Work-Based Qualification for Bricklaying and Heritage Brickwork

NVQ Level 2 in Trowel Occupations

Advance your career, evidence your competence, and specialise in the Trowel Occupations pathway that reflects your role in Bricklaying or Heritage Brickwork.

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Build Your Capability To Succeed In Bricklaying And Heritage Brickwork With The NVQ Level 2 In Trowel Occupations

Turn your bricklaying or heritage expertise into a recognised qualification that validates your skills and supports your next step in construction

The NVQ Level 2 in Trowel Occupations is designed for operatives working in bricklaying and heritage brickwork roles. It enables you to demonstrate your competence in carrying out skilled site-based activities while focusing on the routeway that best matches your career – Bricklaying or Heritage Brickwork.

As a work-based qualification, assessment is carried out entirely through your current role. With the support of an experienced assessor, you will gather workplace evidence, reflect on your practice, and demonstrate that you meet the National Occupational Standards for trowel occupations.

Individual Enrolment Investment £850+ VAT

For groups of 12 or more, we offer an exclusive in-house training programme tailored to your organisation’s needs. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation.

Key benefits of the programme include:

  • Flexible choice of two specialist routeways: Bricklaying or Heritage Brickwork
  • Completion in 6–12 months, depending on your role and evidence availability
  • Delivered entirely in the workplace with one-to-one assessor support
  • Recognised route to the Skilled Worker CSCS Blue Card
  • Nationally recognised qualification aligned to the National Occupational Standards

Why You Should Choose
Kingdom Academy...

Fast-track your career. Build your expertise. Make a difference with Kingdom Academy.

Who Is This Programme For?

This qualification is designed for operatives working in bricklaying and heritage brickwork within the construction sector. It is particularly suited to those responsible for constructing, repairing, or restoring masonry structures, and who want formal recognition of the skills they use every day.

Typical roles include bricklayers, heritage brickwork specialists, and general construction operatives involved in masonry projects. For those seeking to achieve the Skilled Worker CSCS Blue Card, or looking to progress towards higher-level qualifications in construction or site supervision, this NVQ provides a recognised and trusted route.

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Your Learning Journey...

Stage One

Eligibility & Enrolment

Start your journey right

Begin by enrolling and confirming the routeway that reflects your role – either Bricklaying or Heritage Brickwork. You’ll attend an induction to understand the qualification structure, evidence requirements, and assessment process, and you’ll meet your dedicated assessor who will guide you throughout.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Enrolment and induction meeting (online or in person)

  • Overview of qualification structure and assessment process

  • Confirmation of your chosen routeway

  • Introduction to your assessor and support resources

🔑 Key Outcome: Clarity on your programme pathway and the evidence you’ll need to complete.

Stage One

Stage Two

Building Your Core Competence

All learners complete three core mandatory units:

  • Conform to general workplace health, safety and welfare

  • Conform to productive work practices

  • Move, handle or store resources

You’ll then complete the mandatory units specific to your chosen routeway:

Bricklaying Routeway – includes erecting masonry structures, setting out to form masonry structures, plus one optional unit such as erecting masonry cladding, thin joint masonry, or repairing and maintaining masonry structures.

Heritage Brickwork Routeway – includes erecting masonry structures, setting out to form masonry structures, conserving or restoring brickwork/stonemasonry/earthen structures, preparing and mixing lime mortars, plus one optional unit such as thin joint masonry, plastering, or solid rendering.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Evidence gathered from your day-to-day work on site

  • Assessor support to map your work against the National Occupational Standards

🔑 Key Outcome: Recognition of both your essential site skills and your trade-specific competence in bricklaying or heritage brickwork.

Stage Two

Stage Three

Gathering and Presenting Your Evidence

Work with your assessor to compile a portfolio that demonstrates your competence across the core and routeway-specific units. Evidence may include site records, photographs, method statements, reflective accounts, professional discussions, and witness testimonies.

🔑 Key Outcome: A complete and verified portfolio confirming your ability to carry out trowel occupations safely, productively, and to standard.

Stage Three

Stage Four

Achieving Your Qualification

Once your portfolio has been assessed and verified, you’ll be awarded the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations for your chosen routeway.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Submission of final portfolio

  • Internal verification process

  • Guidance on progression, such as achieving the Skilled Worker CSCS Blue Card or advancing to higher-level NVQs in supervision or specialist trades

🔑 Key Outcome: Formal recognition of your competence as a qualified bricklayer or heritage brickwork specialist.

