Construction - Brick & Stonelaying - Apprenticeship
Like working with your hands, have a keen eye for detail, and interested in construction? Why not consider a career in brick and stonelaying?
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed.
Entry Requirements
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
or
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable
It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Art, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Technology , Construction Studies and Mathematics.
Careers / Further progression
Opportunities on Qualification
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.
Where craftspersons have the necessary ability and initiative, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.
Many craftspersons use their qualification as a platform to launch careers such as managers, owners of businesses and instructors amongst others.
Further information
To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.
To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs page at https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs. You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship.
Your local Education and Training Board may hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.
On completion of this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified brick and stonelayer, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Brick and Stonelaying.
Brick and stonelayers go on to be employed in the building industry, working on new buildings, restorations, and extensions.
Many craftspersons use their qualification as a platform to launch careers such as managers, owners of businesses and instructors amongst others.
What is a Brick and Stonelayer?
Brick and Stonelaying is an essential part of many structures – the work is mainly concerned with the laying of bricks and/or stone, in the construction of all types of walling, interior and exterior, from plain walls to more detailed work. The work can be solid and cavity walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures and as many sizes and colours of building material are used and considerable skill is needed to combine these into bonds to meet requirements.
Brick and Stonelayers are generally employed in the building industry or they may be engaged on maintenance work in large industrial undertakings. They may work on new buildings, extensions or the restoration of existing buildings.
Brick and Stonelayers require many skills including:
• Working with a variety of specialised hand and power tools
• Working with mortar to bond and point
• The ability to work to specifications and adapt to surroundings to produce plumb and level walls
• The ability to read plans and drawings to find out how the structure is to be built and take account of where corners need to be or where openings must be left for doors and windows
• Attention to detail and accuracy – the Brick and Stonelayer has to make sure that the structure is accurate and meets design requirements
Health and safety is an important aspect of the job, so a Brick and Stonelayer needs to wear protective footwear, a safety helmet and, occasionally, safety glasses and hand protection.
Aspects of work
Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence
Working with and learning from experienced Craftspersons
Working with technical drawings and diagrams
Seeing a job through from start to finish.
Comply with Health and Safety requirements
Working mainly outdoors
Using tools or machinery
Being accurate with numbers in estimating measuring and arithmetic
Accuracy and attention to detail
Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
Working at heights
Lifting or carrying heavy items
Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
Working on construction site
Being physically active
Stretching, bending and kneeling
Working in cramped and awkward spaces
Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals skills demonstration)
Earning as you learn
Apprenticeship Training Programme
Phase 1: With Employer
Induction Training
Introduction to Health & Safety
Introduction to Tools & Equipment
Introduction to Basic Skills
Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 weeks)
Course Content:
Induction
Brickwork
Blockwork (Solid & Hollow)
Cavity Walls & Chimney Breast Construction
Phase 3: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)
Course Content:
Kerblaying & Paving
File Openings, Flues & Chimneys
Decorative Brickwork
Arch & Timber Frame Construction
Phase 5: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)
Course Content:
Arch Construction
Decorative Brickwork & Tiling
Stonework & Cladding
Phase 7: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed. On successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Brick and Stonelaying