BRICKLAYING

Level 2 Diploma

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Course Level

Level 2

Duration

1 year FT

Entry

September

Fees

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217,000 new construction workers needed in the UK by 2025*

*CITB, 2021

Have you got a passion for laying bricks and working in construction? Want to turn this passion into a full-time career? The UK construction industry needs skilled new workers to support major development and regeneration projects throughout the country. By studying our Bricklaying Level 2 course, you will gain the foundation of skills and knowledge for future work within this sector.

To support your practical training, you will study in state-of-the-art facilities at our purpose-built Centre for Sustainable Construction on campus. On completing the Level 2 Bricklaying course, you will be able to progress onto further construction courses, apprenticeships and careers in this field.

Why choose this bricklaying college course?

  • BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Build foundation skills and knowledge in bricklaying and construction, as well as other key skills including maths and English to get you work-ready
  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on training using innovative facilities in our state-of-the-art Sustainable Construction Centre
  • RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Gain a recognised Level 2 qualification to enable your progression onto further courses and apprenticeships
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.

Our facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in real-world training environments at University College Birmingham. Our brand new Sustainable Construction Centre at the iconic James Cond Building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:

  • Training rigs
  • Steel erecting zone
  • Cladding systems zone
  • Brick slips rig
  • Retrofit zone
  • Housebuilding zone
  • Enhanced IT facilities

Formerly the James Cond print works, this retrofitted building is now our Centre for Sustainable Construction.

State-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers.

Study in one of many modern classroom spaces across our James Cond and Camden House campuses.

Male lecturer teaching a smaller group of students who are on laptops.

Enhanced IT facilities to support you alongside your practical training.

Course breakdown

Topics you will study:

  • Health, Safety and welfare construction
  • Principles of building construction, information and communication
  • Building solid walling, isolated and attached piers
  • Interpreting working drawings to set out masonry structures
  • Construct cavity walling forming masonry structures

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

Essentials you will need (also for parents and carers)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One of the most important things on our sustainable construction courses is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and without the correct PPE, you cannot participate in practical activities - it's to keep you safe.

Firstly, all bricklaying students must have steel toe capped boots, which you can buy once you have enrolled. These boots must be worn in all practical lessons.

Students on these courses must also have proper work trousers (no shorts) and any other clothing you wear, you mustn't mind getting this dirty. 

Don't forget, you need to get your essential PPE bought and ready before your induction day. Once you start, you can request a free locker to store your PPE.

Financial support with study costs (including PPE)

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.

University College Birmingham offers a bursary scheme to help enrolled students cover costs, including:

  • Kit (including PPE)
  • Travel to college
  • Uniform
  • Other course materials

For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.

"As an employer, it is vital that our employees can access robust, fit-for-purpose qualifications that will address the skills shortage and provide our future and existing workforce with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to demonstrate competency in their roles. We are passionate about recruiting and developing our own talent for the future, while ensuring we remain committed to sustainably delivering vital infrastructure to communities across the UK."

Tilbury Douglas tilburydouglas.co.uk

Entry requirements

Our lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about construction and specifically brickwork together with a keen determination to succeed in the sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below. 

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.

Academic requirements

  • 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, including English (Language or Literature) or Maths, or equivalent. However, the successful completion of a Level 1 Bricklaying will suffice. 

English and maths

If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.

Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.

Supporting documents required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
  • If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of externally-assessed exams, projects and practical assessments.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Career opportunities

On completion of this course, students can progress onto a career in the field or an apprenticeship.

Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Bricklayer

Average Salary: £50,000

Cladding installer

Average Salary: £50,000

Site civils operative

Average Salary: £32,000

Landscaper

Average Salary: £40,000

Site manager

Average Salary: £45,000

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

Engineering and construction at University College Birmingham

Discover more about our range of engineering and construction college courses, including Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and T-level qualifications.

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