COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Apply High-Quality Work Practices in Brick & Blocklaying Sites course. This program has been designed to build your work habits, site awareness, and professional standards to deliver safe, accurate, and productive bricklaying and blocklaying work on contemporary construction projects.
This course begins by introducing what sound work practice looks like in bricklaying and blocklaying, the typical roles and responsibilities of workers on construction sites, and the expectations for quality, safety, and productivity that apply to all team members. It also explores the importance of teamwork and professionalism, highlighting how individual behaviour, reliability, and communication contribute to overall site performance and project outcomes.
Work health and safety is fundamental in all bricklaying and blocklaying activities. This section examines common hazards associated with manual handling, working at height, tools, equipment, and materials, and how to apply personal protective equipment correctly. It also covers following safe work method statements, adhering to site safety rules, and responding to incidents and emergencies in a way that protects yourself, co-workers, and other site users.
Understanding plans and specifications is essential to building correctly the first time. This section focuses on reading drawings and site plans, interpreting measurements and dimensions, and identifying material and layout requirements for walls, openings, and structural elements. It also highlights the importance of confirming work instructions with supervisors so that any uncertainties are resolved before work begins.
High-quality work starts with thorough preparation of the work area and materials. This section examines how to set out work areas accurately, organise bricks, blocks, and materials for efficient access, and ensure safe site access and clear pathways. It also addresses maintaining a tidy and safe work zone throughout the day to reduce trip hazards, improve efficiency, and support a professional site appearance.
Correct tool selection and use are critical to both safety and workmanship. This section explores how to identify the correct hand and power tools for specific bricklaying and blocklaying tasks, use them safely in accordance with site and manufacturer requirements, and maintain them in serviceable condition. It also covers storing tools correctly after use to prevent damage, loss, or safety risks.
Mortar quality directly affects the strength and finish of brick and blockwork. This section examines how to select appropriate mortar mixes for different applications, measure and mix materials accurately, and maintain the correct mortar consistency for laying. It also considers safe handling and storage of cement, sand, and additives, and the importance of managing exposure to dust and other risks.
Setting out and establishing accurate levels underpins all subsequent work. This section focuses on marking out wall lines with accuracy, setting levels and plumb lines, and using string lines correctly to guide construction. It also emphasises checking alignment before laying begins, ensuring that walls follow the required dimensions, positions, and heights on the plan.
Laying bricks and blocks to specification is at the core of the trade. This section explores the use of correct laying techniques, maintaining consistent joint thickness, and ensuring that all courses are level and plumb. It also examines following bonding patterns and construction details specified in plans, so that both structural performance and appearance meet project requirements.
Cutting and shaping bricks and blocks is often required to achieve accurate fits, openings, and details. This section examines how to select appropriate cutting tools, perform accurate cuts, and manage dust and debris safely through correct equipment use and housekeeping. It also looks at minimising material waste through careful measuring, cutting, and planning.
Quality control is essential to maintaining professional standards. This section focuses on inspecting alignment, levels, and finish throughout the job, identifying and correcting defects early, and ensuring work complies with specifications and tolerances. It also emphasises maintaining consistent workmanship standards across all areas of a project, rather than relying on end-of-job corrections.
Managing materials and site resources supports both efficiency and cost control. This section examines safe handling of bricks, blocks, and other materials on site, strategies for minimising damage and wastage, and correct storage to protect materials from weather and contamination. It also covers reporting material shortages in a timely manner so that work is not delayed.
Effective teamwork is critical on busy construction sites. This section explores how to communicate clearly with supervisors, other bricklayers, labourers, and trades, coordinate tasks in shared work areas, and follow site communication procedures such as pre-starts and toolbox talks. It also addresses supporting team productivity by being reliable, responsive, and willing to assist where needed.
Time management and daily task planning are important for meeting project schedules. This section looks at planning daily bricklaying and blocklaying activities in line with site requirements, prioritising tasks effectively, and maintaining a steady work pace. It also examines strategies to help meet project timeframes, including sequencing tasks logically and communicating early about potential delays.
