If you’re considering a career in bricklaying, you may have come across the option of completing a Bricklaying NVQ. These qualifications are designed to assess your skills and knowledge in a real working environment, making them one of the most practical ways to prove your competence. But how much experience do you actually need to complete an NVQ?

Understanding NVQs in Bricklaying

NVQs, or National Vocational Qualifications, are work-based awards that recognise an individual’s ability to perform a job to industry standards. For bricklaying, this means demonstrating practical skills such as laying bricks, using mortar correctly, and following health and safety procedures. Unlike traditional classroom-based courses, NVQs are assessed in the workplace, meaning hands-on experience is essential.

Do You Need Experience for a Bricklaying NVQ?

Yes, to take an NVQ, you need industry experience. NVQs are not about teaching the basics from scratch, but about assessing the skills you already have in a real construction setting. This means if you’re new to the trade, you’ll typically need to start with an apprenticeship before moving on to an NVQ assessment. Experienced workers, however, can take the NVQ route directly, to gain a recognised qualification.

Pathways Into a Bricklaying NVQ

For those without prior experience, the best pathway is usually an entry-level bricklaying course or an apprenticeship. These options teach the fundamentals, provide supervised practice, and help you build a foundation for future NVQ assessment. Once you have a considerable amount of on-site experience, progressing to an NVQ will be achievable.

Conclusion: Do I Need Experience for a Bricklaying NVQ?

An NVQ is designed for individuals who already have practical skills, and considerable experience, in the trade. Beginners should consider starting with college courses or apprenticeships, while experienced workers can move straight into NVQ assessment to formalise their skills.

Frequently Asked Questions