Yes. This is a competence-based NVQ assessed through workplace evidence.

Do I need to be employed?

You need a suitable workplace role (employed or otherwise) where you can generate the required evidence.

Construction Trades and Building Envelope

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)

A work-based qualification confirming competence in setting out and building brick, block and other masonry structures safely.

Overview

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction) confirms occupational competence in bricklaying and related masonry work. It is intended for people who construct, set out, repair or complete masonry structures in a real working environment.

The qualification focuses on practical competence rather than classroom knowledge alone. Learners must demonstrate that they can interpret drawings and specifications, organise materials, set out masonry, erect structures safely and produce work that meets the required line, level, plumb, bond and finish.

Depending on the approved structure and the learner’s job, assessment may involve brick and block construction, local masonry materials, masonry cladding, thin-joint systems, repairs, drainage, concrete placement or specialist masonry components. Some approved versions also offer a heritage brickwork route involving traditional materials and conservation methods.

For workers, the qualification provides formal evidence of existing trade competence. For employers, it provides independently assessed evidence that an operative can complete relevant masonry activities safely, productively and to specification.

Who It’s For

This qualification is designed for people carrying out bricklaying, craft masonry or closely related trowel work in a real construction environment. Suitability depends mainly on the learner’s current occupational activities and access to the masonry work required for assessment.

Working Bricklayers and Masonry Operatives

The qualification is primarily intended for people already undertaking bricklaying or closely related masonry activities. Suitable roles may include:

Bricklayer
Masonry operative
Craft masonry operative
Maintenance bricklayer
Brickwork repair operative
Bricklayer working on housing, commercial or refurbishment projects
Heritage brickworker where an appropriate heritage structure is available

Learners are normally responsible for completing their own work from drawings, specifications, method statements or instructions. They may work under general supervision while taking responsibility for the safety, quality and productivity of their assigned activities.

Required Workplace Access

Because this is an occupational competence qualification, learners need regular access to genuine masonry work. Their role should provide opportunities to:

Interpret drawings, specifications and work instructions
Select bricks, blocks, mortars, insulation, ties and other components
Use bricklaying hand tools, powered cutting equipment and setting-out equipment
Set out masonry lines, levels, angles, openings and profiles
Erect brick, block or locally constructed masonry
Work safely from suitable access equipment where required
Protect completed work and dispose of waste responsibly
Complete the relevant optional or specialist activity selected for their qualification

A person with only workshop practice and no access to productive site work would not normally be able to generate all the evidence required.

Pathways and Qualification Structure

Approved versions share a closely aligned bricklaying core, but their pathway names and optional-unit arrangements can differ. The learner’s selected structure must reflect the type of masonry work they genuinely perform.

Bricklaying

Bricklaying is the structure most consistently available across approved versions. It normally combines five mandatory occupational units with at least one optional unit suited to the learner’s actual employment.

The mandatory competence covers:

Construction health, safety and welfare
Productive working practices
Moving, handling and storing resources
Erecting masonry structures
Setting out masonry structures

Optional units recognise activities such as masonry cladding, thin-joint construction, masonry repair, concrete placement, drainage installation or specialist masonry elements.

Heritage Brickwork

Heritage brickwork is available under some approved arrangements, either as a pathway within the qualification or as a specifically endorsed version. Availability should be confirmed before registration.

This route may add competence in:

Conserving or restoring traditional brickwork, stonemasonry or earthen structures
Preparing and mixing lime mortars
Recording conservation work and protecting historic fabric
Producing compatible plaster or render finishes

Heritage brickwork should not be assumed to form part of every version of the qualification.

