a man pointing brickwork using a pointing trowel

Bricklaying Courses in the UK | Hands-On Training in Stoke-on-Trent

Intensive, accredited practical bricklaying courses aimed at beginners.

Practical Bricklaying Training for Beginners, Career Changers & Tradespeople

At TradeTeacher (Construction Skills College), our bricklaying courses in the UK are designed for
beginners, career changers and tradespeople who want practical,
job-ready brick and blockwork skills. Training is hands-on in realistic bays with tools and materials supplied,
so you build confidence using real site methods (not classroom-only theory).

Based in Stoke-on-Trent (ST6 2DJ) with learners travelling from across the UK.
You’re welcome to visit the centre and see courses running (ideally towards the end of a course so you can see the standard of work produced).

Quick guide: If your goal is paid work, choose a course with lots of practical time building
real structures (walls, corners, piers and cavity work). If you want an accredited route, see
the qualifications section below.

Compare Our Bricklaying Course Options

Advanced Bricklaying Course – 10 Days

10 days £1,150

Intensive hands-on training covering brick and block structures commonly found on site.
Ideal for beginners and career changers who want to learn bricklaying properly with lots of practical time.

View the 10 Day Bricklaying Course

Note: Course availability and start dates vary. Check the course page for current dates and the most up-to-date details.

Which Bricklaying Course Is Right for You?

Your goal Best course option Why
Learn bricklaying properly with lots of practical time 10 Day Bricklaying Course Two-week intensive format with real structures: walls, corners, piers, cavity work and decorative panels.
Build confidence for paid work 10 Day Bricklaying Course + post-course practice Strong foundation + tutor guidance; confidence grows by applying skills on progressively larger projects after training.

Bricklaying Courses in the UK: What to Expect (Complete Guide)

Quick summary: A good bricklaying course should teach correct setting out, plumb/level/range/gauge,
neat joints, accurate cutting, and building real structures (not just a single practice wall). The fastest progress comes from lots of practical time and feedback.

What a bricklaying course should include

  • Core accuracy: work to plumb, level, range and gauge
  • Setting out: start points, corners/returns, line and level work
  • Structures: walls, corners, piers, cavity work and openings
  • Materials: mortar mixing/consistency, bricks/blocks and correct use
  • Finishing: joint finishing/pointing for a clean professional appearance

How long does it take to become confident?

You can learn core technique quickly, but confidence comes from repetition across different structures.
A longer, practical-heavy course plus post-course practice is the quickest route to consistent results.

Who Are These Bricklaying Courses For?

Beginners with no experience

If you’ve never laid bricks before, we start from the basics — tools, mortar, setting out, and accuracy —
so you can build real structures with a professional-looking finish.

Career changers

Ideal if you want to retrain into a practical trade. Intensive routes give you lots of hands-on build time,
helping you develop accuracy and consistency quickly.

Tradespeople adding brickwork skills

Useful for builders, landscapers and property renovators who want to add brick and blockwork capability for walls, repairs and small builds.

What You Will Learn on Our Bricklaying Course

Training is practical and hands-on. You’ll learn correct methods and accuracy skills used on real domestic and site work.
  • Safe and efficient use of bricklaying hand tools
  • Understanding bricklaying materials and correct use
  • How to plan, organise and set out brickwork
  • Build brick and block structures to plumb, level, range and gauge
  • Apply different brick bonds used in construction
  • Produce clean, accurate brick cuts
  • Pointing and finishing brickwork to a professional standard
  • Understand DPCs, cavity construction and basic foundations concepts (theory + demo)
  • Basic pricing, customer communication and problem-solving on site

What You’ll Be Able to Build After Training

  • Brick & block walls: straight walls built to line and level
  • Corners & returns: accurate 90° corners and returns
  • Piers: brick piers and attaching walls correctly
  • Cavity structures: cavity walls with ties/DPC concepts
  • Openings: basic openings and lintel concepts (task-dependent)
  • Decorative panels: feature/detail work (where included)
Realistic outcome: Training gives you correct technique and confidence. Speed and range grow with repetition.
We provide ongoing post-course support if you want advice on your first real projects.

