Bricklayer - Intermediate Apprenticeship

Knowledge

Your apprentice will develop a strong understanding of:

• Health and safety in construction: Key regulations (e.g. CoSHH, Health and Safety at Work Act), risks (e.g. asbestos, working at height, confined spaces), equipment (e.g. PPE, RPE), safety controls, and hazard awareness.
• Safe systems of work: Site inductions, toolbox talks, risk assessments, method statements, and workplace hazard identification.
• Environmental impact and sustainability: Efficient resource use, recycling, safe waste disposal, airtightness, insulation, and moisture control.
• Building principles and components: Foundations, walls, roofs, damp-proofing, insulation, fire and moisture protection, wall ties, and general construction elements.
• Materials and their characteristics: Bricks, blocks, mortar, DPCs, insulation, steel components, efflorescence, and concrete.
• Building standards and regulations: British standards, building regulations, warranty requirements, and modern construction methods.
• Drawings and digital design: Interpreting specifications and using basic digital modelling systems.
• Resource estimation: Calculating quantities of materials (bricks, blocks, mortar, wall ties, lintels, DPCs).
• Hand and power tools: Correct selection, use, maintenance and storage of tools including hammers, trowels, disc cutters and mixers.
• Bricklaying techniques: Bonds (e.g. English, Flemish), joint finishes, solid and cavity wall construction, brick on edge, soldier courses, raking cuts, expansion joints and decorative features.
• Construction defects, repairs, and protection: Common issues and methods for repair; protecting materials from frost, water, and damage.
• Teamwork and communication: Construction terminology, verbal communication, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.
• Mental and physical wellbeing: Recognising health concerns and accessing support.

Skills

Your apprentice will learn how to:

• Work safely and responsibly: Follow health, safety, environmental, and sustainability regulations; use and maintain PPE; prepare and maintain a safe working area.
• Interpret and plan work: Read drawings/specifications; estimate required materials (e.g. bricks, blocks, mortar, insulation, wall ties); mix mortar by hand or mechanically.
• Use tools effectively: Select, use, maintain, and store hand and power tools to given tolerances; measure and cut bricks/blocks accurately.
• Set out and construct walls: Build cavity and solid walls including returns, openings, and raking cuts; incorporate insulation, DPCs, cavity trays, wall ties, weep holes, fire stopping, and lintels.
• Apply finishes and repairs: Create joint finishes (e.g. flush, weather struck), capping, brick on edge and soldier courses; carry out basic repairs such as replacing damaged bricks; protect completed work and materials.
• Communicate and collaborate: Use appropriate construction terminology; communicate effectively with others; follow equity, diversity and inclusion guidance; apply teamworking principles.
• Support wellbeing: Recognise and respond to physical and mental health needs in oneself and others; access appropriate wellbeing support when needed.

Behaviours 

Apprentices should:

• Prioritise safety and wellbeing in all aspects of work.
• Work responsibly, taking ownership of tasks and resources while considering environmental impact.
• Contribute positively to team goals with an inclusive and respectful approach.
• Commit to personal growth through learning and development opportunities.

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. This is especially important for apprenticeships where off-the-job training needs to align with apprentices' on-the-job experience.