Learning Outcomes

A successful learner will be able to:

Interpret masonry drawings, specifications, schedules, risk assessments and method statements.
Identify incorrect information, unsuitable resources and site problems requiring escalation.
Plan masonry activities in the correct sequence and coordinate them with other trades.
Select bricks, blocks, mortars, ties, insulation, damp-proof components, fixings, tools and equipment.
Calculate dimensions, levels, diagonals, areas, material quantities and likely wastage.
Establish datums, profiles, lines, levels, angles, curves and openings for masonry work.
Build brick, block or other approved masonry structures to the required bond, line, level and plumb.
Form cavities, openings, joints, cills, copings, cappings and other specified masonry details.
Install relevant insulation, wall ties, damp-proof components, cavity trays, vents and fire-stopping details.
Use hand tools, powered tools, cutting equipment and access equipment safely.
Maintain safe working practices around silica dust, cementitious materials, manual handling, work at height and moving plant.
Inspect completed masonry, recognise defects and correct matters within their authority.
Protect finished work from weather, site operations and damage by other occupations.
Work to allocated times while maintaining quality and safety requirements.
Communicate with supervisors, customers, colleagues and other construction occupations.
Produce authentic evidence showing consistent occupational competence.

Units

Approved bricklaying structures normally require all the common mandatory units and at least one occupational option. Learners do not normally complete every optional unit listed below.

Follow site inductions, safety briefings, statutory notices and authorised working procedures.
Use collective protection, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection and other controls correctly.
Recognise hazards involving work at height, access equipment, cutting operations, dust, mortar, manual handling and moving plant.
Report unsafe conditions, defective equipment, near misses, accidents and changing site risks.
Respond appropriately to fires, spillages, injuries and other emergencies within personal authority.
Comply with site welfare, environmental, security and access arrangements.
Stop work and seek guidance where conditions fall outside the approved method of work.

Interpret instructions and confirm that the required information and resources are available.
Organise masonry activities to meet the work programme and agreed quality standard.
Coordinate deliveries, work areas and sequencing with supervisors and other occupations.
Communicate clearly with colleagues, customers and those affected by the work.
Report delays, design problems, material shortages and changes affecting productivity.
Maintain professional working relationships and apply equality and inclusion principles.
Review personal performance and use feedback to improve working methods.

Interpret information concerning deliveries, handling methods and storage requirements.
Assess the weight, size, condition and handling risks of bricks, blocks, bags, components and equipment.
Select suitable manual-handling methods, lifting accessories or mechanical assistance.
Move materials without creating unnecessary risk to people, completed work or the surrounding area.
Position and stack masonry materials securely to prevent collapse, contamination and damage.
Protect cement, lime, insulation, damp-proof materials and other moisture-sensitive resources.
Segregate waste, maintain clear access routes and follow site environmental procedures.
Report damaged deliveries, unsuitable lifting equipment and unsafe storage conditions.

Interpret drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements and manufacturers’ instructions.
Select suitable bricks, blocks, mortars, frames, lintels, insulation, ties, fixings and damp-proof components.
Measure, mark, cut, prepare, lay, position, level, plumb and secure masonry.
Establish and maintain the required bond, gauge, line, level and joint profile.
Construct cavity walls, solid walls, blockwork, openings and specified local-style masonry.
Form and maintain cavities while installing wall ties, insulation, cavity trays, barriers, vents and weep holes.
Install lintels, movement joints, wind posts, cills, copings, cappings and temporary supports where specified.
Maintain the integrity of fire barriers and breaks incorporated into the masonry construction.
Protect new masonry against weather, impact and contamination while it develops strength.
Inspect the completed work, recognise non-conformities and report defects outside personal authority.

Interpret dimensions, levels, datums, grid lines and structural positions from the supplied information.
Confirm that foundations, slabs or supporting surfaces are suitable for setting out.
Establish profiles, datum points, ranging lines, gauge marks and reference levels.
Measure and mark straight lines, right angles, other specified angles, curves and openings.
Produce and use trammels, templates and profiles where required.
Transfer lines and levels using appropriate equipment, including spirit, optical or laser equipment where available.
Check diagonals, dimensions, elevations and relationships with adjoining construction.
Calculate distances, quantities, levels, areas and material allowances.
Protect setting-out marks and report discrepancies before masonry work proceeds.

