as advertised at the NEC, Birmingham at the National Homebuilding and Renovation Show March 4th 2006 by Tommy Walsh(from the BBC programme Groundforce) on the Catnic Brikmat Stage

Bricklaying Courses.co.uk are an organisation specifically to teach bricklaying to a small groups of people at the weekends (over 4 days = 2 weekends).

The courses are split over 2 weekends and are ideal for students that have not got the time during the week due to having other commitments. With over 34 years of experience of laying bricks at both home and abroad (Auf Wiedersehen Pet).

“My aim is to teach people who wish to learn the art and skill of bricklaying”.

My courses are designed to prepare students for work in the construction industry as bricklayers. They are specifically developed for delivery in a training environment using simulated conditions, and the assessments are based on students what they can do.

On completion of the course the student will receive a certficate of attendance/ completion. They will also have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the different aspects of bricklaying. The courses are totally practical and bespoke to the students learning needs. Therefore students then have the ability and self confidence to enable them to continue their professional development and gain practical brickwork experience at their own pace.

We have recently moved to new premises with some of the latest products on the market to aid and speed up the bricklaying process. We also provide an onsite service for individuals and groups who wish not to travel but have the individual training on site. One of my weekend bricklaying training schools is based in Minehead not far from the M5 Taunton / Bridgwater junctions. Bristol airport is 80 minutes away by car, Taunton railway station is 45 minutes by car. Minehead has a regular bus service from either Bridgwater / Taunton.
You could even make your Brickwork course part of your holiday and learn to lay bricks at the same time.

If you wish to learn to lay bricks properly by a qualified City and Guilds bricklayer who is time served (A 4 year Bricklaying apprenticeship) you have contacted the correct organisation. This is a totally professional bricklaying teaching enterprise, not a cowboy outfit.

During my career as a bricklayer I have taught bricklaying at different levels, including foundation courses City and guilds and advanced City and Guilds in brickwork. I have taught bricklaying studies at various colleges and at different levels to different groups of students, including architects engineers, apprentice bricklayers, offenders, and people with special needs throughout the South West Of England. My Bricklaying Courses totally practical. Bricklaying Courses.co.uk are designed for students that are generally physically fit as the work involves bending, lifting and carrying bricks, blocks mortar etc. However if you have never laid a brick before or a novice wishing to brush up their bricklaying skills this is the ideal 4 day crash course. The aim of the courses is to teach the student as many of the bricklaying craft skills possible in the time available and at the pace of the individual student.

Topics covered on the 4 day bricklaying course range from the basics of mixing the bricklaying mortar, to the laying of bricks in different brick bonds and which are both level, vertical and to gauge. How to build different types of brickwork i.e. single skin, double skin and cavity walling that are neat, clean, upright and are built to square. Different methods of pointing and jointing the brickwork are also included.

Course Content includes How to work safely, good working practices,and the importance of health and safety. (Remember safety footwear is essential for bricklaying and always wear it). The history of brickwork. Mixing and gauging bricklaying mortars. An explanation of the different bricklaying tools and bricklaying technology including a glossary of bricklaying terms. The various different types of bricks and the different uses use of them. Different brick bonds used ,ie English bond, stretcher bond, Flemish bond, cavity walling. Trowel techniques. How to set out and load out bricks, including how to chase the bond, Mixing of the mortar to the right consistency, rolling and working the bricklaying mortar on the spot board. The process of laying the mortar for brickwork. Spinning the brick, buttering the vertical bricklaying joint (the perp). Laying bricks that are level, plumb and to the correct gauge. The importance of bonding and keeping to the bond. Practical exercises include building a stack of bricks, a detached/and a attached pillar, a corner in single and double skin, cavity walling using line and pins, a manhole, a barbeque /planter. How to use profiles, dolly blocks, wall ties, insulation, d.p.c's, a raking iron, bucket handle jointer

I have taught many people from all walks of life bricklaying, and my belief is U2can do it if you have the confidence and belief in yourself. The course is designed to give you the confidence, a sound and comprehensive knowledge to enable the indidividual to undertake bricklaying projects for themselves or others.

New courses run throughout the year and subject to demand we will be running a course over the Easter Holiday period

Course price is £360 for 4 days. The courses are split over two weekends and commence at 8-30am and finish around 4-30pm. Email info@bricklayingcourses.co.uk or call 07811 670 456 for further details.

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