Bricklayer – Apprenticeship
Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures. The range of sites and projects that bricklayers will work on include large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations, extensions and restorations.
During this apprenticeship, you will be required to learn the following knowledge, skills and behaviours:
KNOWLEDGE:
– Health and safety: Health and safety hazards, current regulations and legislation including COSHH/risk assessments and understanding the importance of method statements. Codes of practice and safe working practices, including asbestos awareness and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Customer service: Establishing the needs of others. Respect the working environment. Gaining and keeping a valued reputation in industry with clients, colleagues and industry representatives such as suppliers and manufacturers.
– Communication: Different communication methods. How to communicate in a clear, articulate and appropriate manner. How to adapt communication style to different situations.
– Buildings: Different eras, types of construction methods, insulation considerations, sustainability, facilities management, fire, moisture and air protection. Fireplaces and chimneys. Damp proof courses and the use of brick ties. An awareness of the location of trees and services, and their impact on foundation types.
– Energy efficiency: The importance and considerations of thermal qualities, airtightness and ventilation to buildings.
– Materials: Types of materials, their uses and their value. Types of bonds and their uses. Concrete and drainage. Cost awareness and environmental considerations/waste awareness e.g. surface water management and recycling.
– Alternative construction techniques: Modern methods of construction, rapid build technology, alternative block, masonry, steel and timber based cladding systems.
– Radial and battered brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including complex arches and surrounding brickwork, curved on plan, concave and convex brickwork and battered brickwork.
– Feature and reinforced brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including complex decorative features, obtuse/acute angle quoins and reinforced brickwork
– Fireplaces and chimneys: Select materials and resources required to set out and build fireplaces and chimneys using materials such as hearths, plinths, flue liners, chimney pots and other modern methods.
SKILLS:
– Preparation of materials: Determine quality and quantities of building material including mix ratios of mortar and concrete. Areas and volumes of materials and resources
– Safe working: Adhere to relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and apply safe working practices, including when working at heights. Safe use of disc cutters and power cutters.
– Working area: Select appropriate tools, equipment and materials for use when setting out and erecting masonry walling.
– Masonry structures: Interpret drawings and specifications. Measure the work area and set out level first courses of bricks to a plan. Mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer. Lay bricks to set dimensions and apply mortar with a trowel to completion. Shape and trim bricks/blocks. Use of levels. Ensure thermal qualities, airtightness and ventilation are maintained. Remove waste materials. Repair and renew masonry structures.
– Radial and battered brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including simple arches and surrounding brickwork.
– Feature and reinforced brickwork: Set out and build brickwork, including common decorative features such as oversailing courses and simple corbels.
– Other brickwork: Block laying. Cavity walling.
– Building technology: Select materials and resources to be able to set out and lay concrete, drainage and other substructure materials.
BEHAVIOURS:
– Positive and mature attitude
– Quality focused
– Effective communication
– Self-motivated learner
On completion of this apprenticeship, you will be able to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card.
Course details
Assessments
You will be required to undertake and end-point assessment which will include a knowledge test, a skills test, and oral questionning.
Entry Requirements
If you have not yet achieved Level 2 English and maths, you must achieve this prior to taking your end-point assessment.
Progression
Upon completion of this apprenticeship, you could further develop your knowledge through a higher level apprenticeship.
Facilities and resources
As an apprentice, you will have full access to the college facilities.
Why Petroc should be your first choice
Petroc offers quality education and training across North and Mid Devon. We aim to provide outstanding learning, excellent facilities, strong connections to employers and a supportive environment to help you fulfil your education goals and set you on your path to the career of your dreams.
SUPPORTIVE
We offer a supportive and inclusive environment where you can flourish and feel a valued member of the college and wider community.Â
INSPIRING
Our teaching spaces and facilities are some of the best in the region, providing stimulating and true-to-life learning environments.Â
CONNECTED
We’ll provide you with the experiences you need to be ready for employment or the next step on your educational journey.