Interpret cladding details, support requirements, movement provisions and interface information.
Prepare and erect masonry cladding to timber, concrete, steel or existing masonry structures.
Install brick slips where they form part of the approved work.
Position ties, support angles, brick soffit systems and associated fixings correctly.
Maintain cavities and install insulation, cavity trays, damp-proof components, vents and weep holes.
Preserve the continuity of required fire barriers and cavity breaks.
Form openings and joint finishes while maintaining line, level and plumb.
Coordinate the cladding with frames, structural supports and other building-envelope work.

Interpret the specified thin-joint system, block layout, tolerances and installation sequence.
Select compatible blocks, jointing compounds, frames, ties, insulation and damp-proof components.
Measure, mark, cut, prepare, lay, position and secure thin-joint masonry.
Prepare and apply jointing compounds in accordance with the system requirements.
Construct cavity walls, solid walls and specified openings using thin-joint methods.
Maintain accurate course levels, bond, alignment and dimensional tolerances.
Install ties, insulation, lintels, damp-proofing and cavity details without compromising the system.
Protect completed thin-joint work and identify defects requiring correction or specialist advice.

Assess the work information and identify the masonry, mortar, bond and finish requiring repair.
Measure, mark, cut, remove, prepare, lay, position and secure replacement materials.
Match existing materials, bonding, joint profiles and construction quality where specified.
Form or alter openings, internal angles and external angles.
Prop existing walls or floors safely where the approved method requires temporary support.
Restore cavities, insulation, damp-proofing, vents and fire barriers affected by the repair.
Recognise traditional or historically significant construction requiring specialist knowledge.
Remove deteriorated materials carefully and protect retained or salvageable components.
Record and report structural movement, hidden defects or conditions outside the agreed repair scope.

Interpret the pour information, specified concrete, placement method and temporary works requirements.
Check formwork, supports, access, reinforcement interfaces and the work area before placement.
Receive, inspect, handle and transport concrete without contamination or unacceptable delay.
Place concrete using the relevant combination of chutes, skips, pumps, mono-rails or manual methods.
Spread, level, vibrate and compact the concrete to eliminate voids and achieve the required finish.
Take or assist with specified samples and quality checks.
Protect placed concrete and apply the specified curing arrangements.
Coordinate safely with plant operators, banksmen and other workers involved in the pour.

Interpret drainage layouts, levels, gradients, specifications and service information.
Confirm ground conditions and apply controls for excavations, trench support and nearby utilities.
Prepare granular or cementitious bedding to the specified level and fall.
Measure, cut, lay, join, align and secure clay, concrete, metal or plastic drainage components.
Construct or install inspection chambers and associated covers or ironwork.
Complete applicable foul-water or surface-water drainage installations.
Connect new work to existing systems using the specified fittings and seals.
Surround pipes, place approved backfill and protect the installation from displacement or damage.
Carry out or assist with the specified water, air, smoke, ball or other approved test.
Follow appropriate hygiene and contamination controls when working on foul drainage.

Interpret specialist details, fixing schedules and manufacturers’ installation information.
Position, level, plumb, adjust and fix specialist masonry elements.
Install masonry support angles and maintain their relationship with the surrounding construction.
Install applicable brick soffit systems, channel systems, wind posts or wall starter kits.
Form or maintain fire barriers, fire breaks and vapour or moisture barriers.
Integrate wall ties, damp-proof components, cavity trays, insulation, vents and weep holes.
Check fixings, tolerances and interfaces against the required installation quality.
Recognise elements requiring specialist design, testing or installation authority.

