What happens if I fail the EPA for bricklaying?

If you fail one or both components of the EPA, you will be given the opportunity to retake them. You must discuss this with your training provider and employer to arrange additional training and a new assessment date. There is usually a waiting period before you can retake, and you may need to pay a resit fee. It's important to address any weaknesses identified in your feedback before retaking.

How long does the EPA practical observation last?

The practical observation typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the tasks set by the assessor. You will be given a brief at the start outlining what you need to construct, and you must manage your time effectively to complete the work within the allotted time.

What tools do I need to bring for the EPA?

You should bring your own personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety boots, hi-vis vest, gloves, and safety glasses. Additionally, bring your own bricklaying tools such as trowel, spirit level, tape measure, brick hammer, line and pins, and a gauge rod. Check with your assessment centre if they provide any tools or materials.

Can I use a calculator during the professional discussion?

No, calculators are not typically allowed during the professional discussion. However, you may be given a whiteboard or paper to make notes or calculations. The discussion focuses on your understanding and application of knowledge, not on mental arithmetic. You should be able to explain concepts without relying on a calculator.

What is the pass mark for the EPA?

The EPA is graded as pass, merit, or distinction. To achieve a pass, you must demonstrate competence in all areas of the assessment criteria. The exact thresholds are set by the awarding organisation, but generally you need to score at least 50% in both the practical observation and professional discussion. Merit and distinction require higher levels of accuracy, efficiency, and depth of knowledge.

How should I prepare for the professional discussion?

Review your portfolio of evidence from your apprenticeship, including work records, photographs, and witness statements. Think about specific projects where you solved problems, worked safely, or demonstrated good practice. Practice answering questions out loud, focusing on the 'why' behind your actions. Also, study the relevant building regulations and industry standards, as these are common topics.

Construction EPA Company Level 2 End Point Assessment Bricklayer - Core Content

CONSTRUCTION EPA COMPANY

vocational

This subtopic covers the essential competencies required for a Level 2 Bricklayer End-Point Assessment, including interpreting construction drawings, setting out, mixing and applying mortar, laying bricks and blocks to line, level, and gauge, and working safely on site. It focuses on practical demonstration of craft skills and adherence to industry standards such as those from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Successful candidates must show consistent, high-quality workmanship across a range of common bricklaying tasks.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Construction EPA Company Level 2 End Point Assessment Bricklayer

Topic Overview

The Construction EPA Company Level 2 End Point Assessment for Bricklaying is the final evaluation you must pass to achieve your apprenticeship. It tests your ability to perform bricklaying tasks to industry standards, covering practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours. This assessment is crucial because it confirms you are competent to work as a qualified bricklayer on real construction sites.

The EPA consists of two main components: a practical observation and a professional discussion. In the practical observation, you will be observed laying bricks, blocks, and constructing features like cavity walls, piers, and arches. The professional discussion explores your understanding of health and safety, building regulations, and how you plan and manage your work. This assessment ensures you can apply your training in a real-world context, meeting the standards set by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and other awarding bodies.

Mastering the EPA is essential for your career progression. It not only validates your skills but also demonstrates to employers that you are reliable, safe, and capable of working independently. The assessment is designed to reflect the demands of the construction industry, so performing well here opens doors to advanced roles and further qualifications.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Health and Safety: Understand COSHH, risk assessments, manual handling, and use of PPE. Know how to maintain a safe working environment, including safe use of scaffolding and ladders.
→Bricklaying Techniques: Master bonding patterns (e.g., stretcher bond, English bond), cutting bricks, and constructing corners, reveals, and openings. Ensure accuracy in level, plumb, and line.
→Materials and Mixes: Know the properties of bricks, blocks, and mortar. Understand how to mix mortar to the correct consistency and strength for different applications.
→Building Regulations: Be aware of relevant regulations, such as Approved Document A (Structure) and Document C (Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture). Know how to install damp-proof courses and cavity trays.
→Quality Control: Check work for accuracy using spirit levels, tape measures, and gauges. Understand tolerances and how to rectify common defects like lipping or uneven joints.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Understand the key principles and practices
Apply knowledge in practical contexts
Demonstrate competency in core skills

