Entry Requirements for the Bricklaying NVQ
Gaining a formal qualification can be vital for bricklayers who want to progress in their careers, and secure better contracts. The Bricklaying NVQ is the benchmark qualification for professionals who have been working in this trade for a considerable amount of time, and want to validate that experience with a widely recognised certification. But what are the entry requirements?
In today’s blog, we’ll break down the amount of experience typically required in order to take one of these NVQs, the levels of NVQs available, the evidence you’ll need to gather throughout the qualification, and more.
What Experience Do You Need to Start a Bricklaying Qualification?
NVQs are competence based. That means they assess your ability to perform bricklaying tasks to the industry standard, in a real working environment. You’re not being taught bricklaying from scratch- far from it. If you want to take this NVQ, you need to have already been working in a relevant role, and still be working in that role.
Who is Eligible for the Bricklaying NVQ?
This just depends on how much experience you have in this trade. Typically, the candidates for this NVQ will be:
- Experienced bricklayers: Professionals who have been working in this trade for a significant amount of time, but are yet to obtain a formal qualification
- Apprentices: Those undertaking a formal apprenticeship
- Self-employed bricklayers who need formal recognition
Do You Need a CSCS Card Before You Start?
While having a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card is a common requirement for working on construction sites, it’s not a prerequisite for starting a bricklaying qualification. You’ll need a CSCS Card to gain access to most legitimate construction sites where you’d be working and thus gaining the experience necessary for your qualification, but the process of applying for your specific qualification doesn’t inherently demand it at the outset. Often, achieving a relevant NVQ is a pathway to obtaining a higher-level CSCS Card (such as a Blue Skilled Worker Card or Gold Advanced Craft Card). So, while you might not need it to start the NVQ, you’ll almost certainly need one to gather your evidence on site.
What Are the Levels of the Bricklaying NVQ?
Bricklaying qualifications are typically structured across different levels, reflecting increasing complexity, autonomy, and skill:
- Level 2: This is the most common entry point for those working as bricklayers. It assesses fundamental skills such as setting out, building basic walling (straight, corners, piers), jointing, and understanding different types of bonds and mortars. It demonstrates competence in routine bricklaying tasks
- Level 3: This advanced level is for highly skilled and experienced bricklayers. It covers more complex work, including arches, complex decorative brickwork, features, and an understanding of advanced techniques, problem-solving, and potentially supervisory aspects of a small team or project
Choosing the appropriate level is crucial; it needs to align with your current working role and demonstrated abilities.
Can You Start Without Any Formal Education?
Typically, you’ll be able to start a bricklaying qualification without specific formal academic education (e.g., GCSEs or A-Levels). The emphasis of these vocational qualifications is on practical competence and work experience, not academic attainment. While a reasonable level of literacy and numeracy is beneficial for understanding safety instructions, reading plans, calculating materials, and engaging with the assessment process, there are no strict academic prerequisites. This makes bricklaying qualifications highly accessible to individuals who prefer hands-on learning and have developed their skills through on-the-job training.
Work-Based Evidence Needed for the Bricklaying NVQ
Since bricklaying qualifications are competence-based, you’ll need to provide substantial work-based evidence. This typically includes:
- Observation: An assessor remotely observing you performing various bricklaying tasks in a real work environment
- Work Products: Photographs or videos of your completed brickwork (e.g., walls, piers, arches), plans you’ve interpreted, or site diaries
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from experienced colleagues, foremen, or site managers who can verify your competence in specific areas of bricklaying
- Professional Discussions: Structured conversations with your assessor where you explain your processes, problem-solving approaches, and knowledge of health and safety specific to bricklaying
- Risk Assessments: Evidence of your understanding of site safety, particularly relevant to your work
Can You Apply as a Labourer or Apprentice?
Yes, you can certainly apply for a bricklaying qualification as a labourer or an apprentice, provided your current role involves sufficient practical bricklaying duties.
