
Able Skills is open 7 days every week – Please feel free to pop in and see what we do.
No Appointment Required * No Sales * No Pressure
As we are open 7 days - Courses can be completed either through the week (Mon-Fri) or at weekends (Sat-Sun) – All Course Times are: 08.30am - 16.30pm
A deposit will secure a course start date and any balance can be paid on the start date or spread over the period of your training – Interest Free!
Please call for details * Email us * Request a free brochure and DVD
Able Skills has their own accommodation available at £20 per night for those of you who are travelling longer distances to train with us.

This qualification, new for 2010/2011 meets the needs of those of you who work or want to work in the Bricklaying industry. It will enable you to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression within Bricklaying.
Able Skills will provide you with the bricklaying training to meet all of the standards as required by City & Guilds but we will also build on this to give you much more so that you will gain a better insight into what bricklaying is all about. The emphasis for us is on meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.
We have designed the Bricklaying Centre to cover every possible bricklaying scenario which means that we can access all levels of qualification so should you want to progress and learn more, this will be possible.
We do feel that after 7 years of providing this bricklaying training, we are the best at what we do. We invest in our facilities, our staff and our students. We have fantastic bricklaying instructors who make you feel welcome at all times and are dedicated to providing a service which upholds our reputation.
Their patience is to a level which will make sure everyone believes that they can achieve this bricklaying award…. And they can, with dedication to the course.
Here, we explain the requirements and Able Skills training plans in order for you to achieve the City & guilds 6218 Certificate:
To achieve this City & Guilds award will require you to undertake Bricklaying training and assessment using credits which are achieved by covering various units from the C&G 6218.
For this award, which can be achieved in 5 weeks, we have put together a training and assessment plan; Training will cover:
• Health & Safety and PPE
• How to set out building lines
• Brick and block work
• Ensure walls are square and vertical
• Build a corner, a pillar, a pier and a cavity wall
• English Bond, Flemish Bond, Stretcher Bond
• How to do pointing for face work
• How to put in a damp course
• How to put in lintels and windows
Throughout the programme you will be assessed on the following City & Guilds 6218 units:
Unit 006 - Introducing levelling in construction - Check the accuracy of levelling equipment and transfer levels using a spirit level and straight edge.
Unit 009 - Introducing brickwork skills - Construct cavity wall and joint brick and block work
Unit 110 - Developing brickwork skills - install ventilation, insulation, wall ties, form stopped ends, lay to building line and joint.
Unit 111 - Developing quoin skills - Dry bonding and construction of different styles of brick quoins.
Unit 116 - Developing blockwork skills - Construct blockwork, install lintel, wall ties, insulation and form stopped ends and cavity closer including VDPC.
Unit 205 – Expanding brickwork skills - Set out, gauge, level and plumb, construct cavity wall and detailing of brick/block walling.
Over a period of 5 weeks, we will provide you with comprehensive bricklaying training in order to move you on to the assessments to successfully achieve this Bricklaying award.
This is a hands-on, practical course, it is therefore recommended you bring suitable clothing and for your own safety, steel capped footwear is essential. All other PPE, tools and materials will be provided throughout your training period.
Bricklaying Progression, Alternative Training and CSCS:
Following on from your City & Guilds Bricklaying Certificate you can continue training with Able Skills to increase your Bricklaying skills and knowledge. We have a variety of courses available but it is up to you as to how far you want to go in the Bricklaying industry. As an alternative to this City & Guilds Bricklaying Certificate, we can offer the following:
Construction Awards Alliance Level 2 Construction Diploma – Bricklaying
This CAA Bricklaying Diploma (Different Awarding Body) will require 6 weeks of practical training and assessment. Completion of this Bricklaying Diploma will be determined by all of the following:
• Achievement of each Bricklaying unit by internal testing undertaken by your instructor. Each knowledge unit also has a mandatory series of Bricklaying questions and answers produced by CAA and managed by your instructor.
• Synoptic practical Bricklaying assignment set by CAA and controlled by your instructor. Successful completion of the assignment will be needed before the Bricklaying qualification can be completed.
• Online test covering the core Bricklaying units and the occupational units must be passed to achieve the qualification. The test will be an independent test of knowledge and understanding.
As you can see from the above, completion of this Bricklaying Diploma requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and competence on both a practical and theory level and therefore to confirm this, candidates are required to record their understanding of the subject in detail.
