Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Bricklaying (Construction)
£950.00
The
Level 2 NVQ in Trowel Occupations is aimed at individuals working in the construction industry who carry out trowel-based activities as part of their day-to-day role. This qualification is suitable for
bricklayers, block layers, and general trowel operatives
who already have practical experience on site and want to gain a nationally recognised qualification without attending college.
It is ideal for:
- Operatives who are currently working on site with trowel occupation responsibilities
- Individuals looking to gain a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card
- Those who have learned their trade on the job and want formal recognition of their skills
- Employers seeking to upskill and validate the competence of their workforce
The qualification is competence-based and assessed in the workplace, meaning candidates must demonstrate their ability to perform tasks to industry standards in real working conditions.
Skills and Knowledge Candidates Are Expected to Evidence
To achieve the qualification, candidates must provide evidence that they can competently and safely carry out a range of trowel occupation activities, including:
- Setting out and building masonry structures using bricks, blocks, or stone
- Laying materials to line, level, and gauge in accordance with drawings and specifications
- Cutting and shaping masonry materials using hand and power tools
- Constructing structural and non-structural masonry components
- Maintaining quality standards and checking work for accuracy
- Following health, safety, and environmental practices on-site
- Working efficiently as part of a team and communicating effectively with others
Candidates must also demonstrate an understanding of:
- Safe systems of work and site regulations
- Material properties and correct usage
- Minimising waste and working sustainably
- Maintaining tools and equipment
Successful completion confirms that the learner is a competent, skilled worker who meets industry expectations for trowel occupations at Level 2.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Bricklaying (Construction)
£950.00
The
Level 3 NVQ in Trowel Occupations is designed for experienced trowel operatives who are working in a more
advanced, skilled, or supervisory role
within the construction industry. This qualification is aimed at individuals who consistently work to a high standard, take responsibility for the quality of their work, and often support or oversee others on site.
It is ideal for:
- Experienced bricklayers and trowel operatives with significant site experience
- Skilled workers looking to progress their career and demonstrate advanced competence
- Individuals seeking to apply for a CSCS Gold Skilled Worker Card
- Operatives who supervise small teams or apprentices as part of their role
- Employers wishing to formally recognise high-level trade skills within their workforce
The qualification is workplace-assessed, allowing candidates to achieve a nationally recognised qualification while continuing in their job, with no requirement to attend college.
Skills and Knowledge Candidates Are Expected to Evidence
To achieve the Level 3 NVQ in Trowel Occupations, candidates must demonstrate advanced competence, technical knowledge, and responsibility across a wide range of site activities, including:
- Setting out complex masonry structures from drawings and specifications
- Building advanced masonry features using bricks, blocks, or stone
- Constructing structural components, including cavity walls, piers, arches, and decorative features
- Applying advanced bonding techniques and maintaining high-quality finishes
- Cutting, shaping, and finishing materials using hand and power tools
- Checking and correcting work to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality standards
- Coordinating work activities and supporting less experienced operatives
- Communicating effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and other trades
Candidates must also evidence in-depth knowledge of:
- Health, safety, and environmental legislation and site procedures
- Interpreting drawings, specifications, and method statements
- Material selection, properties, and sustainability considerations
- Efficient use of resources and minimising waste
- Maintaining tools, equipment, and work areas to a professional standard
Successful completion of the qualification confirms that the learner is operating at an
advanced skilled level, capable of delivering high-quality masonry work, taking responsibility on site, and meeting the expectations of employers and industry standards.
Frequently asked questions about the L2 & L3 NVQs in Bricklaying
Q. Who is the L2 Bricklaying NVQ suitable for?
A. It's for anyone already working as a bricklayer who can perform a variety of tasks, including setting out brickwork and blockwork from drawings, erecting masonry structures, and repairing masonry structures to prove occupational competence on site. This qualification would enable the candidate to apply for a Blue CSCS card.
Q. Who is the L3 Bricklaying NVQ suitable for?
A. It's for anyone already working as a bricklayer who can perform a variety of tasks, including bespoke setting out brickwork and blockwork from drawings, erecting masonry structures, erecting masonry cladding, erecting decorative or architectural structures, and repairing masonry structures to prove occupational competence on site. This qualification would enable the candidate to apply for a Gold CSCS card.
Q. What are the benefits of having an NVQ in Bricklaying?
A. It shows employers that you have industry-recognised competence as a bricklayer, covering both handskills and trade understanding. The level of NVQ you achieve will determine whether you can apply for your L2 Blue or L3 Gold CSCS card, enabling you to work on sites and commercial builds.
Q. Do I need to attend college?
A. No, you do not need to attend a college or take time off work. The bricklaying NVQ is designed so that the assessor can collect all the evidence needed to achieve this qualification from what you do every day in your place of work.
Q. How long does a Bricklaying NVQ take?
A. Most candidates complete it in 4-6 weeks (L2) and 6-8 weeks (L3), depending on how quickly evidence is gathered.
The accelerated NVQ route is designed for experienced bricklayers who have 3 years of experience or more in the industry.
The NVQ is designed to work around your lifestyle and workload. So it's really down to each candidate and their desired pace.
Q. What evidence is required for a Bricklaying NVQ?
A. Evidence for the bricklaying NVQs includes a range of: videos or timelapses, photos of working documents, photos of work carried out by the candidate, witness testimonies, professional discussions about work carried out previously, and general trade knowledge.
Q. What happens if evidence is missing?
A. If evidence is missing, the assessor will guide the candidate to complete it by collecting the missing evidence through other forms of assessment. There is no pass or fail exam.
Q. Can a Bricklaying NVQ be assessed remotely?
A. Yes. Both bricklaying NVQs can be assessed remotely using video calls, photos, and recorded video evidence, reducing site disruption and being less intrusive.
