Programme content
Knowledge
Health and safety: Health and safety hazards, current
regulations and legislation including COSHH/risk assessments and understanding
the importance of method statements. Codes of practice and safe working
practices, including asbestos awareness and correct use of personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Customer service: The principles of high-quality customer
service. Establishing the needs of others (colleagues, customers and other
stakeholders). Respect the working environment including customers’ properties,
impact on other trades and the project. Gaining and keeping a valued reputation
in industry with clients, colleagues and industry representatives such as
suppliers and manufacturers.
Communication: Different communication methods. How to
communicate in a clear, articulate and appropriate manner. How to adapt
communication style to different situations.
Buildings: Different eras, types of construction methods,
insulation considerations, sustainability, facilities management, fire,
moisture and air protection. Fireplaces and chimneys. Damp proof courses and
the use of brick ties. An awareness of the location of trees and services, and
their impact on foundation types.
Energy efficiency: The importance and considerations of
thermal qualities, airtightness and ventilation to buildings.
Materials: Types of materials, their uses and their value.
Types of bonds and their uses. Concrete and drainage.
Cost awareness and environmental considerations/waste
awareness e.g. surface water management and recycling.
Alternative construction techniques: Modern methods of
construction, rapid build technology, alternative block, masonry, steel and
timber based cladding systems.
Radial and battered brickwork: Set out and build brickwork,
including complex arches and surrounding brickwork, curved on plan, concave and
convex brickwork and battered brickwork.
Feature and reinforced brickwork: Set out and build
brickwork, including complex decorative features, obtuse/acute angle quoins and
reinforced brickwork.
Fireplaces and chimneys: Select materials and resources
required to set out and build fireplaces and
chimneys using materials such as hearths, plinths, flue
liners, chimney pots and other modern method.
Skills
Preparation of materials: Determine quality and quantities
of building material including mix ratios of mortar and concrete. Areas and
volumes of materials and resources.
Safe working: Adhere to relevant health and safety
legislation, codes of practice and apply safe working practices, including when
working at heights. Safe use of ‘disc cutters’ and power cutters.
Working area: Select appropriate tools, equipment and
materials (e.g. trowel, levels, brick ties, DPC, insulation, mixers.
Masonry structures: Interpret drawings and specifications.
Measure the work area and set out level first courses of bricks to a plan,
including bonds for openings and the damp course.
Mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer. Lay bricks to
set dimensions and apply mortar with a trowel to completion.
Shape and trim
bricks/blocks using hammers, chisels and power tools.
Use of laser levels, spirit levels, optical levels and
string lines to check that courses are straight, horizontally and vertically,
and laid to a gauge.
Ensure thermal qualities, airtightness and ventilation are
maintained. Remove waste materials. Repair and renew masonry structures.
Radial and battered brickwork: Set out and build brickwork,
including simple arches and surrounding brickwork.
Feature and reinforced brickwork: Set out and build
brickwork, including common decorative features such as oversailing courses and
simple corbels.
Other brickwork: Block laying. Cavity walling to include
openings, brick inspection chambers, joint finishes, set out a square, set out
to a gauge rod and/or profile.
Building technology: Select materials and resources to be
able to set out and lay concrete, drainage and other substructure materials.
Behaviours
Positive and mature attitude: Conscientious, punctual,
enthusiastic, reliable and professional including appearance.
Take responsibility for personal judgements and actions. Be
aware of the limits of personal
competence.
Show drive and energy in fulfilling requirements of role,
including deadlines and being proactive not
reactive.
Show honesty and integrity by developing the trust of
customers and colleagues and undertaking
responsibilities in an ethical and empathetic manner.
Demonstrate awareness of equality and diversity in all aspects
of role.
Quality focused: Be reliable, productive, efficient and
quality focussed in work and in personal standards to current industrial
standards.
Awareness and consideration of other trades e.g. build walls
in a way that allows for pipes and electrical wiring.
Keep work area clean and tidy.
Provide good customer service.
Give consideration to the appropriate use of resources and
personal actions in regard to environmental, social and economic factors and
their impacts.
Effective communication: Oral (including listening),
written, body language and presentation. Collaborate with others, e.g.
colleagues, clients, architects, contract managers, other trades, clients,
suppliers and the public regardless of differences in race, gender, sexual
orientation, or other characteristics.
Self-motivated learner: Identify personal development needs
and take action to meet those needs.
Keep up to date with best practice and new technology. Show
initiative to independently complete work and solve problems by seeking out
critical information.