Carpentry & Joinery - Pre-Apprenticeship: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Lay the foundations for a successful career in construction.
The NQ Bricklaying (Pre-Apprenticeship Level 5) course is designed to give you the hands-on skills, knowledge, and confidence to begin a career as a Bricklayer Apprentice.
You’ll develop essential trade techniques, problem-solving ability, and transferable construction skills while learning in our purpose-built workshops at Glasgow Kelvin College. The course also introduces Health & Safety training, Construction Drawing, Numeracy, and ICT to prepare you for working safely and effectively on site.
This programme supports your progression into a craft apprenticeship or higher-level construction study, helping you stand out to future employers in the building industry.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have a genuine interest in the bricklaying trade and want to develop hands-on skills.
- Are aiming to gain a Modern Apprenticeship or entry-level employment in construction.
- Enjoy working outdoors and as part of a team.
- Want to build your confidence in Health & Safety, ICT, and employability skills.
What you will learn
You’ll develop a wide range of practical bricklaying techniques alongside essential employability and industry knowledge.
Key Learning Areas
- Bricklaying Fundamentals – half-brick, one-brick, and cavity wall construction.
- Block Walling – building structural and decorative blockwork.
- Simple Arch Construction – understanding curves, strength, and design.
- Decorative Brickwork – adding detail and style to finished structures.
- Construction Occupation Practices – learning safe and efficient site working methods.
- ICT and Employability Skills – digital literacy, teamwork, and CV preparation.
- Health & Safety Awareness – gaining a qualification that supports future CSCS testing.
This course uses a blended learning approach combining classroom sessions, digital learning, and hands-on practical workshops.
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications required for entry, however you should have:
✅ A genuine interest in bricklaying or construction trades.
✅ The motivation to gain skills and progress to an apprenticeship.
✅ A willingness to work safely and professionally both indoors and outdoors.
ℹ️ All applicants must be 16 years or over by 30 September of the course year.
ℹ️ If you have already completed an NQ Construction Pre-Apprenticeship course, you are not eligible to apply.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
This qualification prepares you for work or apprenticeships within the construction sector. Possible career paths include:
🧱 Bricklayer Apprentice
🧰 Construction Site Labourer
🏗 Building Maintenance Assistant
🪚 Groundwork or Masonry Operative
🧾 Construction Materials or Trade Counter Assistant
With experience and further study, you could progress to become a Skilled Bricklayer, Site Supervisor, or move into Construction Management or Heritage Masonry.
Future prospects
Successful completion of this course can lead to:
- A Craft Apprenticeship in Bricklaying.
- Higher-level construction qualifications at Glasgow Kelvin College.
- Employment or training in related areas across the building and construction industry.
This course builds practical ability and professional attitude — key qualities employers look for in new apprentices.
