BRICKWORK Level 2 Diploma (Wet Trades) Apprenticeship

Level 2
Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
Greenbank Campus
OCN NI

Overview

The Level 2 Diploma in Brickwork will enable learners to develop the skills and techniques required to allow them to build brickwork and blockwork of all shapes and sizes. Students will learn how to set walls and buildings, following instructions from foremen and architects. This apprenticeship offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in hands-on construction work to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in bricklaying techniques and practices.

Throughout the apprenticeship, participants will learn the fundamental principles of bricklaying, including interpreting construction drawings, selecting and preparing materials, and constructing brickwork structures. They will gain an understanding of different types of bricks, mortar mixtures, construction techniques, and health and safety regulations related to bricklaying work.

Bricklayers are outdoor workers who work both at height and below ground level. The work is physical so a good level of fitness is an advantage – however, the modern construction industry’s safety regulations and lightweight materials mean that most people can undertake the work of a bricklayer.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
2. A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Modules

Health, safety and welfare in the construction industry
Building walls using a wide range of bonds
Building solid walls, cavity walls, piers and chimneys
Using decorative brick to build arches and walls
Setting out from plans
Positioning of door and window openings
Use of optical and laser levelling equipment
Safe handling and movement of resources

Assessment in the Level 2 Apprenticeship is based on a combination of practical skills tests, workplace observations, external online multiple choice tests and written assignments. Apprentices will demonstrate their competence through practical tasks, such as constructing brickwork structures, applying mortar, and working on construction projects. They will also be required to complete written assignments and participate in tests to assess their understanding of bricklaying principles and techniques.

On successful completion of the level 2 apprenticeship, students can progress to the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Bricklaying offered at SRC.

Upon successful completion of the Bricklaying Level 2 Apprenticeship, individuals will have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue professional opportunities in the field of bricklaying within the construction industry. Graduates may find employment opportunities with construction companies, building contractors, or bricklaying firms. They may work on various projects, including residential and commercial buildings, contributing to the construction and maintenance of brickwork structures.