Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ: Do I Need It?
Bricklaying remains a key trade in the construction industry, and it’s a trade that demands precision, and skill. For bricklayers who are currently working and who want to validate those skills, the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ is the key to doing exactly that.
In today’s blog, we’ll be looking into who exactly might need this NVQ, what’s covered by the qualification, how the NVQ is assessed, the experience needed if you want to undertake it, and more.
What is the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ?
The Level 2 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a work-based qualification that formally certifies a bricklayer’s competence against national industry standards. Unlike traditional academic courses, this NVQ assesses your ability to perform bricklaying tasks effectively, safely, and efficiently in a real construction environment. It proves that you possess the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to excel in the trade, demonstrating consistent proficiency in tasks like setting out, laying bricks to various bonds, and working with different materials.
Is Experience More Important Than Qualifications?
While extensive on-the-job experience is undeniably invaluable for a bricklayer, it no longer solely guarantees career progression or consistent work in the modern construction industry. Experience builds practical skill and problem-solving abilities.
Qualifications like the Level 2 provide formal, verifiable proof of that experience and skill, benchmarked against national standards. Many employers now explicitly require NVQ certification, especially for access to larger, more reputable sites. So, while experience is the foundation, the NVQ is the essential credential that validates and unlocks opportunities for that experience.
Who Should Take the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ?
The NVQ is best suited for those who are already working as bricklayers, and have been doing so for a considerable amount of time. Most people who take the Level 2 would be:
- Experienced bricklayers who are yet to acquire any relevant formal qualifications. The NVQ allows them to gain official recognition of their skills
- Apprentices who are nearing completion. The NVQ will allow them to formally certify their competence as their apprenticeship comes to an end
- Bricklayers looking to progress in their construction careers. NVQs can enhance employability; they can even be a step towards higher-level qualifications, including the Level 3 Bricklayer NVQ designed for supervisors
It’s important to note that the NVQ is not designed for beginners, nor are any vocational qualifications, due to the nature of their competence-based assessment. You’re not learning new skills during an NVQ; you’re formalising the skills you already have.
How Can You Prove Your On-Site Skills?
Proving your on-site skills for the NVQ involves a continuous process of evidence collection. This includes remote observations by a qualified assessor who will watch you perform bricklaying tasks to industry standards. You’ll also compile a portfolio of your work, which can include photographs and videos of your completed projects, witness testimonies from supervisors or experienced colleagues, daily work logs, and any relevant site documentation like risk assessments or method statements you’ve used. This comprehensive approach ensures that your practical abilities are thoroughly documented and verified.
How the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ is Assessed
The Level 2 is a purely competency-based qualification, meaning assessment takes place entirely in your actual workplace. There are no written exams in a classroom setting. Your competence will be assessed by a qualified NVQ assessor who is an experienced bricklaying professional. Assessment methods include: remote observation of you performing various bricklaying tasks (e.g., laying different bonds, setting out, pointing), reviewing your portfolio of work-based evidence, and engaging in professional discussions where you explain your understanding of techniques, materials, and safety procedures.
Is the NVQ Mandatory for Site Work?
While the NVQ itself isn’t a direct legal requirement for working on every construction site, it has become a de facto industry standard and is widely mandated by major contractors and principal clients across the UK. Many significant construction projects operate a “no card, no site access” policy, and for a skilled bricklayer, the NVQ is the primary qualification needed to obtain the relevant CSCS card. Therefore, practically speaking, while not legally mandatory, possessing this NVQ is often essential for securing consistent work and accessing reputable sites in the modern construction industry.
Can You Earn While You Qualify?
One of the most significant advantages of the Level 2 is that it’s explicitly designed to allow you to earn while you qualify. Since the assessment is workplace-based, you continue to perform your duties as a bricklayer and receive your regular salary throughout the NVQ process. There is no requirement to take time off work for classroom attendance or traditional exams. Your assessor will work with your schedule to conduct remote observations and review evidence, integrating the assessment seamlessly into your working life. This makes the NVQ an incredibly practical and financially viable option for professionals seeking to gain formal recognition.
What if You Already Have Years of Experience?
If you already have years of experience as a bricklayer but lack formal qualifications, the Level 2 is perfectly suited for you. In fact, experienced workers are often able to complete the NVQ more quickly than those with less experience.
How the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ Supports Experienced Workers
The NVQ provides crucial support for experienced workers by offering a streamlined pathway to formal recognition. It acknowledges that valuable skills are often acquired through years of hands-on work, not just in classrooms. The NVQ process validates this practical expertise, turning informal experience into a nationally recognised qualification. This empowers experienced bricklayers to gain the credentials needed for CSCS cards, access to a wider range of projects, and formal recognition that matches their skill level, ensuring their valuable contribution to the industry is properly certified and rewarded.
What to Expect From the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ Assessment Process
Once you’ve begun your NVQ, you’ll be assigned a dedicated assessor. They will initially discuss your experience and what you’re currently working on, and you will discuss how you intend to accumulate evidence based on this work. Then, remote observations will be arranged, and you’ll begin work on your digital portfolio, which can include photos, videos, and written documents.
What Jobs Will It Help You Get?
The Level 2 can significantly enhance your opportunities to secure various jobs within the construction industry. It firmly establishes you as a skilled and competent bricklayer, making you eligible for roles that require formal qualification. This includes positions on larger commercial projects, new build housing developments, and restoration work that often demand certified tradespeople. Essentially, it helps you secure any job that requires a recognised, qualified bricklayer.
Why the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ is a Gateway to Progression
The NVQ acts as a powerful gateway to career progression in construction. By formalising your core trade skills, it provides the essential foundation for moving upwards. Once qualified, you can explore opportunities to specialise in complex brickwork, become a leading hand or gang foreman, or even pursue supervisory roles. The NVQ itself is often a prerequisite for higher-level qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, which directly prepares you for leadership positions.
Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ Recognition in the UK
In the UK, the Level 2 enjoys widespread and strong recognition across the entire construction industry. It’s the gold standard for proving competence as a skilled bricklayer, highly valued by employers, main contractors, and the CSCS card scheme.
What You’re Really Paying for With the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ
When you pay for the NVQ, you’re not just paying for a certificate. You’re primarily paying for a rigorous and impartial assessment process that formally validates your skills against national industry standards. This includes the expertise and time of a qualified NVQ assessor, who will observe you remotely, guide you through evidence collection, and conduct professional discussions. You’re also paying for the accreditation from a recognised awarding body, which ensures the qualification’s credibility and national recognition. Essentially, you’re investing in official verification of your competence, which translates directly into enhanced employability, better pay, and career progression within the construction industry.
Could This Be a Stepping Stone to Site Supervision?
The Level 2 can definitely act as a stepping stone towards site supervision roles. You’re establishing yourself as a competent, reliable operative in the construction industry, and employers will see that. Once you’re a qualified bricklayer, you can pursue further training, like the SSSTS (Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme).
Conclusion (Bricklaying NVQ: Do I Need It?)
The Level 2 NVQ is far more than just an optional extra; it’s an indispensable credential for any bricklayer seeking a successful and progressive career in the modern construction industry. While practical experience is the bedrock of the trade, the NVQ provides the crucial formal validation that employers now demand.
It unlocks access to major construction sites, significantly boosts your employability and earning potential, and serves as a vital gateway to further career advancement, including supervisory roles. By investing in this qualification, you’re officially proving your competence, securing your professional future, and cementing your place as a highly valued and skilled tradesperson in the built environment.
If you still have any questions regarding the NVQ, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
