Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)

This qualification is primarily intended for bricklayers who already carry out substantial masonry work and can demonstrate competence at an advanced occupational level. It is not a general introductory bricklaying course and should not be confused with qualifications for unrelated trowel trades such as plastering or wall and floor tiling.

Experienced Bricklayers

A suitable learner is normally already undertaking bricklaying activities independently or with significant responsibility for the quality of their own work. The required evidence goes beyond basic wall construction and includes planning, setting out, cladding and architectural or decorative masonry.

The learner should be able to access work involving activities such as:

• interpreting drawings, specifications and work instructions;

• establishing dimensions, datums, lines, levels and masonry positions;

• erecting cavity and solid masonry;

• forming openings, junctions, angles and finished details;

• installing components associated with masonry construction;

• constructing masonry cladding against an appropriate supporting structure;

• producing architectural or decorative masonry features;

• coordinating work with supervisors, clients and other trades;

• applying health, safety and environmental controls throughout the work; and

• completing the activities required by the chosen optional unit.

Suitable Workplace Arrangements

The qualification is designed to be achieved through genuine occupational activity. The learner therefore needs an employment, self-employment or other legitimate workplace arrangement that gives sufficient access to the construction projects, materials, equipment and advanced masonry tasks required for assessment.

Current qualification information explicitly describes achievement in a real workplace and identifies workplace performance in the bricklayer role as central to the qualification.

A learner who only has access to classroom exercises or isolated training-bay tasks is unlikely to be able to generate the breadth of occupational evidence required.

The qualification does not operate as a simple set of separately named pathways. Instead, occupational breadth is established through mandatory masonry units, specific endorsements within those units and the learner's selection of at least one optional competence area. Exact endorsement wording may differ slightly between approved specifications.

Masonry Structures

Assessment of masonry structures normally requires competence using an approved masonry type, such as brick and block construction or an appropriate local masonry material.

The learner must demonstrate the complete process rather than simply laying individual units. This includes interpreting information, selecting materials, establishing bonds, forming walling and openings, incorporating associated components and completing work to the specified line, level, plumb, finish and quality requirements.

Setting-Out Features

Setting-out assessment must provide evidence across a meaningful range of masonry geometry. The current occupational standard includes straight lines, right angles, acute and obtuse angles, curves on plan, curves in elevation and openings, with assessment requiring an appropriate selection from that range.

This ensures that the learner can establish masonry positions from project information rather than relying solely on previously prepared lines or profiles.

Masonry Cladding

Masonry cladding competence includes an endorsement relating to the masonry material and the structure to which the cladding is constructed. Depending on the approved structure and workplace evidence, backgrounds can include pre-erected timber, concrete or steel structures, or existing masonry.

The assessment therefore addresses not just the face masonry but also the relationship between the cladding, supporting construction, cavities, ties, fire and moisture-control components, insulation and structural details.

Architectural and Decorative Masonry

Advanced masonry evidence must include a prescribed selection of architectural or decorative work rather than ordinary straight walling alone. Relevant features can include different forms of arch, chimney stacks, fireplaces, decorative or projecting masonry, curved walls and splayed wall construction.

The required combination is controlled by the qualification's current endorsement requirements, so learners need access to suitable real projects before assessment is planned.

Optional Specialist Competence

At least one current optional unit is normally selected. The available competence areas are:

• erecting thin-joint masonry structures;

• repairing and maintaining masonry structures;

• installing drainage; or

• installing and forming specialist masonry elements.

The most appropriate selection depends on the learner's genuine occupational role and the work that can be evidenced. An optional unit should not be selected simply because it is convenient to deliver if the learner cannot demonstrate the required workplace competence.

Substantial workplace access is essential because the qualification requires evidence of competent performance during real construction activity. The learner must be able to work from genuine project information and use the materials, tools, access equipment and construction components associated with the units being assessed.

