Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 1 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
GCSEs at grade 3 or above in Mathematics and English. Pass a short aptitude test. It is expected that the applicant will have a genuine interest in the construction industry and some experience of Bricklaying. Applicants will be required to attend an interview. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus, The Milburn Centre, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Minimum of 35 hours work experience |
Is it for me?
This course will enable you to learn the skills of bricklaying which have been passed down through the centuries and will be suitable for you if you're looking for a career in bricklaying within the construction industry.
The course covers a wide range of practical skills and an underpinning knowledge of the theory of the basics of bricklaying. It also covers Health and Safety and six other units; whilst including a basic knowledge and understanding of the other trades associated with the construction industry.
During the course you will also learn how to develop essential character strengths for success, such as confidence, self-belief and ownership.
What you'll learn
- Principles of building construction, information and communication
- Contribute to setting out and building of masonry structures up to damp proof course
- Carry out blocklaying activities
- Carrying out bricklaying activities
- Carrying out cavity walling activities
- Health, safety and welfare in construction
Equipment required for the course
While all tools and materials are supplied for the practical work in our modern workshops,
students will need to provide:
- Safety boots which must be worn in the workshops at all times.
- Black polo shirts and black workwear trousers.
Other equipment required - A minimum 3m, tape measure.
- Pencils and pens.
- Calculator
- A4 ring binder and A4 writing paper
Work experience placements
During this course you will take part in work experience placement in the sector, which will give you a massive advantage when you are ready to move into employment. This will be arranged with our work placement officer to find you a suitable placement.
Assessment
Assessments will be carried out in the classroom in the form of multiple-choice test papers and in the practical workshops where brickwork models will be assessed for accuracy.
There are also two on-line City & Guilds exams to be taken for units 201 (health & safety) and 202 (principals of construction).
Further study
- Brickwork Diploma Level 2
- Building and Construction Diploma Level 1
- Building and Property Maintenance Diploma Level 2
- Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 1
- Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 2
- Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 1
- Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 2
- Plumbing Diploma Level 1
- Plumbing Technical Certificate Level 2
- Introduction to Electrical Installations Level 1
- Electrical Installation Diploma Level 2
- Construction Groundworks and Reinstatement Level 2)
- Advanced Electrical Installation Diploma (8282-30) Level 3
- T Level in Construction Design, Surveying and Planning
Example careers
- Bricklayer
- Site Supervisor
- Foreman
- Construction Manager
- Self-employment
- Stone Mason
- Heritage Restoration
- Estimator
- Bricklaying Teacher
Days & times
Starting September 2025
Tuesday 09:15 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:15 - 16:00
Thursday 09:15 - 16:00