Overview
The construction sector is the driving force behind the UK economy, employing three million people and contributing 6.4% of GDP. 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 e.g. 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. 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.
Curriculum Delivery
The qualification will be delivered within the college and workplace, with ongoing support from a dedicated performance coach.
College attendance is required for one day per week throughout the duration of the programme to learn the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours. However, there may also be a requirement for college attendance on additional days to support the delivery of Functional Skills.
End-point assessment (EPA)
The EPA can only be taken after the conditions of the Assessment Gateway have been successfully achieved i.e.
- Achieved Level 1 English and Maths
- Taken Level 2 English and Maths Assessment
- Employer and Training provider believe the apprentice is competent and meets the standards Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours.
The End-point Assessment (EPA) will assess how an apprentice can apply their skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired in their apprenticeship, through the following three assessments carried out at the end of the apprenticeship after the apprentice has completed the 24-30-month duration of on-programme learning:
- 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.
- Skills test – assessed over 1 day by an Independent End-point Assessor (IEPA), this assessment will holistically assess skills, knowledge and behaviours acquired throughout the apprenticeship.
- Oral questioning – assessed by an IEPA following the skills test, to confirm the learners understanding and to obtain further evidence of knowledge. It will extend and amplify the ability demonstrated in the skills test.
Professional body recognition
On completion of this Apprenticeship, the apprentice will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card. 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.
Functional skills
Apprentices without Level 1 English and Maths will need to achieve this level and undertake the Level 2 English and Maths Assessment prior to taking the End Point Assessment.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualification for whom this is their primary language.
Typically 20% off-the-job training
Since the introduction of new style apprenticeships in May 2017, it’s been a requirement that every apprentice spends at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training. The required 20% off-the-job training hours will be calculated via the apprentices contracted hours of work, holiday entitlement and length of programme and will be clearly specified in our commitment statement. This requirement doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect – and doesn’t even mean the apprentice has to be away from their workplace 20% of the time.
Apprentice wages
Every apprentice must be paid a lawful wage for the time they are in work and in off the-job training. The employer must meet the cost of the apprentice’s wages. An employer can only pay the apprenticeship minimum wage from the start of the apprenticeship programme and not before. You can find information on the national minimum wage, the apprenticeship rate, and the definition of an employee on GOV.UK.