This Bricklaying course will require you to undertake some research in order for you to record your understanding of bricklaying and related aspects but to help you with this we have put together a comprehensive Bricklaying manual which will cover all of the knowledge units required to fully achieve this Bricklaying award.
This manual, along with practical Bricklaying training, demonstrations, ongoing guidance and advice will all help when you undertake your Bricklaying unit tests, final practical assessment and On-Line exam.
NVQ at level 2 – This is an automatic step up from the CAA Construction Diploma and will require you to have access to Bricklaying work in order for Work Based Assessments to be undertaken by Able Skills NVQ Assessors.
Alternatively, if you would rather undertake a very comprehensive level of training at Able Skills but with reduced theory requirements, Able Skills can combine the C&G 6218 Bricklaying Certificate, add 2 weeks of reality bricklaying training and register you for the NVQ.
This outcome will be the same as the CAA Construction Diploma but will not have the full accreditation with it. The NVQ will still be achievable but the onus will be on you to provide slightly more work based evidence.
If you are looking to undertake ‘site’ based bricklaying work in the future, it is important that you have a CSCS card, without it, you will not be able to access sites. Able Skills will provide you with the training material to aid you in your understanding of site health & safety and we will also pay for you to undertake your CSCS test.
The aim of the test is to examine knowledge across a wide range of health and safety topics in order to improve safety and productivity on site. If you are looking to hold an Experienced Worker or Skilled Worker card, you will need to be registered for an NVQ.
Cost and Duration of 5 Week Professional Bricklaying Course
Duration: 5 Weeks
Additional Information
Able Skills is open 7 days every week and most courses can be completed either through the week (Mon-Fri) or at weekends (Sat-Sun) – Please call for details
A deposit will secure your start date and any balance can be paid on the start date or spread over the period of your training – Interest Free!
For all workshop based training and/or assessment we recommend suitable clothing and for your safety, protective footwear is essential.
Bricklaying Courses at Ableskills Dartford
by Able Skills
Danbahadur T
I took the Multi Craft training through Able skills further to recommendations from my friends. The Bricklaying element was very enjoyable. My tutor, Simon, was very helpful and flexible with all the students. The course was definitely value for money and I will be the one recommending them now.
William C
My family told me about Able Skills. I decided to take the Bricklaying introduction 5 day course and found it to be much better than I initially expected. I was more than impressed with how much we managed to achieve. I had a great week!
Sean N
Quality, options and location were all important factors to me when deciding where to train. Able Skills fitted the bill. I took the introduction to Bricklaying course, taught by Simon. I thoroughly enjoyed the week. Excellent tuition and great instruction from an obviously highly skilled craftsman. I am contemplating a second week!
Campbell M
I chose to train with Able Skills as they look the best, they have friendly staff and are very professional. I have taken the handyman course and can comment so far on the bricklaying. Simon was a brilliant, professional and friendly teacher. He made the course fun. It was a pleasure to come in every day.
Chakrabahadur R
I picked Able Skills to learn basic bricklaying because they offer good facilities and instructors. It was a very useful course for a basic learner. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Simon. I learnt quite a lot which will hopefully help me in the future with my DIY. Thank you Simon.
Hemraj K
I chose Able Skills as they offered multiple courses in one place and flexible options, ideal for those considering multi-craft. I am enjoying all the courses at Able Skills as well as the Bricklaying. All the courses I have done are valuable and important, especially living independently. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my instructors and the staff for their help.
Angus K
I found out about Able Skills via the internet search engine. I requested a brochure and it was received within two days. I chose to train with them as the offered accommodation and the quality of their brochure. The 5 day bricklaying course was value for money and met with my expectations. They offered a very good, relaxed training. Their accommodation was clean and excellent value for money. I am really looking forward to my next course.
Sid Garnett
I decided to take my bricklaying course with Able Skills after researching them on the internet. The most important factors for me when deciding where to train were location and cost. Able Skills provided me with great information and a top course. The instructors gave me good tips and skills. I gained amazing results from day 1 – 5. I would recommend this course all day long. Thanks very much!
Ian J – 5 Day Intensive Bricklaying Course
After researching training centres on the internet I decided to train with Able Skills due to the location and assortment of skills on offer. I have really enjoyed the experience and have learned some useful basic skills. Both tutors, Simon and Paul were excellent, thank you.
Raylon M – 5 Week City & Guilds Bricklaying Course
I enjoyed every moment of my training and was very happy with my instructor Simon.