Interpret conservation specifications, condition information and the approved repair philosophy.
Measure, mark, remove, rake out, renew, shape, shore, prop, fit and finish traditional masonry.
Replicate existing construction honestly without disguising the extent of new work.
Stabilise retained fabric and integrate new materials without causing avoidable damage.
Select mortars, joint finishes and surface treatments compatible with the existing structure.
Apply the principles of minimum intervention and reversible alteration where specified.
Stop work and report findings when the evidence is unclear or conjecture would be required.
Record the work through written, photographic or digital evidence.
Protect historic fabric, archaeological information, salvageable materials and relevant flora or fauna.

Interpret the mortar specification, method statement and conservation requirements.
Distinguish between hydraulic lime, non-hydraulic lime, lime putty and compatible aggregates.
Select applicable pozzolans, pigments, fibres and additives without compromising compatibility.
Measure, sample, grade and batch materials accurately.
Prepare hydraulic, non-hydraulic or modified lime mortars by hand or mechanical means.
Control water content, mixing, knocking-up, storage and protection in accordance with the specified method.
Recognise the lime cycle and the effects of weather, temperature and curing conditions.
Clean and maintain mixers, tools and storage equipment to prevent contamination.

Assess and prepare internal background surfaces before applying plaster.
Select backing coats, finishing plasters, sand, lime, cement, additives, beads, trims and tapes.
Measure, mark out, mix, apply and finish plaster safely.
Produce specified one-coat or two-coat work.
Form internal and external angles, reveals, cills and soffits.
Apply plaster to walls and ceilings while maintaining the required plane, thickness and finish.
Protect adjacent historic fabric, completed surfaces and other occupations’ work.
Recognise backgrounds or defects requiring specialist preparation or remedial work.

Check background integrity, dampness, services, ventilation and suitability for rendering.
Select and prepare compatible base coats, reinforcing mesh, beads, fixings and finish materials.
Measure, mark out, mix, apply and finish render to the specified thickness and strength.
Apply base coats, reinforcement and stress patches where required.
Render brick, block, concrete, rubble masonry, insulation or metal-lath backgrounds where specified.
Form bellcasts, angles, walls, reveals and soffits.
Produce plain-face, dash, rough-cast or approved proprietary finishes.
Protect the work from rain, frost, rapid drying, contamination and physical damage.

Assessment

Assessment confirms that the learner can perform the required trowel and masonry activities safely, accurately and consistently under normal workplace conditions. Evidence is collected across the mandatory units and the selected occupational options.

Workplace Observation

An occupationally competent assessor observes the learner carrying out normal masonry activities at work. Observation should demonstrate the complete process, including preparation, setting out, material selection, practical construction, safety, quality checks and completion.

Direct observation is particularly important for:

Setting out lines, levels, profiles and openings
Cutting, preparing and laying masonry
Maintaining bond, gauge, line, level and plumb
Installing ties, insulation and damp-proof components
Using tools, cutting equipment and access equipment
Completing the learner’s selected optional activity

Assessment should show consistent competent performance rather than reliance on a single isolated task.

Portfolio and Occupational Evidence

A portfolio is normally assembled to connect workplace performance with the qualification requirements. Relevant evidence may include:

Assessor observation records
Photographs or videos showing the learner and completed masonry
Marked-up drawings, specifications and setting-out information
Site diaries and work records
Method statements and task-specific risk information used by the learner
Material calculations, delivery records and product information
Quality inspections, snagging records and completion checks
Records of drainage testing or concrete quality checks where applicable
Witness testimony from supervisors or other competent people
Records of heritage findings, repairs and retained materials where applicable

Generic downloaded documents do not prove competence unless they are connected to the learner’s own work and supported by assessment.

