Bricklaying - Level 2
Summary
Start building your future - one brick at a time - with this professionally recognised Level 2 Technical Certificate in Bricklaying. Aimed at 16–18-year-olds who are serious about starting a career in construction, this qualification gives you the hands-on experience and knowledge you need to progress to becoming a professional bricklayer,.
You’ll spend most of your time in the workshop, learning how to build solid and cavity walls, follow construction plans and work safely on site. You’ll also develop key skills in using tools, mixing materials and understanding building regulations — all taught by experienced tutors who’ve worked in the industry. At B&FC, we have a dedicated construction centre with large-scale spaces specifically designed for brickwork where you'll have the ideal environment in which to learn and practise your trade.
By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence and ability to work on real construction projects, and be well prepared to move into an apprenticeship, full-time work, or further study at Level 3.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
1 Year
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
With the UK facing a high demand for construction workers across all the trades, qualified bricklayers are in high demand and the earning potential is strong. This course prepares you for a wide range of career routes, including bricklaying apprenticeships, entry-level jobs on building sites or further study at Level 3.
If you are practical, enjoy working outdoors and want a job that offers real long-term prospects, this qualification could be your gateway to a successful career in construction.
Next steps at B&FC
There are opportunities at B&FC to take your studies to the next stage with a Level 3 qualification. If you meet the entry requirements, you may be accepted onto one of our T Level programmes which offer extended work placements and are an ideal stepping stone to both apprenticeships and into higher education.
Employment Opportunities
This qualification can lead to entry-level jobs on construction sites where you will start as a junior bricklayer under the supervision of more experienced tradespeople and where you can build your knowledge and confidence learning on the job.
Key information
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 4 GCSEs grades ranging between 3 - 2 including English and Maths.
You will also require:
- A successful interview with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Good communication skills
- Hardworking approach to the industry
Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.
Qualification obtained
Extended Technical Occupational Entry for Bricklaying (Diploma)Fees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
All construction students must adhere to health and safety legislation when in our workshops, which will require purchasing and wearing the following items for practical activities:
- Safety boots
- Safety helmet
- Hi-vis vest
- Work trousers
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
All the above items can be purchased from local suppliers for a total cost of approximately £45. If you have issues funding these items, please speak to your course tutor.
For class-based learning you will also need to bring paper, pens and a folder, in which to keep all your revision and notes.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: City and Guilds
Regulatory Body: Ofsted
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
This course features the following mandatory modules:
- Principles of Construction
- Building Cavity Walls
- Building Solid Walls and Piers
- Constructing Basic Arches
- Setting out Buildings
The units are designed to provide a solid understanding of the underlying principles and practical skills involved, in bricklaying as well as an overview of the principles of construction and relevant building technology and terminology.
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
A compulsory element of this course is that all 16-18 year-old students spend at least 20 hours on a relevant work placement.
Students are encouraged to look for their work experience independently, which might include working on local projects, community challenge work or working for an employer.
How will I learn?
At Blackpool and The Fylde College we recognise that all students learn differently, and our expert tutors will work with you to ensure their teaching methods support the way that you like to learn.
A key method used is demonstrations. This allows you to see the practical skill being used first before going on to practise the skill yourself.
The course also includes dedicated individual/self-study time, which needs to be supported by your own study out of College. E-learning also features and will involve you using our Canvas platform for independent study and learning.
This qualification consists of 5 hours class-based and 7 hours workshop-based learning each week.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
During the course, your practical skills will be assessed continuously to ensure competency and to prepare you for your final synoptic assessment. You will also sit an externally set exam that will consist of short answer, multiple choice and detailed answer questions.
All your combined grades will then be calculated to provide you with a final overall fail, pass, merit, distinction or distinction star grade. This will be shown on your certificate.
The assessment weighting is as follows:
- External exam - 40%
- Graded synoptic assessment - 60%
Please note: you will only be given one opportunity to re-sit the external exam and the final synoptic assessment.