Skip to main content
D C G Logo

Derby College Group (DCG)
Telephone: 0800 028 0289
https://www.derby-college.ac.uk
enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

0800 028 0289

  • Contact
  • Jobs
  • How to Apply
  • About DCG
  • Home
  • Courses & Careers
    Course SearchSubject Areas at DCGCourse Types at DCGCampuses & Course LocationsDCG Success StoriesCareer SearchCareer PathwaysDownload a ProspectusFree – ESF Fully Funded Course
  • Employers
  • Student Support
  • Parents
  • News/Events
    EventsNewsEvent Registration
DCG Courses Bricklayer Apprenticeship: Level 2

Bricklayer Apprenticeship: Level 2

This course meets the needs of students who have gained an apprenticeship position in bricklaying. 

Apply Now

Course Summary

Subject Area: Construction - Brickwork
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: Hudson Building
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 2
Number Of Years: 3
Interview Required?: Y
Hudson Building

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/bricklayer-apprenticeship-level-2
QR Code
  • Information for Students
  • Information for Employers
  • Related Careers
  • Success Stories

Course Information for Students

Who is this course for?

This course meets the needs of students who have gained an apprenticeship position in bricklaying.  It allows them to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their employment.

The course is delivered in conjunction with the apprentice’s employer and support is given to ensure specific training is available to meet all needs.

Bricklaying is a core function within the construction sector, particularly the house building sector. The Government has a target to build significantly more new homes over the coming years and therefore the demand for bricklayers has never been higher.

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 includes large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations, extensions and restorations. A bricklayer may work one-on-one or on larger jobs where their bricklaying group (gang) may work on a particular section of a building alongside other bricklaying gangs as well as other trades.

Entry Requirements

You should have gained employment as an apprentice with a construction or building company. 

You also need a GCSE grade D/3 or above in English and Maths.

A Pass or above in a Construction-based course – or an equivalent qualification – is desirable, although not always required. 

You will undertake a basic skills test in literacy and numeracy.

A commitment to your own learning and performance in a working environment is essential.

What will you learn?

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 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 profiles.

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 the 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 meet current industrial standards. Awareness and consideration of other trades eg 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, eg 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.

If not already achieved, the apprentice will have to achieve Level 1 English and Maths and take the test for Level 2 prior to taking the End Point Assessment.

How will you learn?

The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site. 

What will you need to bring with you?

You need safety boots and Personal Protective Equipment, such as a hard hat and overalls, which should be supplied by your employer.

How will you be assessed?

You will be visited by your allocated assessor at your place of work and discussions with your employer will form supportive evidence of your training achievements as you work towards the gateway for completion.

You will then be assessed at the end of the training programme by completing an End Point Assessment. This will assess how you can apply the skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired in your apprenticeship through the following three assessments carried out after you have completed the 24-30 month duration of on-programme learning: 

  1. Knowledge test – assessed by an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), this test will consist of multiple-choice questions on a computer-based platform. Provisions can be made for paper-based assessments to be available if reasonable adjustments require this.
  2. Skills test – assessed over one day by an Independent End Point Assessor (IEPA), this assessment will holistically assess skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired throughout the apprenticeship.
  3. Oral questioning – assessed by an IEPA following the skills test, to confirm the learner’s understanding and to obtain further evidence of knowledge. It will extend and amplify the ability demonstrated in the skills test.

If not already achieved, you will also have to achieve Level 1 English and Maths and take the test for Level 2 prior to taking the End Point Assessment.

Where next?

On completion of this programme, you will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card at the appropriate level. As a result of achieving the apprenticeship, there will be an entitlement to join the Federation of Master Builders’ continuous professional development (CPD) scheme for individual tradespeople. 

You can also progress to supervisory, management or professional and technical courses and qualifications.

Who do you contact for more information?

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Is there any financial support available?

Course Information for Employers

Apprenticeship summary

This course meets the needs of students who have gained an apprenticeship position in bricklaying.  It allows them to learn, develop and practise the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their employment.

On completion of this programme, the apprentice will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card at the appropriate level. As a result of achieving the apprenticeship, there will also be an entitlement to join the Federation of Master Builders’ continuous professional development (CPD) scheme for individual tradespeople. 

Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?

Your apprentice must be able to demonstrate they are working at or above a GCSE grade D/3 standard as a minimum requirement. They must also demonstrate a commitment to the apprenticeship.

What is required from the employer in the workplace?

An apprenticeship standard requires the employer to offer support, training and guidance so that the apprentice can record at least 20% of their time on the apprenticeship as training relating to the standard – this includes training both at College and on-site. 

The apprentice will be required to build on the skills learnt in College while in the workplace and collect evidence in their portfolio to prove 20% of their time was covered by training, before they can take the End Point Assessment.