- Apprentices: As mentioned, an apprenticeship is a common and highly recommended route, where the qualification is integrated into the training
- Labourers: If you’ve progressed beyond basic labouring tasks and are regularly undertaking bricklaying duties under supervision, you may be eligible. The key is to discuss your specific responsibilities with a training provider, who can assess if your role provides enough evidence for the chosen qualification level. It’s about demonstrating the required competence, not just the job title
What the Bricklaying NVQ Assesses and Why It Matters
The bricklaying qualification assesses a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge vital for competent practice. It assesses your ability to:
- Set out and build various types of brickwork (e.g., cavity walls, solid walls, piers, arches)
- Select and use appropriate tools, equipment, and materials safely
- Apply different bonding patterns
- Work to specifications and drawings
- Understand health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to bricklaying
- Work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
It matters because it provides formal, national recognition of your occupational competence, boosting your credibility, employability, and potential earning capacity. It’s also often a requirement for higher-level CSCS Cards, which are essential for site access.
Is Remote Assessment a Requirement?
Yes, for bricklaying qualifications, remote assessment is almost always a requirement. As a work-based qualification, the assessor needs to observe you performing actual bricklaying tasks in a live construction environment. This observation is crucial for verifying your practical competence, health and safety practices, and ability to work to industry standards.
How to Prepare for the Bricklaying NVQ Entry Process
To prepare for the entry process, consider these steps:
- Self-Assess Your Experience: Honestly evaluate your current bricklaying skills and the complexity of work you regularly undertake
- Gather Informal Evidence: Start compiling photos of your work, references from past employers, or a log of projects you’ve worked on
- Research Qualification Levels: Understand the specific criteria for Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications to identify the best fit
- Contact Training Providers: Speak to a provider. They will conduct an initial assessment to confirm your eligibility and guide you on the most suitable qualification level. This is the most important step
- Ensure Current Employment: You will need to be in a suitable bricklaying role to generate the necessary evidence
Do You Need to Be Currently Employed in Construction?
Yes, generally, you need to be currently employed in construction in a role that involves significant bricklaying duties, or have very recent and verifiable experience. The NVQ relies on assessing your competence in a live working environment. Without ongoing access to a construction site where you can perform bricklaying tasks, it becomes impossible to generate the required practical evidence and undergo remote observations by your assessor.
The Most Common Misconceptions About the Bricklaying NVQ
Several misconceptions can deter or mislead aspiring candidates:
- “It’s an exam”: It’s not. It’s a continuous assessment of your work.
- “I’ll learn bricklaying skills”: No, it assumes you already have the skills; it formalises them.
- “You need school qualifications”: Academic qualifications are generally not required.
- “It’s only for apprentices”: Many experienced bricklayers take it for formal recognition.
- “It’s too expensive/time-consuming”: The cost and time vary, and the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment.
Understanding these points clarifies the true nature of the qualification.
What Support Is Available During the Application Process?
Reputable NVQ training providers offer significant support throughout the application and assessment process. This typically includes:
- Initial Eligibility Assessment: Guiding you to the correct qualification level.
- Dedicated Assessor: A qualified professional who will support you in identifying, gathering, and presenting your evidence.
- Online Learning Platform: For managing your portfolio, accessing resources, and communicating with your assessor.
- Guidance on Evidence: Advice on what types of evidence are suitable and how to present them.
- Administrative Support: Assistance with registration, paperwork, and certification.
Choosing a provider with strong support is crucial for a smooth journey.
Conclusion: Entry Requirements for the Bricklaying NVQ
The entry requirements for a bricklaying qualification are primarily rooted in practical, demonstrable work experience in the trade. You can’t go straight into an NVQ without being actively involved in bricklaying duties on a construction site. While formal academic qualifications are generally not a prerequisite, a basic level of literacy and numeracy is beneficial.
The system is designed to cater to both new entrants (typically via apprenticeships) and experienced professionals seeking formal recognition. By ensuring you have relevant, current experience, understanding the specific level you’re aiming for, and engaging with a supportive training provider, you can confidently navigate the entry process and embark on a rewarding journey towards becoming a formally certified and highly valued bricklaying professional.
If you still have any questions regarding the NVQ, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