Questioning and Professional Discussion

Oral or written questioning may be used to confirm knowledge that is not fully visible during observation. This can include:

Masonry bonds, tolerances and material characteristics
Moisture, insulation, cavity and fire-barrier requirements
Dust, manual-handling and work-at-height controls
Defect identification and reporting responsibilities
Mortar selection, curing and adverse-weather protection
Setting-out calculations and dimensional checks
Coordination with other occupations
Environmental and waste responsibilities

A professional discussion may also be used to explore decisions made during completed jobs.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Previous experience and existing evidence may be considered where it remains current, authentic, relevant and sufficient. The assessor must still confirm that the learner meets the complete occupational standard and can perform consistently in their present role.

Simulation and Completion Requirements

Core bricklaying and masonry competence must be demonstrated through real workplace activity. Simulation is not normally accepted as a substitute for erecting, setting out, repairing or completing masonry on productive work.

Limited simulation may be permitted for exceptional events that cannot safely or reasonably be created, such as certain emergency responses, but only where the applicable assessment rules allow it.

To achieve the qualification, the learner must satisfy every requirement of the mandatory units, complete the required occupational option or pathway units and meet any specified assessment ranges or endorsements.

Career Progression

The qualification confirms competence at skilled-worker level and can provide a foundation for advanced masonry, heritage work, supervision or construction management. Progression depends on experience, responsibilities and any additional qualifications required for the intended role.

Relevant Occupational Roles

Achievement can support continued work in roles such as:

Bricklayer
Skilled masonry operative
Maintenance bricklayer
Brickwork repair operative
Craft masonry operative
Heritage brickworker where the completed structure supports that occupation

The qualification does not by itself authorise work that requires separate technical approval, licences, permits or specialist certification.

Advanced Trade Development

Experienced workers may progress to a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction). This can develop advanced craft competence and may include more complex masonry work, technical problem-solving or responsibility for specialised construction.

Workers focusing on older buildings may consider heritage-skills qualifications in brickwork or masonry. Other relevant specialisms can include masonry repair, stonemasonry, structural repair, external rendering or building maintenance.

Supervision and Management

With suitable occupational experience and additional responsibility, progression may be possible towards qualifications in:

Occupational work supervision
Construction site supervision
Construction site management
Technical support or quality inspection

Progression should reflect the person’s actual job responsibilities rather than qualification level alone.

CSCS Card

For the bricklaying occupation, the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction) may support an application for the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card.

The qualification does not automatically issue or guarantee a CSCS card. The applicant must make a separate application and normally must:

Hold an accepted version of the qualification mapped to the Bricklaying occupation.
Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Operatives test within the required validity period.
Provide acceptable evidence of the qualification.
Satisfy the current identity, occupation and application requirements.

Applicants should use the official Card Finder before applying because occupation mappings and evidence requirements can change. A heritage-brickwork version should be checked separately rather than assuming it carries the same occupational mapping.

FAQs

Yes. Its shared occupational core is designed around setting out and erecting masonry structures using brick and block or approved local materials. Optional units allow the qualification to reflect related activities performed within the learner’s job.

You need access to genuine workplace masonry activities. This may be through employment, self-employment or another valid working arrangement, but practice exercises alone cannot normally provide all the required evidence.

No. The common bricklaying structure normally requires the mandatory units and at least one appropriate option. The selected unit should match work the learner genuinely performs and can demonstrate.

The exact assessment range depends on the approved version. Evidence normally includes brick-and-block or approved local-material masonry, together with setting out, forming openings, maintaining line and level, jointing and installing associated components.

No. Electronic portfolios, remote discussions and online questioning may support assessment, but practical masonry competence must be observed and evidenced through real workplace activity.

Some approved versions provide a heritage brickwork pathway or a specifically endorsed heritage version. It may include conservation, traditional lime mortars and compatible plaster or render work. This route is not available under every specification.

A classroom or training-centre diploma primarily develops knowledge and practical skills in a controlled environment. This NVQ confirms that the learner can apply occupational competence consistently on real construction work.

No. The qualification can support the Bricklaying route to a Blue Skilled Worker card, but the card requires a separate application, the relevant health, safety and environment test and confirmation that the qualification is accepted for the selected occupation.

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