Bricklaying Course

Lesson 1 • History and Scope of Bricklaying

Traces masonry from ancient construction to modern practice. Contextualizes the trade's relevance and career pathways for new learners.

Lesson 2 • Workplace Safety and PPE

Introduces hazard identification, personal protective equipment, and site safety regulations. Safe practices established here apply to every subsequent practical activity.

Lesson 3 • Bricklaying Tools and Equipment

Identifies and explains every hand tool and power tool used in bricklaying. Correct tool selection underpins safe, efficient work throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Mortar Composition and Properties

Explains cement, sand, lime, and water ratios that govern mortar strength and workability. Proper mix design directly affects bond quality and durability.

Lesson 1 • Preparing the Working Area

Addresses foundation inspection, surface cleaning, and material staging. A well-prepared work area improves productivity and reduces safety risks.

Lesson 2 • Reading Construction Drawings

Teaches interpretation of architectural and structural drawings relevant to masonry. Understanding plans and elevations is prerequisite to any setting-out task.

Lesson 3 • Establishing Datum and Levels

Covers use of optical levels, laser levels, and datum pegs to set reference heights. Accurate datum ensures courses remain level across the entire structure.

Lesson 1 • Hand Mixing Mortar Correctly

Demonstrates step-by-step hand mixing of mortar to achieve consistent workability. Correct technique prevents weak spots and ensures uniform bond strength.

Lesson 2 • Laying the First Course

Guides students through placing and aligning the foundation course on a prepared base. The first course sets the pattern and level for all brickwork above.

Lesson 3 • Machine Mixing Mortar

Covers drum mixer operation, cleaning, and batch sizing for larger jobs. Machine mixing improves consistency and output on commercial-scale projects.

Lesson 4 • Curing and Protecting Fresh Mortar

Explains curing time requirements and protection from rain, frost, and heat. Proper curing prevents premature failure and maintains design strength.

Lesson 1 • Cavity Wall Construction Basics

Introduces the two-leaf cavity wall system, wall ties, and insulation placement. Cavity walls are the dominant external wall type in modern residential construction.

Lesson 2 • Building Straight Walls to Height

Develops the technique of racking back corners and filling in courses to build height. Maintaining plumb and level as height increases is the core skill of this section.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Brick Bonding

Explains why overlapping joints distribute structural loads and prevent cracking. Understanding bonding theory enables correct pattern selection for any wall type.

Lesson 4 • Common Bonding Patterns

Covers stretcher, English, Flemish, and garden wall bonds with practical layout exercises. Each pattern has distinct structural and aesthetic characteristics students must recognize.

Lesson 1 • Installing Lintels Over Openings

Covers lintel selection, bearing length, and safe installation above openings. Correct lintel installation transfers loads around the opening to the supporting masonry.

Lesson 2 • Closers, Bats, and Special Units

Explains how queen closers, half bats, and three-quarter bats maintain bond at corners and openings. Correct use of cut units preserves the bonding pattern throughout the wall.

Lesson 3 • Forming Door and Window Openings

Teaches how to set out, build, and plumb reveals for openings of specified dimensions. Accurate reveals ensure frames fit correctly and the opening is structurally sound.

Lesson 1 • Timing and Tooling Joints

Explains how mortar stiffness determines the correct moment to tool joints. Tooling at the right time compresses mortar and improves weather resistance.

Lesson 2 • Pointing Existing Brickwork

Covers raking out deteriorated mortar and applying fresh pointing mortar. Repointing restores weather resistance and is a common repair and restoration task.

Lesson 3 • Joint Profile Types

Demonstrates flush, recessed, weathered, and bucket-handle joint profiles. Each profile has different weather performance and visual characteristics students must master.

Lesson 1 • Laying Bricks to Form an Arch

Covers radiating joint layout, key brick placement, and mortar joint tapering. Correct brick placement ensures the arch is self-supporting once the formwork is removed.

Lesson 2 • Constructing Brick Piers

Develops skill in building isolated and attached piers with correct bonding and plumb. Piers carry concentrated loads and must be built to precise dimensions.

Lesson 3 • Decorative Brickwork Techniques

Introduces corbelling, soldier courses, and string courses as architectural features. These techniques add visual interest and demonstrate advanced craft skill.

Lesson 4 • Building Timber Arch Formwork

Teaches construction of a timber turning piece or center to support bricks during arch construction. Accurate formwork directly determines the arch's final geometry.

Lesson 1 • Movement Joints in Brickwork

Explains thermal and moisture movement in masonry and the design of expansion and control joints. Omitting movement joints causes cracking that compromises structural and aesthetic performance.

Lesson 2 • Project Handover and Documentation

Covers site cleanup, snagging, photographic records, and handover documentation. Professional handover protects the bricklayer and satisfies client and contractor expectations.

Lesson 3 • Quality Control and Tolerances

Introduces industry tolerance standards for level, plumb, and joint consistency. Systematic checking against tolerances ensures work meets contractual and regulatory requirements.

Lesson 4 • Diagnosing Common Brickwork Defects

Teaches identification of cracking, efflorescence, spalling, and mortar failure. Accurate diagnosis is the first step in specifying and executing effective repairs.