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating accurate interpretation of construction drawings, including dimensions, bond patterns, and material specifications.
Provide marks for correct mixing of mortar to the required consistency and colour, with minimal waste.
Assessors should look for bricks laid to plumb, line, and gauge within ±5 mm tolerance over 1 metre.
Credit is given for consistent and correct application of chosen bond (e.g., stretcher, English, Flemish) with uniform joint thickness of 10 mm.
Reward evidence of safe handling of tools and materials, including correct manual handling techniques and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Award points for efficient and tidy working, including proper cleaning of tools and site area upon completion.
Seek demonstration of ability to build corners and junctions accurately, maintaining vertical and horizontal alignment.
Credit appropriate use of level, plumb bob, line and pins, and tape measure throughout the task.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Practice setting out the work area accurately before laying any bricks; double-check dimensions and corner positions using 3-4-5 triangles or other methods.
💡During the assessment, regularly check your work with a spirit level and straight edge - aim for every course to be level and plumb.
💡Manage your time by focusing on getting corners right first, then using a builder’s line to run the wall between them to maintain accuracy.
💡Present a clean finish by removing any mortar snots as you go, and brush down the face of the brickwork before final assessment.
💡Read the specification and drawing thoroughly; look for details like damp-proof course positions, cavity wall ties, and weep holes.
💡Keep your workstation organized: have all materials within reach and clean up periodically to avoid hazards and demonstrate professionalism.
💡During the practical observation, talk through your actions. Explain why you are doing something, like checking the level or cleaning joints. This shows the examiner your thought process and understanding, which can earn you marks even if you make a minor error.
💡For the professional discussion, use specific examples from your training or work experience. Instead of saying 'I follow safety rules', say 'I always check the ladder is on firm ground and at the correct angle before climbing, as per the CITB safety guidance.' This demonstrates real application.
💡Practice working to a tight tolerance. In the EPA, you are expected to maintain accuracy within 3mm over 3m. Use a gauge rod and line pins consistently. Small errors in the first course can multiply, so take extra care at the start.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Learners often fail to keep mortar joints fully filled, leading to weak bonding and reduced weather resistance.
A common error is inconsistent mortar mix, causing variability in colour or strength between batches.
Apprentices frequently neglect to dampen bricks in hot weather, resulting in poor adhesion and quicker setting of mortar.
Misreading drawings, particularly misinterpretation of bond patterns or openings, is a typical mistake that leads to rework.
Many struggle with maintaining consistent gauge, causing courses to run out of level over long walls.
Forgetting to plumb corners at each course height is a recurrent error, leading to leaning walls.
Inadequate cutting of bricks, resulting in irregular closures, often spoils the finish of a panel.
Poor tool handling, such as dragging a trowel without proper control, often leaves mortar smeared on brick faces.
Misconception: 'The practical observation is just about speed.' Correction: While efficiency is important, accuracy and quality are paramount. Examiners look for correct technique, adherence to specifications, and attention to detail, not just how fast you work.
Misconception: 'I don't need to know building regulations for the EPA.' Correction: The professional discussion explicitly tests your knowledge of regulations. You must be able to explain how regulations affect your work, such as cavity wall insulation requirements or fire stopping.
Misconception: 'Mortar mix doesn't matter as long as it sticks.' Correction: Incorrect mortar mix can lead to structural failure. You must know the correct proportions for different situations (e.g., using lime mortar for older bricks) and be able to adjust consistency for weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Completion of the Level 2 Bricklaying Apprenticeship Standard, including all on-programme learning and off-the-job training.
•Basic understanding of construction mathematics (e.g., measuring, calculating quantities, working with angles).
•Familiarity with health and safety legislation and safe working practices on construction sites.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Core knowledge
Practical application

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Construction EPA Company Level 2 End Point Assessment Bricklayer - Core Content

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

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Before You Start

Key Terminology

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