Can I do a Level 2 Bricklaying (Trowel Occupations) NVQ without going to college?

Yes. If you're already working as a Bricklayer you can complete your Level 2 NVQ entirely in the workplace. There is no need to attend college. Your assessor visits your site, observes your work, reviews your evidence and carries out professional discussions.. 

How Do I Get a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card?

After successfully completing the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ, you can apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card (subject to meeting the current CSCS requirements, including the appropriate Health, Safety and Environment Test where required). The card proves you are a qualified bricklayer and is requested by many construction employers.

What Evidence Do I Need?

Site Photographs

You'll provide photographs of your completed bricklaying work throughout the assessment. This may include setting out, laying bricks and blocks, constructing cavity walls, forming corners, installing lintels, pointing brickwork and completed masonry structures.

Short Videos

Short video clips recorded on site help demonstrate your practical skills. These videos usually last less than one minute and show you carrying out everyday bricklaying tasks as part of your normal work.

Workplace Observation

Your assessor will observe you carrying out bricklaying work in your normal working environment. This allows you to demonstrate your competence while continuing to work on site, without attending college or completing practical tests elsewhere.

Professional Discussion

You'll have an informal discussion with your assessor about the work you've completed. This gives you the opportunity to explain your methods, health and safety knowledge, materials used, interpreting drawings and specifications, and how you consistently achieve high-quality brickwork.

Knowledge Questions

You'll complete straightforward knowledge questions covering topics such as:

• Health and safety
• Setting out brickwork
• Reading drawings and specifications
• Laying bricks and blocks
• Constructing cavity walls
• Forming corners and junctions
• Mortar mixes and materials
• Quality control
• Safe working practices

Your assessor will support you throughout the process.

Witness Testimonies

We'll Support You Every Step of the Way

Our experienced assessors will explain exactly what evidence is needed and guide you through every stage of the assessment. Most experienced bricklayers already have the skills required to achieve the qualification—the Level 2 Bricklaying (Trowel Occupations) NVQ simply provides formal recognition of the work you already carry out every day on site.

Who Can Complete This Bricklaying NVQ?

The Level 2 Bricklaying (Trowel Occupations) NVQ is designed for experienced bricklayers who already carry out bricklaying and masonry work on construction sites, commercial developments and residential projects.

You may be suitable if you are:

• Employed as a Bricklayer
• Self-employed or CIS registered
• Working for a bricklaying contractor or subcontractor
• Constructing brickwork, blockwork, cavity walls and masonry structures
• Carrying out setting out, pointing and brick repairs as part of your everyday work
• Looking to obtain your Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card

If you already have the practical skills and experience, our workplace assessment allows you to achieve your Level 2 Bricklaying (Trowel Occupations) NVQ without attending college or sitting classroom-based exams.

Whether you work on new-build housing developments, commercial projects, schools, hospitals or residential properties, this qualification recognises the skills you use every day on site.

What Will I Be Assessed On?

The Level 2 Bricklaying (Trowel Occupations) NVQ covers the following units:

• Setting out brickwork from drawings and specifications
• Laying bricks and blocks to line and level
• Constructing cavity walls and solid walls
• Building corners, junctions and decorative brickwork
• Installing lintels and damp proof courses (DPCs)
• Pointing, joint finishing and repairing brickwork
• Using bricklaying tools and equipment safely
• Reading drawings and following specifications
• Maintaining quality standards and accurate measurements
• Working safely on construction sites
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Efficient working practices

How long does a Bricklaying NVQ take?

Most experienced brickayers complete their Level 2 NVQ in around 4 weeks, depending on how quickly evidence is gathered and assessments are arranged.

Because the qualification is completed while you continue working, there is no need to take time off or attend college.

Once you enrol, your assessor will create an assessment plan, arrange workplace observations and guide you through each stage until your qualification is complete.

Can I Complete My Bricklaying NVQ if I Am Self-Employed?

Yes. Many of our learners are self-employed Bricklayers or work as CIS subcontractors.

As long as you are carrying out bricklaying  work in a real working environment, you can usually complete your assessment while working on your current projects.

Our assessors work nationwide and can visit your workplace to carry out observations and collect evidence.

Is the Bricklaying NVQ Recognised Throughout the UK?

Yes. The Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ is a nationally recognised qualification accepted throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It demonstrates that you are competent in your trade and is widely recognised by employers, contractors and construction companies.

Successful completion of the qualification also enables you to apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card (subject to meeting the current CSCS requirements).

What Happens After I Enrol?

Once you've enrolled, your assessor will contact you to arrange your first assessment and explain the entire process.

You will receive guidance on:

• Collecting your evidence
• Workplace observations
• Professional discussions
• Knowledge questions
• Completing your portfolio

Our experienced assessors will support you from enrolment through to certification, making the process straightforward and stress-free.