Stage Four
NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations

Achieve a Nationally Recognised Qualification in Trowel Occupations

This work-based qualification is designed to fit around your role, with no classroom attendance required. From the outset, you will be supported by a dedicated assessor who will guide you through the process, review your evidence, and provide regular feedback to keep you on track. You will complete:

Mandatory units include:

  • Conforming to general workplace health, safety and welfare

  • Conforming to productive work practices

  • Moving, handling or storing resources

Routeway units are tailored to your chosen pathway:

  • Bricklaying includes erecting masonry structures and setting out to form masonry structures, with optional units such as erecting masonry cladding, erecting thin joint masonry, repairing and maintaining masonry, placing and compacting concrete, installing drainage, or forming specialist masonry elements.

  • Heritage Brickwork includes erecting masonry structures, setting out to form masonry structures, conserving or restoring brickwork/stonemasonry/earthen structures, and preparing and mixing lime mortars. Optional units may cover thin joint masonry, plastering, or rendering.

Assessment is based entirely on your day-to-day performance, using workplace evidence such as site records, photographs, method statements, risk assessments, reflective accounts, or professional discussions. Most learners complete within 6 to 12 months, with all assessment carried out in the workplace or remotely to fit around your commitments.

Two Specialist Pathways to Suit Your Role...

Bricklaying Routeway

Bricklaying Routeway – NVQ Level 2 in Trowel Occupations

The Bricklaying routeway is designed for operatives working on the construction of new masonry structures. It covers skills such as erecting and setting out masonry, working with cladding or thin joint masonry, and undertaking repairs or maintenance. This routeway provides formal recognition of your competence as a bricklayer, ensuring you meet the standards required across the industry.

Heritage Brickwork Routeway

Heritage Brickwork Routeway – NVQ Level 2 in Trowel Occupations

The Heritage Brickwork routeway is tailored for operatives involved in the conservation and restoration of traditional and historic structures. It includes skills such as conserving or restoring brickwork and stonemasonry, as well as preparing and mixing lime mortars. This routeway is ideal for those working on heritage projects and seeking recognition of their specialist expertise.

Tailored Qualification Routes for Every Construction Role

Essential Information

All the important information you need to move forward with confidence.

A competence-based qualification that provides formal recognition for operatives working in bricklaying and heritage brickwork. It confirms your ability to carry out skilled site-based masonry activities safely, productively, and in line with industry standards.

This qualification is delivered entirely in the workplace, with no classroom attendance required. You will work closely with a dedicated assessor who will guide you through the process, provide tailored feedback, and support you in gathering evidence from your current role. Assessment methods include portfolio evidence such as reports, schedules, and cost plans, direct observation of your work activities, professional discussions, and witness testimonies from colleagues or stakeholders.

You will complete:

  • Three core mandatory units:

    • Conforming to general workplace health, safety and welfare

    • Conforming to productive work practices

    • Moving, handling or storing resources

  • Routeway-specific units in either:

    • Bricklaying – erecting and setting out masonry structures, with optional units covering masonry cladding, thin joint masonry, repairs, concrete, drainage, or specialist masonry elements.

    • Heritage Brickwork – erecting and setting out masonry structures, conserving or restoring historic brickwork/stonemasonry/earthen structures, preparing and mixing lime mortars, with optional units such as thin joint masonry, plastering, or rendering.

Most learners complete within 6 to 12 months, depending on their role, the availability of evidence, and the pace of review meetings. Your assessor will work with you to set a realistic completion timeline that fits alongside your work commitments.

No formal qualifications are required. However, you must already be working in a role that allows you to demonstrate the competences for your chosen routeway, with responsibility for decision-making, compliance, and operational delivery at a senior level.

Yes. It is nationally recognised, aligned to the National Occupational Standards, and supports applications for the Black CSCS Card as well as progression to professional membership (e.g. CIOB).

Funding options may be available depending on your location and circumstances. Employers registered with the CITB may also be able to claim grant funding for eligible candidates. Contact us to confirm your eligibility.

To apply for the course or learn more about upcoming start dates, please complete the enrolment enquiry form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss your options and next steps.

Ready To Enrol?

To apply for the course or learn more about upcoming start dates, complete the enrolment enquiry form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss your options and next steps.

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