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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Employment, training and careers
    3. Looking for work
    4. Training programmes
    5. Apprenticeships
    6. Occupational profiles
    Pink Banner with the word apprenticeships in white text.
    Apprenticeships

    Occupational profile - bricklaying

    Information on apprenticeships in the construction crafts (bricklaying) industry, including what’s involved; skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices

    About bricklaying

    Bricklaying involves carrying out skilled work primarily on a construction site:

    • to given specifications
    • setting out basic structures
    • building brick and block walling
    • laying domestic drainage
    • placing and finishing concrete
    • rendering surfaces

    Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures, such as 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.

    This apprenticeship involves completing mandatory and optional units.

    Core occupational standard

    Bricklaying skills and knowledge requirements

    On completion of this apprenticeship, bricklayers will have acquired occupational skills and knowledge to be able to:

    • understand the technical principles of bricklaying and how these are applied to prepare and carry out a range of job tasks such as identifying the materials and resources required including levels, lines, profiles, tape measures, pegs, bricks, blocks, mortars, frames, insulation, damp-proof barriers, lintels, fixings and ties
    • measure and mark out the work area to specification
    • set out and build walls to specification
    • erect corner profiles
    • determine brick and block bonds
    • form joint finishes and openings for doors and windows
    • position damp proof barriers, ties, insulation and lintels
    • mix mortar
    • know how to use, maintain and store hand tools, power tools and associated equipment
    • understand why, when and how health and safety control equipment should be used when undertaking site work (such as  personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
    • understand how to work safely at height and use access equipment correctly

    Progression

    Progression from this level 3 apprenticeship is expected to be in an occupational work supervision role such as team leader, charge hand or higher.

    National occupational standards (NOS)

    Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding.

    Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

    Core NOS

    Unique registration  number (URN)

    Title of the occupational standard

    VR40

    Erect masonry structures

    VR41

    Set out to form masonry structures

    VR42

    Erect masonry cladding

    Available NOS

    Unique registration  number (URN)

    Title of the occupational standard

    VR49

    Erect masonry to form architectural and decorative structures

    VR209

    Confirm work activities and resources for the work

    VR210

    Develop and maintain good working relationships

    VR211

    Confirm the occupational method of work

    VR641

    Conform to general workplace health, safety and welfare

    VR44

    Erect thin joint masonry structures

    • Level 3 apprenticeship framework - construction crafts

    For employers

    If you want to take on an apprentice or improve the skills of your employees to help your business work better, the Apprenticeships programme could be for you.

    Apprenticeships for employers
    (nibusinessinfo.co.uk website)

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    Occupational profiles

    • Occupational profile - agriculture
    • Occupational profile - bricklaying
    • Occupational profile - carpentry and joinery
    • Occupational profile - food and drink
    • Occupational profile - heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR)
    • Occupational profile - horticulture
    • Occupational profile - housing practice
    • Occupational profile - Information Technology
    • Occupational profile - painting and decorating
    • Occupational profile - plant equipment
    • Occupational profile - plastering
    • Occupational profile - plumbing and heating
    • Occupational profile - polymer processing operations
    • Occupational profile - rail industry
    • Occupational profile - roofing
    • Occupational profile - scientific technologies
    • Occupational profile - stone masonry
    • Occupational profile - wall and floor tiling

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