How to Become a Bricklayer in the UK (Step-by-Step)

  1. Learn fundamentals (tools, mortar, setting out, accuracy)
  2. Build real structures (walls, corners, piers, cavity work)
  3. Take photos for a portfolio (plumb/level work and neat joints)
  4. Start with straightforward jobs (small walls, repairs, simple projects)
  5. Improve efficiency (better set-out, fewer corrections, cleaner workflow)
  6. Expand your services (bigger builds, openings, more complex detailing)

Qualifications & Accreditation

Accredited unit certificate option: You can choose to gain an accredited Level 3 unit certificate in
“Bricklaying Skills” (AIM Qualifications) on the relevant route (where applicable).
If you’re unsure what’s best for your goal, contact us and we’ll guide you.

Bricklaying Course Costs, Deposits & Payment Options

Course Duration Price (inc. VAT) Link
Advanced Bricklaying Course 10 days £1,150 View

To secure your place, we normally ask for a £150 deposit, with the remaining balance due
four weeks before your course start date.

  • Payment methods: card, bank transfer, or PayPal (PayPal Pay in 3 may be available)
  • ELC funding: if you have access to ELCAS funding, contact us and we’ll confirm the best route (where applicable)

Why Choose Our Bricklaying Course?

We focus on practical training from day one, taught by experienced tradespeople, using real tasks and job-based workflows.
Learner feedback helps keep training improving.
  • Hands-on from day one: build real structures, not just theory
  • Trade-experienced tutor: real site methods and standards
  • Tools & materials included: practise properly with no shortcuts
  • Small groups: focused instruction and feedback
  • Post-course support: advice when applying skills on real projects
Choosing a training provider: If you’re comparing centres, our guide on
how to choose the right UK construction training centre
explains what to look for — from facilities and tutor experience to accreditation and learner support.
About Construction Skills College.
Construction Skills College has been delivering practical, hands-on trade training since 2004.
Read more on our
Construction Skills College history page.

Meet Your Bricklaying Tutor: Tony

Tony is a highly experienced bricklayer and construction professional with over four decades of hands-on industry experience.
He began as an apprentice bricklayer in 1980, trained through day release, and achieved both Craft and Advanced Craft qualifications.

After qualifying, Tony became self-employed and worked on projects ranging from private housing developments and shopping centres to luxury apartments and high-value residential builds. Following an injury in 2000, he became a Bricklaying Trade Instructor with HM Prison Service, developing a clear, structured teaching approach.

Since 2015, Tony has been teaching bricklaying at Construction Skills College while continuing on-site work when not delivering training.
His teaching is grounded in real-world site standards — focusing on correct methods, accuracy and professional finish.

Visit Our Stoke-on-Trent Training Centre & Local Accommodation

We are based in Stoke-on-Trent (ST6 2DJ). We regularly welcome learners travelling from across the UK and overseas.
We encourage visits while courses are running (ideally towards the end of a course) so you can see the quality of work produced.

Bricklaying courses near Manchester
Many learners travel from Greater Manchester due to quick road/rail links into Stoke-on-Trent. You can travel via the M6 southbound.
Bricklaying courses near Birmingham
A straightforward journey from the West Midlands for intensive training blocks. Best route is via the M6 northbound.
Bricklaying courses near Liverpool
Popular for learners wanting hands-on training with realistic bays and tutor support. Best route is via the M6 southbound.
Bricklaying courses near Derby / Sheffield / Nottingham
We welcome learners from across the Midlands and surrounding regions. Best route is via the A50 or A52 depending on start point.

If you’re travelling, see local options here: Student accommodation.

What Students Say About Our Bricklaying Course

You can also view more feedback here:
Customer feedback.

