Course Level
Level 1
Duration
1 year FT
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Progress onto next level construction courses
217,000 new construction workers needed in the UK by 2025*
*CITB, 2021
Bricklaying is a vital part of the world of construction – and a varied one too. From basic walls and house building to major developments or even helping to preserve old and historic buildings, bricklayers work on a huge range of projects serving all different kinds of purposes. If you want to break into this field, our Brickwork Level 1 course will give you the grounding to start your career and help meet the urgent need for thousands of new construction workers in the UK and beyond.
Our Level 1 Bricklaying course is hands-on and will enable you to develop practical skills for creating and maintaining everything from walls, chimneys and fireplaces to floors, roofs, foundations and other structures. You will also study core themes within construction such as modern sustainable construction methods and green technology, health and safety, interpreting drawings and checking resources. You will also continue to develop your English and maths skills alongside your bricklayer training, as well as building general employability skills such as communication and teamwork to boost your career progression.
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 1 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 Centre for Sustainable Construction
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Gain a recognised Level 1 qualification to enable your progression onto further courses and apprenticeships
Our facilities
Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development 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:
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Training rigs
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Steel erecting zone
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Cladding systems zone
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Brick slips rig
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Retrofit zone
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Housebuilding zone
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Enhanced IT facilities
Centre for Sustainable Construction
Formerly the James Cond print works, this retrofitted building is now our Centre for Sustainable Construction.
Camden House engineering suite
Camden House is home to our engineering facilities, used by students across the levels.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Principles of building construction, information and communication
- Contributing to setting out and building of masonry structures up to damp-proof course
- Carrying out bricklaying activities
- Carrying out blocklaying activities
- Carrying out cavity walling activities
- Health, safety and welfare in construction
- Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit
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)
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."
Entry requirements
Our construction lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about construction, together with a keen determination to succeed in the construction and building 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
- 3 GCSE at Grade 3 including maths or English (Language or Literature), with at least a Grade 1 in the other subject.
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 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2025-2030.
Additional qualifications and training
As part of our course, you will have the opportunity to complete a Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit.
Career opportunities
On completion of the Level 1, you could progress onto our Level 2/3 construction courses, or you could pursue a range of employment opportunities within the industry.
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
Engineering and construction at University College Birmingham
Discover more about our engineering and construction college courses, including Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and T-level qualifications.
