave us employment-ready.
“The people I’ve met – especially my lecturer – are really easy to talk to. The facilities are wonderful and all in order; it’s very easy to pick out and find what you need. Carpentry is fun and enjoyable, and sets you up for the rest of your life. I feel really prepared for life after college and the skills I’ve learnt are useful in daily life.
“To someone thinking of applying to GC I would say that it’s absolutely brilliant and somewhere you can learn lots and achieve a high grade. I’m working on sites at the moment so I get to travel and do renovations and house builds, which I want to continue after college.”
Ben Mason
Level 2 – Carpentry – Gloucester Campus
“Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I worked in plumbing and removals, but was ready for a career change. I’ve learnt many new skills in my apprenticeship, including fitting door linings, hanging doors and measuring and fitting kitchens.
The college side of my training has been very useful for when I’m working on site and my assessor has been helpful when showing me skills on a one-to-one basis.
An apprenticeship was the best route for me and I hope to become a self-employed carpenter once I complete my training”
Harry Taylor
Bench Joinery Apprentice at Pickering and Spencer
“The course gave me a great overview of the construction industry, which is exactly what I needed to progress in my career. I wanted a change and this equipped me with the knowledge and skills I required in order to do that. I now work as in Administration Manager in family run Construction business and I really enjoy it.
“The lecturers were very supportive and the knowledge they have is immeasurable. They have lots of experience in the industry. I very much enjoyed the variety in modules too, it allowed us to be creative and practically use what we had learnt.
“I made some great friends here, it was a very inclusive atmosphere.
“I would do it all again, it was such a brilliant experience. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to GC to not be afraid and make the jump!”
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