Overview

Bricklayers build and repair walls, chimney stacks, tunnel linings and decorative stonework. They might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects. If you enjoy doing practical things and you are interested in construction, this could be the perfect job for you. To become a bricklayer, you will need to be able to read plans. You’ll also need to be able to work in a well organised way.

Am I ready to start?

If you're keen to earn money whilst you train to become a fully qualified tradesperson then an apprenticeship may be for you. An apprenticeship in bricklaying will equip you with the experience and training required for you to progress in your career. You will work closely with an experienced employer while in the workplace and learn from our hugely experienced team of tutors at the college. You will not only become a qualified bricklayer, you will also learn all aspects of working on a construction site.

You will be required to sit a diagnostic assessment for both Maths and English before your start on your framework, dependant on the outcome of the assessment it may be advisable for you to upskill before commencing with your apprenticeship. If this is the case the college will support you to find an appropriate course.

Before starting an apprenticeship you will be required to go through the interview process with an employer. Employers may be looking for slightly different qualities but on the whole employers are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking individuals that have good interpersonal skills and the ability to problem solve and work effectively as part of a team.
It may be you don't feel you are ready for an apprenticeship and might benefit from a Traineeship or full time course first. Find out more here (link to Traineeships info page and full time guide).

How does an Apprenticeship Work?

An apprenticeship programme is delivered via a mixture of on and off the job training, whereby you can apply your skills in real work contexts. The apprenticeship programme usually consists of these elements:

Diploma
This is the training that you will undertake in college. Through this training you will develop some of you underpinning knowledge as well as have the chance to practice and refine you practical skills.

NVQ
This is the assessment of your competency in the work place. Our team of onsite assessors will observe you in the work place and support you to gain the evidence required to prove your ability to work effectively.

Functional skills
This area covers your English and Mathematics development to the highest possible level.

Transferable skills
These are the skills that help you to develop your Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and your rights as an employee within the workplace.

The duration of the course is dependent on prior attainment and can range from 18 months to 24 months. You will attend College for 1 day a week and you be in the workplace for the remaining 4 days.

At Harlow College we do not believe in aiming for the bare minimum. Where ever possible we encourage our apprentices to go above and beyond the requirements of the frame work and achieve their maximum potential.

What does the course involve?

• Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying
• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Bricklaying)
• Functional Skills Maths and English of a minimum of level 1
• Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

Demand for skilled tradespeople is very high and there are a huge number of construction projects across the UK and abroad due to start over the next few years.

This apprenticeship could lead to one of the following opportunities:

• Employed as a Bricklayer – Salaries range from £15,000 to £36,000. However with the recent boom in housing construction some reports suggest experienced bricklayers are able to command salaries in excess of £40,000.
• Self Employed Bricklayer – Salary negotiable