L2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship Standard
The trade that puts the building up
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Apprentices must complete or have previously completed recognised English and Mathematics Level 1 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Level 2 qualifications during the apprenticeship.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Large commercial developments, new-build housing, alterations, extensions and restorations.
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They will build the structure, not just a wall
Laying bricks, blocks and other building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and structures such as chimney stacks.
Covers walls, foundations, partitions, arches, chimney stacks
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They will work on restoration as well as new build
Refurbishing brickwork and masonry on restoration projects, which asks for a different eye from putting up something new.
Covers brickwork refurbishment, masonry restoration
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They will work alone or in a gang
One-on-one on smaller jobs, or as part of a bricklaying gang on a section of a larger building, alongside other gangs and other trades.
Covers working in a gang, coordinating with other trades
Nobody springs anything on anyone
Every apprenticeship ends with an independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours learned on the programme, carried out by an organisation with no connection to us or to the employer. Everything before it exists to get the apprentice ready for it.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Construction Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Craft Painter Apprenticeship Standard At this college
See all 8 courses
At this college
Careers it can lead to
- Bricklayers £29,100 a year
- Elementary Construction Occupations £26,300 a year
- Construction and Building Trades £27,500 a year
- Stonemasons and Related Trades £31,500 a year
See all 9 careers
- Construction Operatives £30,800 a year
- Road Construction Operatives £40,500 a year
- Carpenters and Joiners £30,300 a year
- Steel Erectors £32,300 a year
With further study or experience
- Production Managers and Directors in Construction £50,600 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.