Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you wish to become a Bricklayer and are new to the construction industry, or if you are currently working in an associated role, that provides assistance to qualified professionals. The apprenticeship is perfect for demonstrating your competence, because it is a measure of your ability to carry out a range of brickwork skills, to criteria that has been set by the industry. The qualification is nationally recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which will enable you to gain the CSCS Blue Card.

Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar; to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures e.g. chimney stacks. They might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects. The range of sites and projects that bricklayers will work on include large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations, extensions and restorations. A Bricklayer may work 1:1 or on larger jobs where their bricklaying group ('gang') may work on a particular section of a building, alongside other bricklaying gangs and other trades too.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Conforming to general health, safety and welfare

· Conforming to productive working practices

· Moving, handling and storing resources

· Principles of customer service and communication methods

· Materials and energy efficiency

· Setting out, erecting, repairing and maintaining masonry structures

· Radial and battered brickwork

· Feature and reinforced brickwork

· Fireplaces and chimneys

· Alternative construction methods e.g. steel and timber based cladding

How will this course be delivered?

You will receive comprehensive training at work and attend college on a day-release basis. From the beginning of your course, your college-appointed assessor coach will prepare you for the End Point Assessment (EPA), by building a portfolio of evidence with you. The assessor coach will visit you in the workplace at regular intervals and support you with your on-programme progression. Within theory classes you will have knowledge assessments and within skills workshops, you will undergo practical skills assessments, which will all go into your portfolio of evidence and prepare you for your final EPA.

This programme will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 1 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

Knowledge and learning outcomes will be assessed via externally set on-screen assessments, along with a range of assignments, projects and written assessments covering theory and practical skills.

Workplace skills will be assessed in the workplace and the apprentice will complete a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their ability against set assessment criteria.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 2 Bricklayer programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· English GCSE Grade 2/E, Level 1 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 2/E, Level 1 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for construction industry

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme and you will be expected to attend 1 day per week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where you will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. A scientific calculator is required and a set of mathematical instruments, including a protractor and compass. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary.

Please note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our workshop environments.

Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)