Suitable evidence opportunities should normally provide access to:

• construction drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements and risk assessments;

• bricks, blocks or other approved masonry materials;

• mortars, jointing materials and related consumables;

• ties, fixings, lintels, movement-joint components and masonry support systems where specified;

• damp-proof courses, cavity trays, cavity closers, weep holes or vents;

• insulation and fire-barrier components relevant to the construction;

• measuring and setting-out equipment, including lines, levels, squares, profiles, templates and suitable levelling equipment;

• appropriate hand and power tools;

• access equipment and safe arrangements for work at height where required;

• suitable temporary support, handling or lifting equipment where relevant;

• real opportunities to erect standard masonry, masonry cladding and architectural or decorative structures; and

• the resources needed for the selected optional occupational activity.

The assessment must reflect the learner's actual working conditions. Evidence should demonstrate the ability to deal with normal construction constraints such as interfaces with other trades, changing site conditions, restricted access, material availability, programme requirements, weather exposure and discrepancies in project information.

Workplace skills within the relevant current occupational units cannot be demonstrated through simulation as a substitute for real competence. Training exercises can help develop skills, but evidence for qualification achievement must meet the workplace assessment requirements.

Successful learners demonstrate integrated occupational competence rather than isolated bricklaying techniques. Across the mandatory units and selected optional competence, a learner will be able to:

• interpret drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments, manufacturers' information and other project instructions;

• confirm work activities, sequences, resources, timescales and occupational methods before work begins;

• identify missing, unsuitable or conflicting information and report or resolve it within their authority;

• establish masonry dimensions, datums, levels, angles, curves, openings and other setting-out information accurately;

• select suitable masonry materials, components, fixings, mortars, tools and equipment;

• erect cavity and solid masonry structures to the required bond, alignment, dimensions and finish;

• construct masonry cladding while maintaining the required relationship with the supporting structure;

• form architectural and decorative masonry features using suitable profiles, templates, trammels and other setting-out methods;

• correctly incorporate components such as ties, lintels, support angles, damp-proof systems, insulation, movement joints, fire barriers and ventilation details where specified;

• carry out the specialist activities associated with the selected optional unit;

• use hand tools, power tools, setting-out equipment and access equipment safely and effectively;

• maintain line, level, plumb, dimensions, joint finish, cavity integrity and other applicable quality requirements;

• protect completed and partially completed masonry against damage and adverse conditions;

• apply health, safety, environmental, manual-handling and waste-control requirements throughout the work;

• identify defective materials, unsuitable resources, construction problems or work outside personal authority and report them appropriately;

• coordinate activities with other occupations and communicate effectively with supervisors, customers and team members; and

• complete work within agreed programmes while maintaining the required occupational standard.

Assessment is based on occupational competence and requires the learner to show that the relevant standards can be achieved during normal bricklaying work. A combination of assessment methods is used to establish both practical performance and the knowledge that underpins decisions made in the workplace. Current construction assessment requirements treat direct workplace evidence as the primary source of competence evidence.

The learner must satisfy all learning outcomes and assessment requirements for the mandatory units and the required optional selection. Evidence is judged for validity, authenticity, sufficiency and consistency rather than simply by the amount of paperwork collected.

Workplace Observation

Direct observation allows an occupationally competent assessor to see the learner performing relevant work under genuine site conditions.

Observation may include activities such as:

• establishing lines, levels and profiles for masonry;

• constructing cavity or solid walling;

• forming openings and junctions;

• installing ties, damp-proofing and insulation;

• erecting masonry cladding;

• producing architectural or decorative features;

• using tools, access equipment and materials safely; and

• undertaking the selected specialist optional activity.

Assessment should show competent performance across an appropriate period and range of work, not one successful isolated task.

Practical workplace skills for the occupational units cannot be replaced by simulation.

Portfolio Evidence and Work Products

A portfolio brings together evidence demonstrating how the learner has met the qualification requirements. It should be based on genuine occupational activity and linked clearly to the competence being claimed.

