The School of Brickology - Graduate

The School of Brickology - Graduate is a self-paced, free program designed for experienced bricklayers preparing to transition into site management and leadership roles. This course focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required to move from tradesperson to site manager, covering new responsibilities, common challenges, and the mindset shift needed for effective leadership. Participants will develop people management skills, including leading gangs, setting targets, motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and training apprentices. The program covers daily and weekly site operations, coordination with main contractors and other trades, managing deliveries, and ensuring safe material storage. A strong emphasis is placed on standards at the management level, with modules on organising NHBC and LABC inspections, understanding BS 8000-3 for managers, managing non-compliance, and overseeing snagging and handover processes. Health and safety responsibilities are explored in depth, including writing RAMS, leading toolbox talks, accident reporting, and understanding the manager’s role in CDM regulations. Commercial awareness is developed through lessons on estimating jobs, calculating productivity, managing labour costs, handling variations and dayworks, and communicating with quantity surveyors. The course also introduces digital site reporting, site management software, and industry tools like Fieldview, PlanGrid, and Procore. Career development is supported with guidance on building a professional reputation, pursuing NVQ Level 6, obtaining a CSCS Black Card, CIOB membership, and engaging in continuous professional development. The program concludes with case studies, quizzes, a final reflection on the managerial mindset, and a graduation ceremony awarding the Master of Brickology badge.