Constructing a Half Brick Wall Using Bricklaying Skills — OCN London Vocational Employability & Work Skills

The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Work Preparation for Building and Construction introduces students to essential employability skills and construction industry awareness, covering health and safety, tools, materials, and career pathways. It focuses on practical preparation for entry-level roles in building and construction, emphasising safe working practices and effective communication.

This unit introduces you to the world of building and construction, focusing on the essential skills and knowledge needed to start a career in this industry. You will learn about the different roles within construction, from architects and surveyors to bricklayers and electricians, and how they work together to complete a project. Understanding these roles helps you see where you might fit and what skills you need to develop.

Health and safety is a critical part of this qualification. Construction sites are hazardous environments, so you will study common hazards, risk assessments, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). You will also explore the importance of following safety signs and procedures, which are legal requirements under UK law. This knowledge is not just for exams—it is essential for keeping yourself and others safe in real workplaces.

The qualification also covers practical employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. You will learn how to interpret basic drawings, use hand tools safely, and select appropriate materials for simple tasks. These skills are transferable and will help you succeed in any job, but they are particularly relevant to construction where precision and safety are paramount.

• →Health and safety regulations: Understand the main legal requirements, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the importance of risk assessments.
• →PPE and its uses: Know the different types of personal protective equipment and when each must be worn.
• →Construction roles and responsibilities: Identify the key professionals on a construction site and what they do.
• →Tools and materials: Recognise common hand tools and building materials, and their correct uses.
• →Communication and teamwork: Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues and follow instructions.

• Award credit for correctly setting out the wall, including establishing a level line and ensuring corners are square.
• Credit demonstration of consistent mortar mixing to the correct ratio and workable consistency.
• Assess ability to lay bricks in stretcher bond with uniform 10mm joints, checking for plumb, level, and alignment with the line.
• Award credit for maintaining a clean work area, including brushing away mortar droppings and cleaning tools after completion.

• 💡Always refer to the working drawings and specifications before starting; plan your work sequence and check materials.
• 💡Use a gauge rod or tape measure to periodically check the overall height and course alignment; it's easier to correct early errors.
• 💡Keep your work area tidy as you go; it not only helps safety but also creates a positive impression for the assessor.
• 💡Always use correct terminology in your answers, such as 'hazard', 'risk', 'control measure', and 'PPE'. This shows the examiner you understand the concepts.
• 💡When answering questions about roles, give specific examples of duties. For instance, say 'the electrician installs wiring and tests circuits' rather than 'the electrician does electrics'.
• 💡Read the question carefully and note the command word. If it says 'describe', give details; if it says 'explain', give reasons and causes.

• Failing to gauge the height of the wall, leading to uneven courses and difficulty achieving level.
• Not checking each brick for plumb and level as work progresses, resulting in a leaning or uneven wall.
• Using too wet or too dry mortar, causing weak bonding or excessive droppings.
• Misconception: Hard hats are optional if you are just visiting a site. Correction: Hard hats must be worn at all times on a construction site, regardless of your role, to protect against falling objects and head injuries.
• Misconception: A risk assessment is just a paperwork exercise. Correction: A risk assessment is a systematic process to identify hazards and implement control measures, and it is a legal requirement to prevent accidents.
• Misconception: All tools are used in the same way. Correction: Each tool has a specific purpose and must be used correctly to avoid damage and injury; for example, a claw hammer is for driving nails, not for chiselling.

1. 1Week 1: Focus on health and safety. Review the Health and Safety at Work Act, common hazards, and PPE. Create flashcards for key terms and practice identifying hazards in pictures.
2. 2Week 2: Study construction roles and materials. Make a table of different roles and their responsibilities. Visit a local builders' merchant or look online to learn about materials.
3. 3Week 3: Practise exam-style questions, especially those requiring calculations and descriptions. Time yourself to improve speed.
4. 4Week 4: Review all topics, focusing on weak areas. Use active recall to test yourself without notes.

• 📋Multiple-choice questions on health and safety facts, such as 'Which PPE is used to protect the head?' – read each option carefully and eliminate obvious wrong answers.
• 📋Short-answer questions asking to 'list' or 'state' items, e.g., 'State three hazards on a building site.' – write concise, accurate points.
• 📋Extended writing questions with command words like 'describe' or 'explain', e.g., 'Explain why risk assessments are important.' – give a clear structure with reasons and examples.
• 📋Calculation questions involving weights, quantities, or areas – show all working and include units in your final answer.

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