Environmental and sustainability practices are an increasing focus on construction sites. This section examines how to manage waste materials responsibly, reduce mortar and material waste through accurate ordering and careful use, and follow site environmental requirements around dust, noise, and runoff. It also considers how to protect surrounding work areas and neighbouring properties from damage or contamination.
Accurate documentation and reporting support clear communication and accountability. This section explores how to record work completed accurately when required, report defects or issues promptly, and follow site reporting procedures for safety, quality, and progress. It also highlights the value of maintaining clear communication records to support coordination, variations, and future reference.
Finally, the course concludes with a focus on reviewing performance and continuous improvement. This section examines how to reflect on completed work, accept and apply feedback from supervisors, and identify areas where skills and efficiency can be improved. It also explores how contributing to improved work practices across the team supports quality, safety, productivity, and long-term employability in the bricklaying and blocklaying trade.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the structured work practices, safety awareness, technical standards, and professional behaviours required to deliver high-quality bricklaying and blocklaying work that meets project specifications, supports site safety, and reflects well on you and your team.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Bricklaying & Blocklaying Practice
- Understanding sound work practices in bricklaying and blocklaying
- Roles and responsibilities on construction sites
- Expectations for quality, safety, and productivity
- Importance of teamwork and professionalism
2. Applying Workplace Health and Safety Requirements
- Identifying common bricklaying and blocklaying hazards
- Using personal protective equipment correctly
- Following safe work method statements
- Responding to incidents and emergencies
3. Reading and Interpreting Plans and Specifications
- Understanding drawings and site plans
- Interpreting measurements and dimensions
- Identifying material and layout requirements
- Confirming work instructions with supervisors
4. Preparing the Work Area and Materials
- Setting out work areas accurately
- Organising bricks, blocks, and materials
- Ensuring site access and clear pathways
- Maintaining a tidy and safe work zone
5. Selecting and Using Bricklaying Tools and Equipment
- Identifying correct tools for tasks
- Using hand and power tools safely
- Maintaining tools in serviceable condition
- Storing tools correctly after use
6. Mixing and Handling Mortar Correctly
- Selecting appropriate mortar mixes
- Measuring and mixing materials accurately
- Maintaining mortar consistency
- Handling and storing materials safely
7. Setting Out and Establishing Levels
- Marking out wall lines accurately
- Setting levels and plumb lines
- Using string lines correctly
- Checking alignment before laying
8. Laying Bricks and Blocks to Specification
- Applying correct laying techniques
- Maintaining consistent joint thickness
- Ensuring courses are level and plumb
- Following bonding patterns
9. Cutting and Shaping Bricks and Blocks
- Selecting appropriate cutting tools
- Cutting materials accurately
- Managing dust and debris safely
- Minimising material waste
10. Checking Work Quality and Accuracy
- Inspecting alignment and finish regularly
- Identifying and correcting defects
- Ensuring compliance with specifications
- Maintaining consistent workmanship standards
11. Managing Materials and Site Resources
- Handling materials safely on site
- Minimising damage and wastage
- Storing materials correctly
- Reporting material shortages
12. Working Effectively as Part of a Construction Team
- Communicating clearly with other trades
- Coordinating tasks on shared work areas
- Following site communication procedures
- Supporting team productivity
13. Managing Time and Daily Work Tasks
- Planning daily bricklaying activities
- Prioritising tasks effectively
- Maintaining steady work pace
- Meeting project timeframes
14. Maintaining Environmental and Sustainability Practices
- Managing waste materials responsibly
- Reducing mortar and material waste
- Following site environmental requirements
- Protecting surrounding work areas
15. Completing Workplace Documentation and Reporting
- Recording work completed accurately
- Reporting defects or issues
- Following site reporting procedures
- Maintaining clear communication records
16. Reviewing Performance and Continuous Improvement
- Reflecting on completed work
- Accepting feedback from supervisors
- Identifying skills improvement needs
- Contributing to improved work practices
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.