Course details may be subject to change.
Bricklaying is an essential skill and is always in demand on construction sites. The course will involve using bricks to create walls and chimneys and decorative stone structures like archways, and sometimes repairing and refurbishing old brickwork.
You will develop the skills needed to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings, and gain experience of applying your knowledge to a real work site.
Entry Criteria
You will hold a Level 1 qualification in brickwork, and be skilled in carrying out practical tasks. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are required.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with one of our construction team and once your place on the course is confirmed, we will stay in touch throughout the year. Your meeting will include a presentation about the College and course, a one to one chat with a tutor and a tour of the facilities.
Study Aims
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to work within the construction industry. The units studied develop both written and practical skills for the workplace. You will get the opportunity to develop your skills in a real working environment.
The study programme is designed to allow students to demonstrate and showcase the skills learned within sessions. You will be encouraged to enter internal and external brickwork competitions.
Modules Studied
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction and Associated Industries
- Understanding Information, Quantities and Communication with Others
- Understanding Construction Technology
- Set Out Masonry Structures
- Construct Masonry Cladding
- Construct Thin Joint Masonry.
Times of Delivery
- Tuesday - 9am - 12noon (Practical) - 1pm - 2pm (Theory) - 2pm - 3pm (Tutorial)
- Thursday - 9am - 10.30am (Empoyability) - 10.45pm - 2.30pm (Practical) - 2.30pm - 4pm (English)
- Friday - 9am - 10.30am (Maths) - 10.45am - 12.30pm (Practical)
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be assessed through:
- Oral questioning
- Assignments
- Written tests
- Observation of your practical performance.
Industry Links
A number of Project Managers from high profile North East construction companies visit our Brickwork students to discuss employment opportunities and the construction industry. We have many strong links with many companies, including:
- Tolent Living
- Persimmons Homes
- Sir Robert McAlpine
- Robertsons Construction
- Ladycraft Ltd
- Durham City Builders
- Scott Builders
- Beamish Museum.
The study programme is designed to allow students to demonstrate and showcase the skills learned within sessions. You will be encouraged to enter internal and external brickwork competitions.
Maths and English
Maths and English skills are essential for the workplace and university.
If you have not achieved a new grade 9-4 or do not hold an A to C in GCSE maths or English, do not worry, your study programme at college will include teaching that will support you to progress your skills in these subjects. If you achieved a grade 3 or hold a D in either maths or English, you will have the opportunity to re-sit your GCSE qualification with us. If your grade was lower than a 3, or your qualification is below a D, you will study Functional Skills. These qualifications will help you enhance your maths and English skills and can be taken at levels between Entry Level 1 up to and including Level 2. Even if you have already achieved a grade 4 or above, or hold a A to C, we will continue to develop your skills and help you progress further.
Placement
Our brick workshop reflects the best of industry standards and will give you experience of the real working practices and conditions you will face in the construction sector.
You will be offered the opportunity to undertake a study placement with a local industry related company. Opportunities to take part in community based projects may also arise. We work in partnership with local employers to provide you with hands-on experience. Some of the employers we work with are our former students who have established their own businesses.
What else?
You can showcase your skills through high profile events such as Skillbuild and inter-college competitions.
You could progress to a relevant Level 3 construction course at New College Durham.
Alternatively, you could progress into employment in a brick based role.
