
Bricklaying Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2025

- Length 1 Year
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
More about the course
Bricklaying is one of the most traditional trades in the UK and around the world. Those studying the course will learn a variety of skills to enable them to build, repair and maintain the country's housing stock. This course is for school leavers aged 16-18 and for adults aged 19+ who are interested in a career in Bricklaying.
Our qualifications are aimed at people wishing to learn skills in Bricklaying, to progress onto become skilled in the trade, or to progress through to an Apprenticeship and work towards becoming a master craftsman.
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 2-9, including English and/or Maths
For all students who have achieved Maths and English at GCSE Grade 4 or above, you will be able to gain additional qualifications in Sustainability, Employability and Mental Health. This will offer essential skills and support your progression into the industry.
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will receive a Level 1 qualification in Bricklaying and a GCSE in Maths and English.
What will I learn?
- Health, safety and welfare in construction
- Principles of building construction, information and communication
- Carry out bricklaying activities
- Carry out block laying activities
- Carry out cavity walling activities
- Contribute to setting out and building of masonry structures up to damp proof course
What experience will I have?
- Community projects
- Hear from industry experts who are passionate about their subject area
- Work experience with local and regional employers such as Keir and Keepmoat
- Trips to industry and trade shows
- Skills competitions, including World Skills UK and NCG Skills
- Links with employers
- Progression to Apprenticeships
How will I be assessed?
- Assessment is an online core unit examination
- Awarding body phase test
- Portfolio of knowledge
Where can I progress?
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be granted direct access onto the Level 2 Bricklaying course.
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*
If you are 19 or over, please speak with our Learner Services team to confirm the fee for this course. Course costs may be subject to change.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact Student Services who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*Exam and registration fees will be paid for by the college. This is subject to satisfactory attendance and course completion.
Contact our team
Meet our Bricklaying students and tutors

Amanda Maddocks
Head of Curriculum for ConstructionAs Head of Curriculum for Construction, I have high expectations for both student and staff. I am passionate about ensuring the learning experience in Construction is the very best it can be, always looking for additional opportunities that students wouldn’t get anywhere else. We create a safe and supportive environment to ensure all learners reach their full potential and progress into the Construction Industry, with support from our network of employer links.

Alan Finnetty
Bricklaying LecturerI am a passionate brickwork lecturer with over 40 years of experience in construction, I have developed a broad range of knowledge and skills building large homes, hospitals, and schools with recognised construction companies. I have extensive experience as a mentor and teacher for a diverse range of students with over 15 years in education for ages ranged 16-18yrs and adult students. I have gained qualifications for tutoring brickwork at levels 1, 2 and 3 diplomas, IQA and Assessing. I have experienced, in further education, broader ranges of teaching to SEN and school groups.

Anthony Dickinson
Bricklaying LecturerI have been a lecturer at West Lancashire College for 10 years and prior to working here, I was part of the Construction industry for more than 28 years, where I developed a broader range of knowledge and skills. I am dedicated and knowledgeable college lecturer with a passion for education and a strong commitment to student success. My extensive knowledge base allows me to provide in-depth insights and practical applications to students, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject with adept and design and develop curriculum that align with the needs of my students and the course objectives. I incorporate a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, to promote active learning and cater to diverse learning styles.

Dylan
Bricklaying StudentI chose the Bricklaying course at West Lancashire College as it will help me in aiming towards an Apprenticeship in the industry. It is a fantastic hands-on, practical course which I am really enjoying. Alan has been a fantastic tutor throughout my time here and I am very grateful for his dedication to seeing students thrive.

Owen
Bricklaying StudentI am due to complete my Level 2 course in Bricklaying, where I’ve successfully completed my practical units in line with the construction standards, as well as completing my Health and Safety and Principles of Building City & Guilds online exams in which I earned a distinction grade. The support at West Lancashire College has been amazing; my tutor Alan is always there to support me and my classmates with all elements of the course. I am hoping to find an Apprenticeship or progress onto the Level 3 Bricklaying course.
What can I do with a qualification in Construction?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Construction at West Lancashire College

Upcoming events

Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 1st May 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm

Parent/Carer Information Evening
West Lancashire College
Tuesday 24th June 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm
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