Course Description
This one‑day practical workshop introduces participants to the fundamental skills, knowledge, and techniques of basic bricklaying. The course focuses on safe work practices, correct tool use, setting out brickwork, mixing mortar, laying bricks, jointing, and basic rendering and bagging. Skills gained are suitable for small DIY and non‑structural projects.
Course Outcome
By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed:
Basic bricklaying knowledge
Essential trowel handling skills
The ability to set out and lay simple brickwork
An understanding of finishing techniques for brickwork
- Introduction and Safety
Content
Overview of the course and learning expectations
Explanation of basic bricklaying applications for DIY projects
Worksite awareness and hazard identification
Safe manual handling techniques
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves
Safety glasses
Protective footwear
Safe use and handling of hand tools
Learning Focus
Participants understand workplace safety requirements and demonstrate safe behaviour when handling tools and materials.
- Tools and Equipment
Tools Covered
String line
Line blocks
Bricklaying trowel
Spirit level
Jointers
Tape measure or folding rule
Hammer and bolster
Content
Purpose and function of each tool
Correct handling and basic maintenance of tools
Introduction to correct trowel grip and movement
Importance of accuracy and consistency when using measuring tools
Learning Focus
Participants can identify tools and describe their correct use in basic bricklaying tasks.
- Setting Out Brickwork
Content
Introduction to setting out brickwork
Understanding brick sizes and mortar joint spacing
Use of a gauge rod to maintain consistent course heights
Explanation of stretcher bond brick pattern
Marking out a gauge rod
Establishing straight lines using string line and line blocks
Practical Activities
Learners mark out their own gauge rod
Practice setting out a stretcher bond layout
Learning Focus
Participants develop accuracy in preparation and layout, which is critical to quality brickwork.
- Cutting Bricks
Content
Reasons for cutting bricks in brickwork projects
Identifying when half bricks are required
Safe use of hammer and bolster
Basic brick cutting techniques
Practical Activities
Learners practice cutting a half brick
Emphasis on safety, control, and accuracy
Learning Focus
Participants safely perform basic brick cutting using hand tools.
- Mortar and Mixing
Content
Overview of mortar and its role in brickwork
Types of mortar and their common uses
Sand types required for bricklaying
Understanding proportions and consistency
Demonstration of correct mixing techniques
Practical Activities
Group mixing of mortar
Inspection and comparison of different sand samples
Identifying workable vs. unworkable mortar mixes
Learning Focus
Participants understand how to prepare mortar suitable for basic bricklaying applications.
- Laying Bricks
Content
Introduction to laying techniques
Bedding mortar correctly
Buttering bricks
Developing trowel control and efficiency
Using a gauge rod, level, and string line to maintain:
Level
Alignment
Consistent joint thickness
Practical Activities
Learners set out and lay a single‑skin brick wall
Approximate size: 600 mm high x 1.2 m long
Ongoing instructor demonstration and feedback
Learning Focus
Participants gain hands‑on experience laying bricks accurately and consistently.
- Jointing Techniques
Content
Purpose of jointing in brickwork
Types of joints:
Round iron
Flush
Struck
Raked
Tools used for different joint finishes
Timing of jointing for best results
Practical Activities
Demonstration of each joint style
Learners practice jointing using different jointers
Learning Focus
Participants understand how joint finishes affect appearance, durability, and weather resistance.
- Rendering and Bagging (Introduction)
Content
Purpose of rendering and bagging
Tools required:
Hawk
Trowel
Poly float
Sponge
Corner tool
Mixing render
Application techniques
Screeding methods
Finishing techniques using floats and sponges
Learning Focus
Participants gain a basic understanding of rendering and bagging processes and tools.
- Review and Workshop Close
Content
Review of key skills and techniques learnt
Discussion of common beginner errors
Tool cleaning and basic maintenance
Questions and answers
Guidance on next DIY bricklaying projects
