Course overview
This course is designed to give you theskills, knowledge, and attitudesneeded to progress toward becoming anapprentice bricklayer.
You'llspend most of your time inpractical sessions, learning core bricklaying techniques, supported by a small amount of theory to help you understand the principles behind the craft.
Alongside trade-specific skills,you'llalso developessential transferable skillsthat employers value, including:
- Health and Safety awareness
- Teamwork and problem-solving
- Basic numeracy and communication
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
By the end of the course,you'llhave a solid understanding ofbasic building techniquesand an insight into theworking environment of a bricklayer.
Throughemployer engagement at the college, this course aims to enhance your chances of securing sponsorship for progression toBricklaying at SCQF Level 6, which is the first year of an apprenticeship.
You'llalso learn about thewider role of bricklaying€”including how to interact with clients, other trades, and professionals across the construction industry.
Course description
Units are deliveredmainly throughpractical, hands-on sessions, supported by a small amount of theory to help you understand the techniques you learn in the workshop.
Examples of practical elements you will cover include:
- Half brick walling with return corners
- One brick walling with stopped ends
- Block walling
- Cavity walling
- Constructing simple arches and decorative brickwork
Alongside trade-specific skills, this course also helps you develop the ability to workindependently and as part of a team, while strengthening your core employability skills in:
- Numeracy
- IT
- Communication
To ensure you work safely and understand construction principles, you will also study:
- Construction Safety Practices
- Working efficiently in the construction industry
- Occupational practices within the construction industry
This combination of practical skills, theory, and essential workplace knowledge will give youa strong foundationfor progressing into an apprenticeship or further study
Entry requirements
To join this course, you must meetone of the following pathways:
œ…Current Dumfries and Galloway College Students
- Achieve apositive progressing learner referencefrom your tutor confirming you have the skills, academic ability, and attitude to succeed.
- Maintainat least 80% attendancefrom January to the end of your current course (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
œ…School Leavers or New Applicants
- Achieveat least 5 National 4 awards, or1 National 5 and 3 National 4 awards, with at least one inMaths, English, or Science.
- Ifyou'restill working towards these grades, you can apply€”your place will depend on passing the required subjects.
œ…Mature Applicants
Entry may still be possible if you have relevantlife experience or prior construction knowledge. Include this in your application€”we'lldiscuss it further at interview.
Applicants whose first language is not English should upload evidence that they have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses.English language ability may be evidenced through prior study, work experience, or assessment at interview. All applicants will be considered and language suitability will be confirmed by the curriculum team at interview.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Show agenuine passion for a career in brickworkin your application and interview.
- Demonstrate the ability to work atSCQF Level 5.
- Bemotivated, with good timekeeping and attendance history.
- Attend aninformation and interview sessionifinvited andcomplete a10-minute aptitude testto confirm the course level is right for you.
- Commit to attending apractical taster sessionif you have no prior experience in bricklaying.
Other Important Information
- PPE is compulsoryin our workshops (safety footwear, Hi-Viz vest, and head protection). The college will provide all PPE€”you'llbe responsible forlooking after it.
- While not compulsory, we encourage you toseek work experience or an employer connectionduring the course. This will help with progression to the next stage, and staff will provide guidance.
Learning outcome
Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the bricklaying trade and the wider construction industry. Many students progress to:
œ…Bricklaying Apprenticeships (SCQF Level 6)
The most common next step is securing an apprenticeship with a local employer, whereyou'llcontinue your training and work toward becoming a fully qualified bricklayer.
œ…Employment in the Construction Sector
You could also move directly into entry-level roles such as:
- Bricklayer's Assistant€“ supporting qualified tradespeople on projects
- Site Operative€“ gaining experience on construction sites
- Building Supplies and Merchandising€“ working with brick and masonry suppliers
œ…Further Training and Specialisation
Once qualified, bricklaying offers excellent long-term prospects, including opportunities to specialise in areas such as:
- Advanced Masonry and Decorative Brickwork
- Restoration and Heritage Projects
- Site Supervision and Management
Bricklaying is a highly skilled trade that offers strong job security and the potential to progress into supervisory roles, start your own business, or work on large-scale construction projects.
Progression
This course is designed to act as astepping stone into a Bricklaying SCQF Level 6ModernApprenticeship, which is the first year of an apprenticeship program.
To progress to Level 6, you will need to secureemployment within the industry, and our team will provide guidance and support to help you make those connections.
Students whodemonstratestrongemployability skills€”such as reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude€”may also berecommended by the college to local employers. Many businesses look to Dumfries and Galloway College when recruiting apprentices for the following academic year, giving you a real advantage when applying.
Course options
Course Type: Full-time
Details
Venue details
Dumfries Campus
Bankend Road
Dumfries