This occupation is found in both the new build and refurbishment sectors of the construction industry.
Projects vary in size, scale, and duration, ranging from the repair of a garden wall to new build housing and large-scale commercial projects such as office blocks, hospitals and retail developments.
Employers and contractors of bricklayers vary in size from small, local family building companies to major home builders and commercial contractors. Bricklayers sometimes choose to specialise in certain types of projects and go on to become masters in their field. Examples include refurbishment work, new build homes or commercial works. There is growing demand for Bricklayers to help meet the need for new homes.
Off the Job Training
A key requirement of an Apprenticeship is Off-the-job training. This must make up an average of six hours per week of your working hours, over the total duration of your planned training period. Off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and must take place within your normal working hours.
The new learning must be documented and reflected on through the Learner Journal on your e-portfolio.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at Grades 4 or C and above, including Maths and English is preferred, however the Apprentice can complete functional skills to upskill to their Level 2 Maths and English qualification whilst on programme.
The employer must also meet specific criteria to ensure the Apprentice has access to the work required to complete the qualification. Before a candidate is offered a place on programme, both the candidate and the employer will be assessed to make sure they’re suitable to undertake the Apprenticeship.
The Apprentice will need to meet academic entry requirements and the employer must be able to offer the apprentice the range of work required to enable the candidate to gather sufficient evidence throughout the course. Once they have been accepted on to the programme all apprentices will be required to attend a Lincoln College Induction. Apprentices will require access to a tablet/computer to access their e-portfolio and resources.
Assessment & Progression
Assessment during the course will be determined through a work-based portfolio, practical and theory delivery at College to meet the Apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours outlined by IFATE. They will also be required to complete an "Off the Job Training Log” (learning log) which they will document on their e-portfolio to show progression throughout the course.
The Apprentice will receive 1-1 coaching from a dedicated, professional Assessor/Instructor allocated to the learner for the duration of the programme.
The Assessor will complete a Formal Review of Progress every 10-12 weeks, in which the Apprentice, Employer and Assessor will all provide feedback on the Apprentice's progress. The Apprentice will also be expected to complete job shadowing and mentoring at work through Employer-lead training.
The Apprentice will be required to complete an End Point Assessment, upon completing all mandatory aspects of their Apprenticeship and with the agreement from the Employer, Assessor and Learner that they are ready for gateway. This Apprenticeship Standard has 3 EPA components these are; a multiple-choice knowledge test, a 12-hour practical assessment with questions and a professional discussion. These will all be assessed by the designated End Point Assessment Organisation. The EPA period is 3 months long and all components should be sat during this time.
What You Will Need To Bring
Stationery supporting study is required. A laptop or PC will aid research and completion of assignments. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn, this includes steel-toe cap safety boots and work trousers (not shorts). All other equipment for practical sessions will be provided.
If you are an employer and want to find out more information regarding employer contributions and any further costs related to the Apprenticeship programme, please contact our apprenticeship team, call: 01522 87628 or email: [email protected]
Apprenticeship Delivery Info
Lincoln College have facilities to deliver training to Apprentices. High quality of teaching by qualified and experienced industry experts; an excellent balance of theory and practical sessions (where applicable). Training can be delivered on a 1:1 basis in the workplace, day release or bespoke training programmes to meet your requirements.
Our employers are actively involved in the training with assessments carried out in the workplace. Through partnership collaboration the Apprentice’s progression and development will be supported and reviewed regularly through face to face and remote contact with the use of an e-portfolio.
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: The principles of high-quality customer service
Establishing the needs of others (colleagues, customers and other stakeholders).
Respect the working environment including customers’ properties, impact on other trades and the project.
Gaining and keeping a valued reputation in the 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 (eg trowel, levels, brick ties, DPC, insulation, mixers, lintels etc) for use when setting out and erecting masonry walling.
Maintain a clean working environment.
Masonry structures
Interpret drawings and specifications.
Measure the work area and set out level first courses of bricks to a plan, including bonds for openings and the damp course.
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 using hammers, chisels and power tools.
Use of laser levels, spirit levels, optical levels and string lines to check that courses are straight, horizontally and vertically, and laid to a gauge.
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 to include openings, brick inspection chambers, joint finishes, set out a square, set out to a gauge rod and/or profile.
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
Conscientious, punctual, enthusiastic, reliable and professional including appearance.
Take responsibility for personal judgements and actions.
Be aware of the limits of personal competence.
Show drive and energy in fulfilling requirements of role, including deadlines and being proactive, not reactive.
Show honesty and integrity by developing the trust of customers and colleagues and undertaking responsibilities in an ethical and empathetic manner.
Demonstrate awareness of equality and diversity in all aspects of role.
Quality focused
Be reliable, productive, efficient and quality focussed in work and in personal standards to current industrial standards.
Awareness and consideration of other trades e.g. build walls in a way that allows for pipes and electrical wiring.
Keep work area clean and tidy.
Provide good customer service.
Give consideration to the appropriate use of resources and personal actions in regards to environmental, social and economic factors and their impacts.
Effective communication
Oral (including listening), written, body language and presentation.
Collaborate with others, e.g. colleagues, clients, architects, contract managers, other trades, clients, suppliers and the public regardless of differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
Self-motivated learner
Identify personal development needs and take action to meet those needs.
Keep up-to-date with best practice and new technology.
Show initiative to independently complete work and solve problems by seeking out critical information.
Why hire an Apprentice?
Employers have designed the Apprenticeship Standards to meet the needs of the sector and industry. Ensuring they include:
Relevant Knowledge, skills and behaviours ensure that the Standard is relevant to the occupation.
Widening participation Apprenticeship standards provide opportunities to employees that may not previously have been available.
Development tools A cost effective way to train your employees to undertake specific roles in your business.
Return on Investment On average, an apprentice who has completed their course will increase business productivity by £214 per week (CEBR, 2015).
Course Fees
As an Apprentice, you will pay no course fees. However, your employer may have to pay towards your training as well as provide you with a wage. All Apprentices are entitled to the national minimum apprentice wage within their first year of training from their employer, although they can, and often do, pay more. In the second and subsequent years of an Apprenticeship programme, if you are aged 19 or over, the national minimum wage for your age would apply [https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates]
If you are an employer and want to find out more information regarding employer contributions and any further costs related to the Apprenticeship programme, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeship team at [email protected]
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