COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Operational Planning for Bricklaying & Blocklaying Projects course. This training has been designed to equip you with the practical planning strategies, resource coordination skills, and project management tools required to deliver bricklaying and blocklaying works efficiently, safely, and to a high standard of quality.
Operational planning is the backbone of successful brick and blocklaying work. This course begins by defining the purpose and benefits of structured planning in construction environments, where clear task breakdowns, timelines, and resource allocations are essential. You’ll explore how operational plans support improved safety, minimise delays, and ensure that bricklaying works meet design, compliance, and client expectations.
Understanding the project starts with reviewing the documentation. This section explains how to interpret architectural plans, elevations, and brick schedules, as well as technical specifications related to materials, finishes, and tolerances. Clarifying scope and staging requirements early supports more accurate labour, material, and time estimates.
Site conditions directly influence how work proceeds. This section focuses on assessing terrain, property boundaries, and access points before mobilisation. You’ll also consider weather patterns, adjacent works, and underground or overhead services when determining where and how bricklaying work can be staged safely and efficiently.
Setting clear objectives is vital for planning success. This section outlines how to define critical deliverables, align operational goals with project milestones, and balance safety, quality, and productivity expectations. You’ll also explore how to integrate builder and client requirements into day-to-day bricklaying targets.
Large jobs must be broken into manageable sections. This section provides guidance on how to divide brick and blocklaying tasks into logical work packages—by wall, floor, or building zone—and assign responsibilities. You’ll also learn how to clarify sequencing, dependencies, and handover points between teams.
Sequencing the work properly reduces rework and downtime. This section explores how to develop bricklaying timelines, coordinate with scaffolders and concreters, and allow for curing, inspections, and weather interruptions. Well-timed activity planning ensures steady progress and compliance with the master construction program.
Allocating labour effectively supports consistent output. This section outlines how to determine crew sizes based on task difficulty, assign roles according to experience, and manage shifts or start times to maximise coverage. You’ll also explore how to integrate apprentices while maintaining pace and quality.
Materials must arrive on time and in the right location. This section explains how to schedule and verify deliveries of bricks, mortar, sand, and blocks, while planning for safe and efficient storage. You’ll also learn how to track delivery lead times and prevent delays due to supplier or stock issues.
Tools and equipment must be planned in advance. This section covers how to assess the need for scaffolds, saws, mixers, and other plant, schedule equipment use between teams, and check maintenance and compliance requirements. Planning for safe storage and secure access is also emphasised.
Safety must be embedded into the operational plan. This section explores how to integrate Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), fall protection systems, PPE, and hazard controls into daily activities. You’ll learn how to schedule safety milestones and monitor compliance throughout the build.
Controlling access and traffic flow improves site efficiency. This section focuses on coordinating entry points for workers and deliveries, minimising congestion around scaffold bases or mixing areas, and designating safe laydown zones and walkways. Clear planning reduces confusion and improves safety.
Quality control must be planned, not just checked. This section explains how to embed key quality checkpoints into daily operations, such as plumb, level, gauge, and joint consistency. You’ll also learn how to plan for supervision, rectification windows, and alignment with formal handovers.
Plans must be communicated clearly to the work team. This section explores how to conduct pre-start briefings, use whiteboards and printed schedules onsite, and ensure apprentices understand their roles and responsibilities. A well-informed team is safer, more engaged, and more productive.
Tracking progress ensures accountability. This section outlines how to monitor completed work against daily and weekly targets, track brick counts, record labour hours, and detect any quality or pace issues early. Real-time data supports informed adjustments and keeps the project on track.
Plans must be adaptable when changes arise. This section provides guidance on responding to weather impacts, scope changes, and material shortages. You’ll learn how to reallocate tasks, notify affected stakeholders, and re-sequence work to minimise disruption and maintain workflow.
Documentation is key to transparency and compliance. This section explains how to keep accurate records of progress, deliveries, timesheets, and variations. You’ll also learn how to capture daily photos, complete quality checklists, and meet builder or client reporting requirements.
Lessons from each job inform future improvements. This section focuses on conducting post-completion reviews, comparing actual results to the original plan, gathering feedback from team members, and identifying areas to refine on the next project. A culture of review supports better planning over time.
Planning must become a core team habit. This final section explores how to involve tradespeople in planning conversations, reward effective planning leadership, and embed structured operational planning into daily crew routines. A planning-focused culture builds better outcomes across all projects.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the operational planning knowledge and site management skills required to lead bricklaying and blocklaying projects with confidence, efficiency, and professionalism—delivering work that is well-coordinated, compliant, and built to a high standard.
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 Operational Planning in Bricklaying Projects
- Purpose and benefits of structured operational planning
- Key components of an effective bricklaying operations plan
- Impact of planning on safety, quality, and timelines
2. Reviewing Project Documentation and Specifications
- Analysing site plans, elevations, and brick schedules
- Understanding specifications for materials and finishes
- Clarifying project scope, tolerances, and staging
3. Interpreting Site Conditions and Constraints
- Identifying terrain, boundaries, and access limitations
- Assessing site readiness for set-out and staging
- Considering weather, services, and adjacent works
4. Establishing Job Objectives and Planning Outcomes
- Defining critical deliverables for brick and block installations
- Aligning goals with builder, client, and compliance expectations
- Balancing productivity, quality, and resource use
5. Breaking Down the Project into Work Packages
- Dividing large jobs into manageable bricklaying sections
- Assigning tasks by wall section, floor level, or building zone
- Clarifying deliverables, sequencing, and dependencies
6. Scheduling the Sequence of Bricklaying Activities
- Developing timelines for each phase of work
- Coordinating with concreters, scaffolders, and formworkers
- Allowing for curing, inspections, and weather delays
7. Allocating Labour Resources to Tasks
- Determining required bricklayers, labourers, and apprentices
- Matching skill levels with task complexity
- Planning shift schedules and start times
8. Ordering and Coordinating Materials Delivery
- Scheduling brick, block, sand, and mortar deliveries
- Ensuring material storage areas are accessible and safe
- Tracking lead times and delivery verification
9. Planning for Plant, Equipment, and Tool Use
- Identifying needs for scaffolding, mixers, and brick saws
- Scheduling availability and movement of shared resources
- Checking servicing, compliance, and storage requirements
10. Implementing Safety Procedures into the Plan
- Including SWMS and high-risk task documentation
- Planning for fall protection, manual handling, and PPE
- Identifying key WHS milestones in the workflow
11. Managing Site Access and Traffic Flow
- Coordinating entry points for labour and deliveries
- Preventing congestion around mixing areas and scaffold zones
- Designating laydown areas and pedestrian routes
12. Integrating Quality Control into Daily Planning
- Defining key quality checkpoints
- Planning for supervisor inspections and rectification periods
- Aligning with project handover stages and sign-offs
13. Communicating the Plan to the Work Team
- Conducting pre-start meetings and task briefings
- Using whiteboards, charts, or printed schedules
- Ensuring apprentices understand their roles and timelines
14. Monitoring Progress Against Operational Targets
- Comparing completed work to daily and weekly goals
- Tracking brick counts, hours worked, and defects
- Identifying bottlenecks or delays early
15. Responding to Delays and Onsite Changes
- Adjusting tasks and resource allocation when weather impacts arise
- Managing variation requests and scope changes
- Re-sequencing dependent tasks and notifying stakeholders
16. Recording and Documenting Site Activities
- Keeping daily job records, progress photos, and delivery dockets
- Completing timesheets, material logs, and checklists
- Ensuring documentation aligns with builder expectations
17. Conducting Post-Completion Reviews
- Reviewing job performance against original plan
- Identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement
- Gathering team feedback and documenting outcomes
18. Embedding Planning into Team Culture
- Encouraging input from tradespeople into planning processes
- Recognising forepersons who lead effective planning efforts
- Making operational planning a daily habit across the crew
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 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”.