Sher Gurung
I was recommended by other Gurkhas to use Able Skills. I heard they taught in detail. I found the bricklaying course very useful and interesting. The instructor is excellent and taught in detail. I have learnt lots and gained lots of new skills. I will be advertising to my colleagues back in my station to use Able Skills.
Zelco Zalac
My expectations when deciding to do the bricklaying course were high, having never had any experience. My first day highlighted how complicated bricklaying is and brought me back to earth. This course has saved me from making expensive mistakes by taking on projects way above my skill level and knowledge. It has given me a great grounding to further practice and learn. I have come away feeling more confident and my expectations far more realistic.
Steve Bovill
I thoroughly enjoyed my week training at Able Skills. I was given a lot of information in a short space of time. Well taught! The course met my expectations.
Mark Jolly
Simon was excellent, hands on and always willing to pass on his knowledge and experience. Great attitude and a listening ear, very much needed when dealing with novices such as myself, thank you!
Om Prakash
I was recommended to use Able Skills by my friend and was impressed with my training. The team were friendly and supportive. I would recommend.
Duncan Urquhart
An enjoyable course. I was also given the chance to build a wall from a set of plans for an extension that I may have to build. Real value for money!
Reginald Wimble
I found able skills on the internet. The course was value for money and I was given good advice on all aspects of bricklaying. I would recommend them.
Paul Hawkins
Great course with an excellent program of works. Simon has helped build my confidence in taking on projects and his knowledge and tips went a long way in helping me achieve that confidence. Many thanks!
Christopher Makin
I chose Able Skills as it had good feedback and accommodation. The course met all my requirements and the tutor was patient. I would recommend.
David Allen
The level of tuition was second to none. The instructor imparted his years of experience in a workable fashion. The start was an eye opener in the skill required to carry out brick laying and the end result was the pride in looking at your end result. Would highly recommend to friends and other.
Mark Gibson
I found Able Skills on the internet and thought the staff were nice when I spoke to them on the phone and sent me some good details about the course in the post. The training given was very good, I gained a lot of knowledge throughout the course and I feel this has given me the confidence to undertake projects out of the classroom environment. Thank you Simon and Able Skills.
Jason Hills
Simon, the instructor, was a brilliant teacher and always there to help and not criticise.
Duncan Urquhart
I found Able Skills through the internet and I thought they looked a lot better than any other centre I have seen. I liked the flexibility options and the fact they had accommodation. From booking the course right through to my final day, I have had a fantastic time. Simon has been very good to me and helped me get to the standard I am at now. I am very much looking forward to the NVQ Level 2 course. Angela helped me book the course and Carla has been brilliant with arranging the accommodation. Paul was good as well during Simon’s holiday. Thanks to everyone and I am looking forward to the rest of my training.
Mark Pollard
I had a very good time and would recommend the brickwork course to anyone. I think the instruction from Simon was top quality and I would like to come back to do more training based on the level of instruction I had from Simon. Thank You!
Margaret Kenny
Simon was an excellent instructor. His clear instructions gave me the confidence to attempt all activities. Any criticism of work was given in a positive and encouraging manner. Thank You!
Able Skills has grown and so has the amount of students in attendance and we are being used by everyone right across the UK and abroad.
As a result of the increase in students, Able Skills has purchased 3 properties to accommodate the growing numbers of people travelling from distance.
Able Skills properties are licensed HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and are fully equipped in line with local authority standards.
The properties will provide you with your own fully furnished room with washing facilities and TV. There are several bathrooms/WCs as well as fully fitted kitchens and a dining areas to eat and/or meet your fellow students.
Able Skills employs someone to maintain the properties on a regular basis and also to ensure that the property is being looked after by those staying.
We are very pleased to be able to offer this accommodation at £20 per night and we are keen to ensure that your time away from home is enjoyable and comfortable. The properties are situated close to all of our training centres and some have allocated private parking facilities.
This enables you to leave your vehicle in a safe and secure environment and make that short walk to whichever course you are attending.
We are a very popular choice of training centre and as a result we are very busy and so is our accommodation. We would recommend that you make every attempt to tie in any accommodation requirements at the time of booking your course.
If our accommodation is full, there are other local alternatives available which range from £20 per night upwards.
During your stay at Able Skills accommodation we will guarantee you a secure area to keep all of your belongings and additionally, we guarantee that the only people using this property are Able Skills students.
Should you require any additional information or wish to book training and accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact Gary, Angela or John on 01322 280 202.
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