“The whole course… was very fun and insightful… great place to start if you have little or no experience…”

B Piwko, November 2025

“Packed a lot in… well established set-up with focus on practical skills.”

R Knight, November 2025

“Very useful course… Useful whether you want to do DIY or start working professionally.”

H Pun, November 2025

Bricklaying Course FAQs

Do I need any experience to join this bricklaying course?

No. This course is suitable for complete beginners and career changers.

Are tools and materials provided?

Yes. All tools and materials needed for the course projects are provided.

Can I visit the training centre before booking?

Yes. We welcome visits while courses are running so you can see the standard of work produced by learners.

What support is available after the course?

After completing the course you’ll have ongoing access to tutor support via phone, email, WhatsApp or in-person visits, at no additional cost.

View Bricklaying Course & Book Your Place

Not sure if this course is right for you?

Message us and we’ll recommend the best option for your goal and experience level.

Message us on WhatsApp
Email us at enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk

Bricklaying Person building a wall on a bricklaying course
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Advanced Bricklaying Course – 10 Days – £1,150

Our advanced bricklaying course is an excellent way to master bricklaying skills. This intensive and practical based course is ideal…

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ELC Bricklaying Course

Read More about our ELC courses which include bricklaying training

Customer Feedback

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The whole course in general was very fun and insightful.  I feel like every exercise was useful and gave me a good understanding of this trade.  It is a great place to start if you have little or no experience in bricklaying.  What I like about this college is the environment, facilities, learning mindset, my peers.

B Piwko

10 day bricklaying course, November 2025

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Yes, I would recommend this course to others because of the opportunity to learn practical skills, packed a lot in.  Well established set-up with focus on practical skills.

R Knight

10 day bricklaying course, November 2025

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Thank you, learnt a lot, very useful course.  Tutors are friendly, respectful, teaching style is good.  Useful whether you want to do DIY or start working professionally.

H Pun

10 day bricklaying course, November 2025

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The skills taught here are very useful.  Most interesting / useful parts of the course to me was garden wall, decorative panel, dog toothing.  It is a good college, and I would recommend to others as well.  The level of knowledge with the instructor is vast, they are all experienced.

Anon

10 day bricklaying course, November 2025

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I like how its organised with classroom and practical, plus I like that you have a set of tools ready and during the time you have to build several different structures.

J Figuered

10 day bricklaying course, October 2025

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A huge thanks to Tony (tutor) for his time, effort, knowledge and impact he had on my learning experience in a skill I had never completed before.  Having attended other courses recently in other sectors outside of the courses offered at Construction Skills College, for example a landscaping course, the value for money and what is taught is incredible in such as short period of time. The tempo of the course suited all abilities and speeds of work.  There was no waiting around whilst training, so it was delivered at an effective speed and in a logical manner.  The useful parts were the knowledge on all areas of a build, foundations, damp course, cavity walls, etc.  Finally, all elements of brickwork was varied to understand tasks that may be used.

J Rogers

10 day bricklaying course, October 2025

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I would recommend this course to others because the skills acquired whilst undertaking this course are fundamental to achieving a great outcome to any building project.  The most interesting / useful parts of the course to me was learning plumb, level, range and gauge and also the insight into the process and correct procedures to follow when undertaking a building project.  It is very much hands-on and to me this is the best way to learn a practical skill.

P Simmill

10 day bricklaying course, October 2025

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Its good value for money and the standard of instruction is very high.  The most interesting / useful parts of the course to me was the progression from having no experience regarding bricklaying to completing the project, which was quite technical.

N Murphy

10 day bricklaying course, October 2025

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Very good course.  I like how courses are put together and how tutors put skills across to us.  Very handy skill to have.

K Stewart

10 day bricklaying course, October 2025

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The most interesting / useful parts of the course to me were the practical bricklaying sessions and the tutor demonstrations.  I found it really helpful to get hands-on experience, practice different types of bonds and decorative work and see the correct techniques explained step by step.  Yes, I would definitely recommend this course and have done so already.  Provides clear instructions, good practice opportunities and a friendly learning environment. The course was well organised, pace was nice speed, enjoyed every second.

A Pemberton

10 day bricklaying course, September 2025

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Excellent quality of training, very informative and will be useful in the future. Good learning environment, good teaching staff.

K Errington

10 day bricklaying course, September 2025

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I like the 2 weeks courses as I have to take time out of work.  I couldn’t do any longer time frame.  I have learned a lot about the subject and now I feel confident to do it myself.  I was really surprised how much is actually involved with the trade.  The course exceeding my expectations.

F Lehoczki

10 day bricklaying course, September 2025

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I would recommend this course to others, very useful and beneficial to everyone.  I had amazing time here.  Tony has been an amazing tutor and very knowledgeable tutor and so many techniques he taught us.

S Tangnami

10 day bricklaying course, September 2025

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The most interesting part was the practical bit / hands on.  Building the wall and building cavity wall and also learn about foundations.  The course is value for money, and you get enough knowledge and skills to do the job.

Anon

10 day bricklaying course, August 2025

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The knowledge that is provided and the practical application is far better than any DIY/You tube can provide, the hands-on experience and seeing it all come together.  What I like about the college is professionalism, as much as it is a welcoming and friendly environment you feel the quality and experience remain.

J Duncan

10 day bricklaying course, July 2025

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Having never used a trowel in the past, I think Tonys experience and knowledge has helped me massively.  Being able to build a cavity wall after 5 days of learning is a feat.  I would recommend this course – value for money and the standard of bricklaying.  What I like about the college is that it is a very grown-up environment.

S Pearce

10 day bricklaying course, July 2025

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I have completed almost all courses.  Excellent course material to those who want to learn about construction. Highly recommend to anyone.  Helpful staff and there is plenty of learning materials.  Staff are supportive.

S Sendang

10 day bricklaying course, July 2025

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I have attended 2 courses now and the instruction is second to none.  All content is excellent and the tips through instructor experience is invaluable.  Excellent the whole thing. What I like about the college is a good atmosphere and all here want to be here.  The key element are the instructors; knowledgeable, helpful and have life experience in the trade.

R Burnett

10 day bricklaying course, July 2025

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Great teacher with lot of knowledge, great college with everything you need provided.  Very good investment in personal development.

M Grant

10 day bricklaying course, July 2025

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Just starting from day 1 this course has been outstanding.  These skills I have learned I will use in my own garden.  What I like about the college is everything.  Just a great and friendly place.

A Wooldridge

10 day bricklaying course, June 2025

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Good facilities with plenty of time doing the practical side of the job. I enjoyed learning how to lay bricks and gaining essential knowledge of how to lay groundworks.

C Powell

10 day bricklaying course, June 2025

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I would recommend this course due to the knowledge/experience gained in a short space of time.  I enjoyed learning and gaining knowledge from an experienced instructor.

A Roman

10 day bricklaying course, June 2025

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I found the most interesting to see new methods used on site.  What I enjoy about this college is meeting others who are like minded. Thank you and your team for a fab time.

D Carter

10 day bricklaying course, May 2025

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The most interesting was learning the basics, setting up foundations, using a level properly and getting to do the decorative brickwork. I would recommend this course, its zero to hero course, you learn everything.  Brilliant instructors.

C Ellis

10 day bricklaying course, May 2025

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“Great environment, excellent instructor with vast experience and knowledge. Got what I wanted from the course. The second week was for me the most useful part, building a cavity wall with a window and lintel, to then create a decorative panel in the window place and finally remove the decorative panel and brick it in to create a wall again”

Anon

10 day bricklaying course, April 2025

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“I would recommend this course to service leavers, good value for money and brilliant training. Good pleasant and friendly environment – I like that everyone is on the same boat and here for similar reasons. Thanks to Tony, good instructor and very knowledgeable.”