Behaviours expected within the role

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 the 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 the role.

Quality focused: Be reliable, productive, efficient and quality focussed in work and in personal standards to meet current industrial standards. Awareness and consideration of other trades eg 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, eg 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.

What qualification will my apprentice gain?

  • Bricklayer Level 2 Standard
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths and English

What will the assessment look like?

The End Point Assessment (EPA) will assess how an apprentice can apply the skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired in their apprenticeship through the following three assessments carried out after the apprentice has completed the 24-30 month duration of on-programme learning: 

  1. Knowledge test – assessed by an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), this test will consist of multiple-choice questions on a computer-based platform. Provisions can be made for paper-based assessments to be made available if reasonable adjustments require this.
  2. Skills test – assessed over one day by an Independent End Point Assessor (IEPA), this assessment will holistically assess skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired throughout the apprenticeship.
  3. Oral questioning – assessed by an IEPA following the skills test to confirm the learner’s understanding and to obtain further evidence of knowledge. It will extend and amplify the ability demonstrated in the skills test.

Will my apprentice need to come into college?

Your apprentice will need to come into College at least one day per week during the academic year and in line with term times.

Is there any specialist equipment required?

Your apprentice will need to be equipped with their own PPE such as boots, hi-vis and gloves. Tools will be supplied in College but not in the workplace.

What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?

On completion of this programme, the apprentice will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card at the appropriate level. As a result of achieving the apprenticeship, there will be an entitlement to join the Federation of Master Builders’ continuous professional development (CPD) scheme for individual tradespeople. 

The apprentice can also progress to supervisory, management or professional and technical courses and qualifications.

What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?

  • Maintenance Bricklayer
  • Site Bricklayer
  • Self-employed Bricklayer

Will the college help me find an apprentice?

You may already have someone in your organisation or someone who has come to you directly asking for an apprenticeship. However, if you don’t, we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and can provide external advertising through social media and the National Apprenticeship Service’s website.

Contact us

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421

Career Information



This course could lead to one of these careers...

Stonemasons and Related Trades

£30142

Stonemasons and Related Trades

More Careers Information at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/career-pathways
QR Code

DCG Success Stories

Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.

role model

We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.

View Role Models

online application form

Get Started...

Use our online application form to apply for this course.

Apply Now

Course Information Last Updated On: June 25, 2025 1:00 pm

Modal title

  • Overview
  • Knowledge & Skills
  • Employment & Salary
  • DCG Courses
career thumbnail

Overview

An overview of the career

Knowledge and Skills Required

Skills

These are the skills that are commonly needed in this career.

SkillImportance
Knowledge

These are the ten most import areas of knowledge commonly needed for this career.

KnowledgeImportance

Employment Data

Annual Job Openings

Currently Employed

Annual Earnings

This shows the current annual learnings for this career.

Starting Salary

Average Salary

High Salary

PercentileSalary
Age of the Workforce

This is the breakdown of ages who work in this career.

Age GroupPercentage
Education Level of the Workforce

This is the education level of the workforce.

Education LevelPercentage
Employment Forecast

This is the projected number of jobs available.

YearNumber Employed
Employment Proportion by Sex

This shows the proportion of males and females who work in this career.

Male/FemalePercentage

Suitable Courses

Suitable Courses

D C G Logo
  • Derby College Facebook
  • Derby College Youtube
  • Derby College Instagram

Courses

  • Course Search
  • Career Search
  • Subject Areas at DCG
  • Career Pathways
  • Course Types at DCG
  • Campuses & Course Locations at DCG
  • Download a Prospectus
  • Chart Your Future

Students

  • Student Support
  • Student Services
  • Login to inTouch
  • Report an Absence or Lateness
  • Moodle VLE
  • Think Alumni
  • Student Bursary

Staff

  • Staff Intranet
  • Remote Desktop
  • Systems Hub
  • Email

DCG

  • Governance
  • Policies and Papers
  • Why work for us?
  • Meet the Governors
  • Who’s Who
  • Website Accessibility Statement
  • Data Protection
  • Freedom of Information
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Environmental and Sustainability at DCG
  • DCG-Annual-Accountability-Statement-2024-25
  • DCG Strategy and Regulation – Accountability Statement 2025-26

Study with Us

  • DCG Success Stories
  • DCG Covid Safety

Student Life

  • Derby College Students Union

More

  • Covid Safety
  • Apprenticeship Vacancies
  • Open to the Public
  • Term Dates
  • College Calendar 2025-26

Quick Links

  • Contact Us
  • How to Apply
  • Make a Payment
  • Report an Absence or Lateness
  • Jobs at DCG
DCG Logo Derby College Group
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}