What Do You Need to Take a Bricklaying NVQ?
If you’re already working as a bricklayer and you’re starting to think about getting formally qualified, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the Bricklaying NVQ. It’s the go-to route for skilled professionals looking to gain recognition for the work they’re already doing.
But what do you actually need before you can take a Bricklaying NVQ? In today’s blog, we’re going to break down the requirements for NVQs, how they work, what the assessment process looks like, and why you need experience before you can get started. Whether you’re aiming for your Blue CSCS card, or you’re just looking to validate your skills on paper, here’s everything you need to know.
What Kind of Qualification is a Bricklaying NVQ?
The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Bricklaying is a practical, work-based qualification that’s designed to assess your skills as a bricklayer. There’s no college course involved, no full-time study, and no one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, you’re assessed in your workplace, doing the job you’ve already been doing. NVQs don’t really teach you new skills. They’re not training courses in the traditional sense. Instead, they’re designed to formally recognise the skills you already have. For more info on how NVQs are assessed, have a read of our blog: What is the Bricklaying NVQ Test?
So, if you’re just starting out, or still learning the ropes, it’s probably too soon to take an NVQ. But if you’ve been working in the trade of bricklaying for a while, and you can consistently complete jobs to industry standards, then an NVQ is the perfect way to get qualified without having to step away from your job.
Do You Need Any Qualifications to Start an NVQ?
You don’t need GCSEs, A-levels, or any formal education to start an NVQ. What you do need is experience. To undertake an NVQ, you need to already be working in the trade. In this instance, you need to be on site, building walls, mixing mortar, cutting blocks, following drawings- all the tasks most relevant to bricklaying. In short, you need to be able to show that you can do the work- safely, correctly, and consistently.
If you’re still an apprentice, or if you’ve only recently started labouring, it’s worth building your skills up first. But if you’ve been working as a bricklayer for a while without a formal qualification, this route is probably the ideal option for your career path. It recognises the learning you’ve done on the job, and that’s exactly what an NVQ is designed to do.
Conclusion (What Do You Need to Take a Bricklaying NVQ?)
If you’re already working as a bricklayer, the Bricklaying NVQ is your opportunity to turn your experience into a recognised qualification. You don’t need to go back to college, or sit through lectures. You just need to prove that you know your trade. With no formal entry requirements and an assessment process that’s built around the work you’re already doing, it’s a practical route to getting the credentials you deserve.
If you still have any questions regarding the NVQ, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