S Taylor

10 day bricklaying course, April 2025

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“I would recommend the course to others. I feel that I will be able to use the skills learned to complete many tasks saving me money.”

G Smith.

10 day bricklaying course, April 2025

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“I would recommend this course to others, this is very useful, whether you want to do DIY at home or you can choose as a professional job. We had a very good instructor.”

T Rana

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“The course is perfect. The learning environment was good with excellent tutor with great knowledge and skills. I would recommend the course as it gave us a knowledge and skills about bricklaying technique, estimation and quotes about brick jobs you want to do in the future.”

S Thapa

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“The most interesting/useful part was building a cavity wall as there were more than expected areas required to complete it. Building basic wall and radius wall as they will be likely jobs I undertake. I feel the course teaches to a good level to be able to go and develop skills independently.”

S Williscroft

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“Very hands on. Good overall knowledge. Ant (tutor) is very good, patient and knowledgeable.”

D Morris

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“Great grounding for anyone who has never done bricklaying or block work before. For an intensive 2 weeks a lot is learned. The tutors are all trade savvy and know tips and tricks on top of core knowledge which is always better to learn as well as the basics.”

J Brown

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“I would recommend this course. Good value for money, learn a lot in a short space of time. Everything flows well.”

J Roberts

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“I would recommend this course to others – no nonsense, straight to the point and covers everything required.”

N Ineson

10 day bricklaying course, March 2025

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“You gain a lot of knowledge in a short amount of time. Getting a lot of hands-on training, however, the theory lessons on a morning were a great use of time and well structured. Good facilities.”

K Nicoll

10 day bricklaying course, February 2025

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“I think all of the course is useful, especially the marking out for foundations. Lots of content covered and plenty of time on the tools. Tony is an excellent instructor and is very knowledgeable.”

A Styling

10 day bricklaying course, February 2025

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“Compared to another centre I have been this place is the best. The most interesting/useful parts of the training was the whole course, the tips, knowledge and techniques provided by Tont. Very Thankful.”

J Peers

10 day bricklaying course, February 2025

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“The most interesting/useful parts of the training for me was how the house foundation are built, decorative panel, lintels and dog toothing. I will recommend this course to anyone who is interested in construction skills.”

Anon

10 day bricklaying course, February 2025

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“I would recommend this course because it was a relaxed environment, instructor used a great method of training and even though I was in the construction industry, I never felt the instructor was condescending. We had lots of hands on, this kept me interested throughout the course.”

K Hughes

10 day bricklaying course, January 2025

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“Good place to learn, very friendly environment. I will come back for another course.”

M Ali

10 day bricklaying course, January 2025

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“I’ve learnt how to brick lay and now have the confidence to build my own garage. Everyone is friendly, wants to get on with the training and the experience the tutors have is brilliant.”

D O’Kane

10 day bricklaying course, January 2025

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“Great instructors, plenty of materials and tools to work with, good value for money. Interesting to learn about how all other trades overlap each other in order to complete a property. Friendly and approachable instructors.”

Anon

10 day bricklaying course, November 2024

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“I found decorative panel the most interesting and challenging as well. I would recommend this course to others because of the money you can save, gigantic money on garden walls and other stuff like simple bricklaying. This is my fifth course and never get bored, so thank you for providing the courses. Massive thank you to Tony who is friendly, full of knowledge, helpful and understanding.”

D Rai

10 day bricklaying course, November 2024

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“I would recommend this course this course to others. The help being offered is invaluable. Had conversations with the tutor about personal projects, advice and help given. Also advice offered when on projects to stay in communication.”

L. Jones

10 day bricklaying course, September 2024

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“The most interesting was learning about garden walls and decorative panel. Instructor Tony was very good human being and has adept knowledge on subject matter. He was always supportive and very good instructional ability. I didn’t see any dissatisfaction of this college. Everyone is friendly. Love to do more courses.”

R. Rai

10 day bricklaying course, November 2024

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“Excellent use of ELCAS, trade for life even if just used for personal use. Had no experience of bricklaying before the course, I can confidently say that I could build structures with correct technique to a good and safe standard.”

R Broomhead

10 day bricklaying course, September 2024

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“This is a good valued course, well worth the money. The relaxed and easy manner of the instructor combined with their life experience projected onto the students, made learning the subject easier and enjoyable. Enjoyed the course immensely. Thank you.”

Anon

10 day bricklaying course, September 2024

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“The whole course was a new concept to me. Going from never having laid a brick before to building a cavity wall with designs has been invaluable. The deliver all of this in 2 weeks is outstanding and the tutors are fantastic.”

H. Owens

10 day bricklaying course, August 2024

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“What I like about the college is the atmosphere, the level of information and the confidence gained. While on the bricklaying course I spoke with the course co-ord about changing from the electrician course to the tiling course. Although this was probably inconvenient, it was approved without fuss or question. Really flexible and accommodating. Thank you.”

S. Rousell

10 day bricklaying course, August 2024

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“I would recommend this course to others. Having no knowledge of bricklaying before coming onto this course, after seeing what Tony has got us to do is incredible. I think there is a good balance with practical and theory (lots of practical work which is what you need as a bricklayer). Highly recommend these courses (I’ve done 5 now, all good).”

D. Rea

10 day bricklaying course, May 2024

Gallery Of Bricklaying Course Learner

Person building a brick wall and pointing brickwork
person from manchester on a bricklaying course repairing a wall
Person pointing a brick wall
wall and attached pillar built by person from Manchester on a bricklaying course
Person finishing off brick wall and attached pillar
Person building a block wall on a bricking course
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Our success stories highlight the remarkable journeys of our learners — from enrolling in our courses to achieving tangible, real-world outcomes. Whether it’s a career change, skill development, or personal growth, their achievements inspire us all.

Success Stories
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We value every voice. The feedback we receive helps us grow, improve, and continue delivering the best possible experience. Here’s what our learners have to say about their journey with us.

Feedback
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Choosing the right training centre is key to reaching your goals. At Construction Skills College, we provide expert instructors, practical hands-on training, and tailored support to boost your success. When you compare our course content with others, you’ll see we cover more in the same or less time. We achieve this by minimizing classroom sessions and focusing on real-world practical work—not small, low-value projects that don’t prepare you for actual job sites.

Choosing A Training Centre
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Master Bricklaying with Our Expert-Led Courses

Discover top-tier bricklaying training at Construction Skills College, designed to help you learn the real methods used on jobs — not just theory. Our courses suit:

  • Complete beginners wanting to learn skillfully
  • Career changers aiming for practical confidence
  • DIYers and property owners wanting professional results

Training is hands-on, tool-based, and structured around real site builds so you leave with competence you can use straight away.

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Learn from Experienced Tradespeople

Our bricklaying courses are delivered by highly experienced professionals (including Tony and fellow trade tutors) with decades of site and teaching experience. You’ll learn:

  • Correct technique and accuracy (plumb, level, gauge)
  • Bonding, corners, openings and cavity construction
  • Clean finishing, pointing and real project workflows

We prioritise supportive, practical instruction, and you get ongoing post-course support if you need guidance as you begin real world projects after training.

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Hands-On Training for Maximum Value

Bricklaying is learned by doing — and our courses reflect that. From day one you’ll be building real brick and block structures commonly found on site, guided by professional tutors. Key focus areas include:

  • Tools & materials — safe handling and correct use
  • Setting out, gauge and accuracy fundamentals
  • Walls, piers, cavity basics and lintel openings
  • Pointing and finishing for professional results

We encourage visiting the training centre during a course so you can observe the environment, the workload, and speak with current learners first-hand.

Join 1,000’s Of Students Who Have Successfully Completed a Course With Us

Become Part of Our Success Stories

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