You’ve been a bricklayer for years, you know the job inside out, but when it comes to certain contracts, site work, or moving up the ladder, there’s one thing holding you back, the piece of paper.
That’s because while you don’t need formal qualifications to work as a bricklayer, having one can make a massive difference. Many tradespeople learn on the job, and that’s still a valid path, but if you want to access bigger sites, gain better contracts, and more pay, you’ll need to prove your skills with a recognised qualification. For most bricklayers, that’s the NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying. It’s also a requirement for getting your Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card – something more and more jobs are asking for. And if you’re aiming for more senior roles in the future, for example, site supervisor, or construction trade assessor, you’ll eventually want to look at NVQ Level 3 or higher.
So why does the NVQ level 2 matter, and how do you get it without starting over?
Why get an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying?
An NVQ Level 2 is more than just a piece of paper, It’s proof that you’re a skilled, professional bricklayer. It shows to employers, contractors, and clients that you meet national standards in your trade. Here’s why it matters:
CSCS Card Requirement: in order for you to obtain the Blue CSCS Card, you’ll need to have the NVQ Level 2 qualification. Without this CSCS card, you’ll be limited to smaller contract jobs, hindering your potential for better paying long-term contracts.
Better Job opportunities: Like mentioned previously, many jobs now list NVQ qualifications as essential, not optional.
Increased Pay: With a recognised qualification, you’re in a stronger position to negotiate rates.
Career Progression: Want to become a Construction Assessor, supervisor or site manager one day? The NVQ Level 2 is your first step up the ladder.
Already on the tools? You’re halfway there!
If you’ve been bricklaying for years, you’ve already done the hard part as you’ve built up the experience from being on the job, all you need to do now is turn that experience into a qualification. The process doesn’t involve going back to college full-time or doing coursework that’s not relevant to your day job. Instead, you can get assessed while you’re on the job through something called On-Site-Assessments.
How Do The On-Site Assessments Work?
The On-site assessment Training route is for experienced workers who are already doing the job and just need their skills recognised. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
No Classroom Work: You don’t have to sit through exams or classroom lectures. Everything happens at your site whilst you’re working.
Work Based Assessments: An assessor visits your job site to observe your bricklaying in action. In this process you’ll build a portfolio with help from the assessor, to ensure you collect evidence like photos, videos and site documentation, which all goes towards your NVQ Level 2.
Support along the way: The assessor guides you through the whole process, making sure that you’re on track to complete it without disrupting your day job.
How long does it take to get my NVQ Level 2
Most experienced bricklayers can finish the NVQ Level 2 through on-site assessments in 8-14 weeks, depending on your work schedules and how often you can be assessed. The key benefit is that you earn while you learn. You don’t need to take time off or change your routine.
How do you get started?
It’s easier than you think, here’s what you should do:
Find an approved NVQ Training provider, for example Portland Training, after some eligibility checks have been carried out, and we think you’re suited for that NVQ, we’ll assign an assessor to come to your workplace to start getting evidence to build your portfolio. Once you’ve completed all the required units and gathered enough evidence, you’ll be awarded your NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying.
Save money on your NVQ Level 2
If you’re thinking about getting your NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying, now’s a great time to do it. Especially with funding that’s currently available through CITB. the scheme available can help you save a huge amount on your NVQ Level 2 as CITB will cover 70% of the cost for eligible NVQs. that means if your company is CITB registered , they will only need to pay 30% of the NVQ Price, making it a cost effective way for you to become fully qualified. Whether you’re aiming to get your Blue CSCS card or playing ahead for higher level NVQs in the future, this funding will help make the qualifications much more affordable. It’s a smart move for any bricklayer ready to make it official. And for employers who want to build a stronger, more qualified team.
Hollie Warren
Managing Director at Portland Training
