Bricklayers
Up to £43,088 /year
Bricklayers erect and repair brick, pre-cut stone and concrete block structures such as walls, paving, chimney stacks and tunnel lining.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Grade 5 in English and Maths, and Grade 4 in Science
- A genuine interest in the design, planning and surveying side of construction
- Successful interview with our team
The T Level has a higher entry bar than the trade courses because it is an academic, technical Level 3. If you don't have these grades yet, a trade route or the Level 3 Construction Support Technician apprenticeship may suit you better.
Explore Related Courses
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 1 Level 1 Certificate Construction Skills CG
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What You'll Learn
Design It. Survey It. Plan It.
This T Level covers the professional side of construction: the science behind building design, surveying and planning; accurate measurement; construction methods; building regulations and standards; and how digital tools and the Internet of Things are changing the industry. You’ll build a real understanding of how construction works, from design principles through to project management, budgeting, procurement and risk.
You’ll choose one occupational specialism (surveying and design, civil engineering, building services design, or hazardous materials analysis and surveying) and complete a 315-hour industry placement related to it. The placement is where you apply what you have learned in a real workplace. Carries UCAS points, with a direct route into university or a higher apprenticeship.
Core Content
- Health and safety
- The science behind building design, surveying and planning
- Accurate measurement, construction methods, building regulations and standards
- Data management and information standards in construction
- Digital engineering techniques and the Internet of Things in construction
- Maths for construction problems, design principles and processes
- The construction industry, sustainability, and business and corporate social responsibility
Occupational Specialism (choose one)
- Surveying and design for construction and the built environment
- Civil engineering
- Building services design
- Hazardous materials analysis and surveying
- Plus a 315-hour industry placement related to your specialism
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Two written exams, an employer set project, and a practical occupational specialism assessment.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
Carpenters and Joiners
Up to £44,806 /year
Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install and repair wooden structures and fittings used in internal and external frameworks and cut, shape, fit and assemble wood to make templates, jigs, scale models […]
Construction and Building Trades
Up to £40,091 /year
Job holders in this unit group undertake a variety of tasks in the construction, alteration, maintenance and repair of buildings, steeples, industrial chimneys and other tall structures, and of underwater […]
Construction and Building Trades Supervisors
Up to £54,826 /year
Construction and building trades supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in construction and building trades.
Construction Operatives
Up to £44,463 /year
Job holders in this unit group operate insulating equipment, fix plasterboard to ceilings and walls, help construct, maintain, repair and demolish buildings and clean and resurface eroded stonework, lay, join […]
Elementary Construction Occupations
Up to £33,902 /year
Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of general labouring and construction duties to assist building, civil engineering and related trades workers in the performance of their tasks.
Plumbers and Heating and Ventilating Installers and Repairers
Up to £52,228 /year
Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers assemble, install, maintain and repair plumbing fixtures, heating and ventilating systems and pipes and pipeline systems in commercial, residential and industrial premises […]
Your Progression Pathway
- Level 2 or GCSEs
- Level 3 T Level – Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Real Employer Placements and Technical Learning
This T Level combines classroom and workshop learning with a substantial real-employer placement, led by tutors with industry experience.
Construction Facilities
The environment to learn design, surveying and planning techniques.
315-Hour Industry Placement
Real workplace experience with an employer, related to your chosen specialism.
Progression Links to UCDon and UCNL
HNCs and higher apprenticeships in civil engineering, quantity surveying and construction management.
315-Hour Placement · Choose a Specialism
Student Voice
“
I’ve gained loads of skills that’ll help me in life and in starting my career as a full-time painter and decorator. College has been a great experience—everyone’s treated equally, and the staff are really friendly and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listMental Health & Wellbeing
College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student — whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.
Wellbeing supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportSafeguarding & Welfare
Your child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitment For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 3
Duration
2 Years
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
City & Guilds
Entry
Grade 5 in English and Maths, Grade 4 in Science
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams
Ready to Shape What Gets Built?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk