COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Continuous Improvement in Bricklaying & Blocklaying Processes course. This training has been designed to equip you with the frameworks, tools, and practical strategies needed to drive ongoing improvements in quality, efficiency, safety, and teamwork across all brick and blocklaying operations.

Continuous improvement in the bricklaying trade means systematically refining how tasks are performed—on a daily basis and over the course of a project. This course begins by defining continuous improvement within the construction context and exploring its critical role in enhancing workmanship, reducing waste, and preventing delays. It also outlines how bricklayers and blocklayers play a direct role in contributing to site-wide excellence through innovation, consistency, and proactive problem-solving.

Structured frameworks help make improvement measurable and repeatable. This section introduces the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, Lean Construction principles for eliminating inefficiencies, and Kaizen strategies that focus on making small but consistent improvements. These methods can be applied directly to trade tasks, material handling, and workflow planning.

Measuring performance is the foundation of improvement. This section explores how to set benchmarks for laying speed, accuracy, and quality, and how to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for defects, rework, material usage, and productivity. You will also learn how to align these indicators with client expectations, schedules, and cost targets.

Improvement starts with understanding current practices. This section guides you through reviewing daily site workflows, identifying inefficient movements or delays, and comparing current methods to industry best practices. The goal is to spot opportunities to streamline setup, task sequencing, and labour deployment.

Tradespeople are a key source of insights. This section focuses on engaging bricklayers, blocklayers, and labourers in identifying challenges and offering ideas for improvement. You will learn how to build a no-blame culture, use toolbox talks for capturing feedback, and empower all team members to contribute to process refinements.

Rework and delays increase cost and reduce efficiency. This section explores how to identify root causes of defects, such as misaligned walls, weak mortar joints, or incorrect sequencing. You’ll also learn how to document issues, track rework trends, and plan targeted improvements to reduce their frequency.

Material waste affects both environmental and financial outcomes. This section outlines how to optimise ordering, minimise breakage, reuse off-cuts, and plan layouts to reduce the need for excessive trimming. Waste-conscious planning directly contributes to site efficiency and sustainability.

Mortar use is a common source of loss and inefficiency. This section explains how to improve batching, mixing ratios, and water control. You’ll learn how to coach teams on appropriate application techniques, minimise wastage, and maintain consistent access to usable mortar on site.

Tool and equipment setup affects task flow. This section explores how to organise tools to reduce double-handling, maintain equipment for safe use, and position scaffolds or trestles to support efficient movement. A well-organised site directly supports productivity and safety.

Precision is a hallmark of quality bricklaying. This section provides guidance on using string lines, measuring systems, and verification steps to improve accuracy. You’ll learn how to prevent cumulative errors, ensure consistency across crews, and reinforce correct gauging and levelling practices.

Coordination improves the whole site, not just one task. This section explores how to sequence activities with other trades, plan around access constraints, and share relevant information such as deliveries or inspection timings. Good communication reduces disruption and improves work continuity.

Innovation can transform daily work practices. This section focuses on evaluating new products and systems, such as pre-mixed adhesives or mechanical lifters, that can reduce manual handling and speed up tasks. You’ll also learn how to trial and adopt innovations with input from your team and suppliers.

Apprentices are a critical part of site productivity. This section outlines how to coach apprentices in efficient techniques, align their learning with job needs, and encourage initiative while maintaining quality control. You’ll learn to build their skills while supporting team outputs.

Progress tracking helps identify performance gaps early. This section introduces simple methods for logging completed work—such as wall tags, daily whiteboards, or digital apps—and explains how to review progress against program milestones. Daily reviews can uncover issues and shape the next day’s plan.

Every completed project provides lessons for the next. This section explains how to gather team feedback, identify successful strategies or recurring issues, and compile a lessons-learned register. These reflections support ongoing team development and more effective project delivery.

Training supports long-term improvement. This section explores how to identify skill gaps, deliver targeted skills coaching, and support formal qualifications such as trade licences or upskilling. Continuous learning enhances both individual capability and team performance.

Recognising improvements encourages ownership. This section focuses on how to acknowledge individual or team contributions to process refinements. You’ll learn to link improvements to recognition, leadership opportunities, or future advancement to strengthen engagement and retention.

Improvement should become part of everyday culture. This final section explains how to embed continuous improvement into team habits—through daily conversations, planning sessions, and informal feedback loops. You’ll learn how to make improvement part of your site’s identity, supporting pride in trade and long-term success.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the strategies, tools, and leadership techniques needed to foster a culture of continuous improvement in bricklaying and blocklaying—delivering better results for clients, teams, and the future of your trade.

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 Continuous Improvement in Bricklaying

• Defining continuous improvement in construction trade contexts
• The role of improvement in safety, efficiency, and quality outcomes
• How bricklayers and blocklayers contribute to ongoing site excellence

2. Understanding Improvement Frameworks and Methods

• The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle in construction
• Basics of Lean Construction and its relevance to trade tasks
• Using Kaizen principles for small, regular improvements

3. Establishing Performance Benchmarks and KPIs

• Setting realistic productivity targets for laying rates and accuracy
• Identifying KPIs for quality, wastage, rework, and material use
• Aligning KPIs with project schedules and client requirements

4. Reviewing Current Work Methods and Site Procedures

• Observing daily workflows to detect inefficiencies
• Identifying redundant movements and resource handling issues
• Comparing current methods with industry best practices

5. Involving Tradespeople in Problem-Solving

• Encouraging feedback from bricklayers and labourers
• Creating a no-blame culture that supports innovation
• Using toolbox talks to capture improvement suggestions

6. Analysing Job Delays and Rework Causes

• Tracking common causes of delays in block and brick laying
• Investigating defects such as alignment issues or mortar failures
• Documenting trends in order to address root causes

7. Reducing Material Waste and Site Off-Cuts

• Optimising brick and block ordering and usage
• Reusing cut materials and minimising unnecessary disposal
• Improving layout planning to reduce trimming and breakage

8. Improving Mortar Use and Application Efficiency

• Teaching correct mixing, batching, and water ratios
• Using mortar boards and silos for improved access
• Reducing overmixing, hardening, and disposal

9. Streamlining Tools, Equipment, and Access Setup

• Organising tools to reduce movement and double-handling
• Ensuring equipment is maintained and fit for purpose
• Planning scaffold and trestle positions for efficiency

10. Enhancing Accuracy and Consistency in Workmanship

• Introducing measurement checks and string-line systems
• Reinforcing plumb, level, and gauge controls across teams
• Preventing cumulative errors through frequent verification

11. Improving Coordination with Other Trades and Site Teams

• Communicating clearly with concreters, carpenters, and formworkers
• Sequencing works to avoid interruption or access issues
• Sharing information on deliveries, hazards, and inspections

12. Updating Work Methods Through New Tools or Products

• Trialling new bricklaying systems and block adhesives
• Exploring time-saving innovations
• Engaging with suppliers for product demonstrations or samples

13. Managing Apprentice Contributions to Site Productivity

• Coaching apprentices on efficient task execution
• Setting learning targets aligned with job timelines
• Encouraging initiative while maintaining quality standards

14. Tracking Daily Progress and Output Metrics

• Using wall tags, digital apps, or whiteboards to log output
• Reviewing completed work areas against the schedule
• Holding short daily reviews to identify time losses

15. Conducting Post-Project Reviews and Debriefs

• Gathering feedback from team members and supervisors
• Identifying what worked well and what needs change
• Creating a lessons-learned register for future jobs

16. Providing Ongoing Skills Training and Upgrades

• Offering short, targeted training on advanced skills
• Identifying skill gaps through observation and feedback
• Encouraging trade licence upgrades and cross-skilling

17. Recognising and Rewarding Improvement Efforts

• Highlighting team or individual innovations during meetings
• Using recognition to drive positive engagement
• Linking improvement efforts to future leadership opportunities

18. Embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement on Site

• Making improvement part of daily conversations and planning
• Encouraging every team member to suggest better ways of working
• Reinforcing that improvement supports job security and pride in trade

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”.