Experienced Bricklayers who need NVQ

With the 2010 requirement for all site workers to hold Experienced Worker cards or Skilled Worker cards, the need for experienced tradesmen to gain NVQs has never been more important. Without the right qualification, you will be unable to gain access to site to undertake your work as a Bricklayer.

As a result, the Construction Awards Alliance has developed a fast track programme for those experienced Bricklayers to achieve NVQ without the need for site visits.

This fast track route to the right level of qualification in Bricklaying is available to all time served and skilled Bricklayers, those of you who have never previously had the time or the opportunity to gain a qualification to reflect your Bricklaying ability.

Able Skills has approval from Construction Awards Alliance and City & Guilds to assist skilled Bricklayers in gaining an NVQ. This process is non complicated and can be completed in a relatively short time frame if all of the evidence required is readily available.

If you have been working as a Bricklayer for quite some time and you are competent in your Bricklaying ability and have a very good general knowledge in all areas of Bricklaying, then come along to Able Skills to meet with one of our Bricklaying Assessors to discuss your route to gaining a Bricklaying qualification.

A short meeting to establish your competence could put you well on your way to obtaining a Bricklaying NVQ, a requirement for any construction site worker for 2010.

We have all of the required assessment procedures in place: qualified staff, excellent facilities and all of the support and guidance to help you obtain a Bricklaying NVQ.

Candidate Criteria

This is a fast route open through the Construction Awards Alliance / City & Guilds awarding bodies. It is available for workers with a minimum of five years experience and who do not need any further Bricklaying training.

All EWPA candidates must:

•    Be site experienced in all the stated skills of the Bricklaying NVQ
•    Have sufficient experience of the skills of the NVQ, so that planning your working day, problem solving and decision making and working to deadlines (with regard to Bricklaying) are a usual day-to-day activity
•    Have an ability to cope with the demands of an intensive practical assessment process
•    Have an ability to work safely at all times
•    Have an ability to discuss your work activities with others

The following mandatory units make up the level 2 Bricklaying NVQ (QUA 813) and you will be required to provide evidence of:

QCF 01 - Conforming to general safety in the workplace
QCF 02 - Conforming to efficient working practices in the workplace
QCF 03 - Moving and handling resources in the workplace
QCF 40 - Erecting masonry structures in the workplace
QCF 41 - Setting out masonry structures in the workplace

Supported by ONE optional unit from:

QCF 42 - Erecting masonry cladding in the workplace
QCF 43 - Laying domestic drainage in the workplace
QCF 44 - Erecting thin joint masonry structures in the workplace
QCF 45 - Placing and finishing non specialist concrete in the workplace
QCF 46 - Plastering and rendering surfaces in the workplace
QCF 47 - Maintaining slate and tile roofing in the workplace
QCF 50 - Repairing and maintaining masonry structures in the workplace

The 4 Steps of EWPA

Step 1: Upon contacting Able Skills, we will arrange a profiling appointment for you and make recommendations of the kind of information and evidence you may wish to bring along to support your application as an experienced Bricklayer.

Step 2: At your profiling appointment (which will last for approximately 2 hours) our Bricklaying assessor will introduce you to the process and make an initial assessment to ensure you are suitable to qualify through this method.

They will look over any items of Bricklaying ‘evidence’ you may have with you, evidence you provide can be in a written form, such as witness statements from customers or supervisors worked with in the past, or it can take the form of photographs of your work, site plans, qualifications or proof of Bricklaying employment.

If there is insufficient evidence but it is clear that you are a competent Bricklayer, you will be advised of what additional Bricklaying evidence is required which you will have to bring back to the Centre to undertake a review. You will also be required to sit a health & safety test for your CSCS card if you haven’t done so already.

Step 3: Once all of the required portfolio evidence is complete, you will undertake a practical assessment of your skills which will be observed by our Bricklaying assessor. This will be followed by a recorded professional discussion to assess your knowledge of Bricklaying; we will aim to complete this process over a period of 2 days, weekends are available.

Step 4: If you are successful, you will receive your full, Skilled Worker CSCS card and your NVQ certificate. If you do not pass the assessment all is not lost: the work you have done can still count towards your qualification through OSAT.

EWPA Summary

The entire Bricklaying EWPA process can be completed quite quickly if all of the evidence is in place and as Able Skills is open 7 days every week, you can choose when you would like to complete the varying aspects of this Bricklaying award so if weekends suit you better, no problem.

Whether you are looking to gain an Bricklaying NVQ for the purposes of obtaining a Skilled Worker CSCS card or if you are considering emigrating and taking your Bricklaying skills to another country, this experienced worker fast track option is a fantastic route to gaining that all important Bricklaying qualification.

This is an opportunity for you to have the paperwork that is sometimes an official requirement to prove that you are an experienced and skilled Bricklayer.

NVQs are the requirement from 2010 for any site based employment, without the qualification and the CSCS card, you will not be able to continue working in the way that you have been.

EWPA and CSCS

Registering for the EWPA NVQ route will generate a:

Red Card - EXPERIENCED WORKER

Registration will take place at PROFILING stage and as long as you sit/have sat a Construction Skills health and safety test., this card will be generated. The card is issued on a temporary basis, while the NVQ is being achieved.

The card is valid for one year and is non-renewable.

An Experienced Worker Card cannot be replaced by a Construction Site Operative or a Basic Skills Green Card.

Blue Card - SKILLED WORKER

You may qualify for a blue skilled card once you have successfully completed the EWPA process and achieved the NVQ level 2

Cost and Duration of Experienced Bricklayers who need NVQ

Duration: 0 Weeks

• Cost: £995.00 Inc VAT
• £150 Deposit payable
• Please call us for our easy installment plans.

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!