Relevant evidence can include:

• photographs or video of masonry work in progress and after completion;

• setting-out records, profiles or marked-up working information;

• drawings and specifications used for assessed work;

• completed masonry structures and architectural features;

• records associated with masonry cladding or specialist components;

• work schedules and programme information;

• site instructions or authorised changes;

• inspection or quality records;

• relevant safety documentation generated through the learner's work; and

• records associated with the selected optional activity.

Documents should support evidence of competence rather than simply prove that a document existed on site.

Questioning and Professional Discussion

Observation may demonstrate what the learner did but not always why a particular method, material or control was chosen. Oral or written questioning and professional discussion can therefore be used to confirm underpinning knowledge.

A learner may be asked to explain:

• how drawings and specifications were interpreted;

• why a particular bond, support or setting-out method was selected;

• how cavity, insulation, damp-proofing or fire-protection integrity was maintained;

• what action would be taken if materials or information were unsuitable;

• how tolerances and quality requirements were checked;

• why a construction sequence was necessary;

• how hazards were controlled; or

• when a problem should be referred to a supervisor, designer or specialist.

Knowledge evidence must relate meaningfully to the occupational standard rather than consist solely of copied manuals, procedures or safety documents.

Witness Testimony and Workplace Records

Witness testimony can supplement assessor observation when it comes from an appropriate person who has directly observed the learner's work and can comment reliably on the activities performed.

Suitable supplementary records may include job records, work diaries, schedules, safety records, correspondence, training records and other authenticated workplace documentation.

These forms of evidence do not normally remove the need for sufficient direct evidence of practical competence.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Existing experience and previously generated evidence may be considered where it can be shown to meet the current qualification requirements.

Recognition of prior learning does not automatically exempt an experienced bricklayer from a unit. Evidence must still be current enough, authentic, sufficient and relevant to the learning outcomes and assessment requirements. Where gaps remain, further workplace evidence or knowledge assessment will be necessary.

The qualification provides formal evidence of advanced occupational competence in bricklaying. It can support continued development within masonry construction, but progression depends on the learner's experience, employer requirements, further training and the responsibilities of the intended role.

Advanced Bricklaying Work

A successful learner may continue working as an experienced or advanced bricklayer undertaking a broader range of work, including:

• advanced masonry construction;

• setting out;

• masonry cladding;

• architectural and decorative brickwork;

• complex openings or geometric masonry; and

• coordination of masonry activities with other construction occupations.

The qualification confirms competence but does not itself guarantee a particular job title, contract or level of responsibility.

Specialist Masonry Activities

Where supported by the learner's optional unit and wider occupational experience, further work may focus on areas such as:

• thin-joint masonry systems;

• masonry repair and alteration;

• drainage associated with construction work; or

• specialist masonry support, restraint, fire and moisture-control systems.

Additional manufacturer training, project-specific instruction or specialist competence may still be required for particular proprietary products or high-risk systems.

Supervision and Construction Management

Experienced bricklayers who develop responsibility for coordinating people, productivity, quality and work areas may progress towards occupational work supervision.

Further experience and appropriate qualifications can subsequently support development into broader site supervision, construction management or technical-support roles. The Level 3 Diploma itself should not be treated as evidence that a learner is already competent to perform a separate supervisory or management occupation.

The exact qualification is currently mapped by the official card scheme to the Gold Advanced Craft card for the occupation of Bricklaying. The published mapping identifies the CITB Health, safety and environment test for Operatives as the relevant test for this occupation.

Completing the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction) can therefore provide the occupational qualification evidence required for this card route, subject to the applicant satisfying the current scheme requirements.

The qualification does not automatically issue a card. A separate card application is required, and applicants must hold the relevant qualification evidence and meet the applicable health, safety and environment testing requirement. The required test normally needs to have been passed within the period accepted by the card scheme.

Applicants should use the official Card Finder before applying to confirm that their qualification, occupation and current circumstances continue to correspond to the Bricklaying Gold Advanced Craft route, as card requirements can be updated.