Bricklaying apprentice
TWF Building Services Ltd
Hampshire and surrounding counties
National minimum wage for age, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm with paid breaks and lunch, 40 hours a week
The education for this apprenticeship will start in September, employment is ASAP.
We are a relatively small building company consisting of 6 full time staff looking to expand our team. We currently have 2 Bricklayers, 2 Carpenters and 2 Carpentry apprentices. We specialise in extending and renovating domestic homes.
We are looking for a bricklaying apprentice to join our team, you will work with the 2 bricklayers to gain experience in the industry.
The main roles will consist of assisting the two bricklayers on our projects learning how to lay bricks and blocks. You will also learn how to mix sand and cement and learn how to load out our jobs with bricks and blocks to ensure a efficient build process
You will also learn all aspects of groundworks, this will mainly consist of:
- Digging and pouring foundations
- Installing rain water and foul drainage
- Concrete slabs and block and beam flooring
Other duties will include keeping the site safe and tidy, assisting the other tradespeople on site when needed.
Skills
- Punctual
- Easy to get on with
- Be able to work individually as well as in a team
Personal qualities
- Good communication skills
- Able to use own initiative
- Willingness to learn
Qualifications
GCSE 9-2/A*-E or Functional Skills Level 1 in English and maths, proof of certificates is required
The above are entry requirements of the apprenticeship. You will study to gain a Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English, if you do not already hold a GCSE 9-4/A*-C in English and maths or Functional Skills Level 2.
What does the programme include?
This apprenticeship will focus on laying bricks and blocks, sometimes utilising modern methods of construction and premanufactured elements to construct walls. The apprentice will be taught industry relevant skills and training, for example apprentices will practice:
- Carrying out simple setting out, preparing mortar and using a trowel to lay bricks, mortar and apply damp-proof materials to complete the project to specification and required design.
- Using spirit levels and plumb lines to check building alignment and using hammers and chisels to shape and trim bricks and blocks.
- Typically work outdoors on construction sites, in most weathers and at height.
What attendance is required?
Delivered on a day-release basis (one day per week) at City of Portsmouth College's North Harbour Campus in North Harbour, Portsmouth. Time spent training will come under the working hours per week.
Your Apprenticeship Liaison Officer will liaise with you to set up mutually convenient times for consultation and assessment visits at your place of work.
Learning and assessment
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that the apprentice has met all requirements before starting the EPA. The apprentice will only enter the gateway when the training provider and employer says they are ready. The gateway requirements for EPA are to have achieved Functional Skills Level 2 English and mathematics qualifications and submit a portfolio of evidence.
Apprentices will spend typically 24 months on-programme working towards the apprenticeship standard, with a minimum of six hours a week off-the-job training. Off the job can consist of college attendance, homework/coursework, project related work, employer training, mentoring, and coaching. In addition, they will need to complete a portfolio of evidence to support the professional discussion.
The end point assessment (EPA) must be completed within a 3 month period after the apprentice has met the EPA gateway requirements.
The EPA consists of two distinct assessment methods and carried out over 2 consecutive days:
- multi-choice test
- practical observation with questions and answers
- professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass, merit or distinction.
Things to keep in mind
We are based in Portsmouth but are currently working out of the city, if you do not have your own transport and driving licence, you will need to get yourself to Fratton train station for pick up each morning at 6:30am. Own transport and driving licence preferred.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, and subject to progress as an employee, TWF Building Services Ltd would like to offer you a full time job.