Bricklaying Masterclasses Improve New Builds

Brickwork masterclasses are having a positive impact on the quality of new home builds as the sector faces increased pressures.

An independent evaluation from researchers at Harlow Consulting shows the concept of Brickwork Masterclasses, which are delivered on sites across the country, has resulted in positive change.

The masterclass in bricklaying aims to decrease the level of warranty claims on new builds, improve the confidence of the existing workforce, as well as the reputation of the industry.

The scheme which was launched by The Home Building Skills Partnership initiative, and developed with National House Building Council (NHBC) and the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC), is funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Craig Hughes, Commissioning Manager at CITB, said: “We are delighted that this CITB funded project is having a positive impact on the quality of brickwork across the country, helping to decrease the level of warranty claims on new builds, and improve bricklayers’ confidence and knowledge.”

The evaluation of the masterclasses found bricklayers had better communication, understood more about the impact that defects have in terms of insurance and claims, and helped them to understand the consequences of poor workmanship.

Tracey Hill, Project and Contract Manager at Home Building Skills Partnership said, “As we look to deliver continuous improvements in the quality and energy efficiency of new build homes, these courses allow us to strengthen and develop the skills and competences of one of our key trades.”

The report also highlights the current level of skilled bricklayers in the UK is almost a quarter of the size needed to meet government targets for building new homes.

With the pressure to deliver high quality homes to tight timelines, remedial brickwork can be costly. The masterclasses help those working onsite improve skills in areas such as cavity wall construction, sound insulation and more. 

The housebuilding industry is a major employer in the UK, with an estimated 800,000 people directly or indirectly supported by the planning, design and delivery of new homes. According to Nomis annual population data, there are around 60,900 bricklayers working in the UK.

Jennifer Brennan, Director at Harlow Consulting, said, “Our report shows how research and evaluation can be invaluable in measuring the impact of interventions like this. We’re proud to support The Home Building Skills Partnership in their important work, that ultimately helps improve standards and skills, saves money for the sector at large, and supports important quality assurance for the public, when the housing market is under such demand and pressure.”

Tracey Hill added, “The results from Harlow Consulting show the positive impact the Brickwork Masterclass programme has had. The findings have supported the case for more funding from CITB to roll out more of the masterclasses, to build on these positive results.”

The 2018 Letwin review estimated a need for 15,000 more trained bricklayers by 2023.

The classes will be available throughout 2023, to make a booking go to the NHBC training website www.nhbc.co.uk

For media enquiries and/or to be sent the full report contact clair@causeuk.com 0753 194 8014

EDITORS NOTES

About Harlow Consulting

Changing Lives Through Research

Harlow Consulting is a full-service research and evaluation agency operating across the UK. Our directors have over 30 years’ combined research experience in a wide variety of sectors including construction, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), heritage and healthcare. We also work extensively in the education sector, and develop qualifications, standards and apprenticeship frameworks.

We are passionate about delivering high-quality research that makes an impact.

https://www.harlowconsulting.co.uk

About the Home Building Skills Partnership

The Home Building Skills Partnership (HBSP) was set up by the Home Builders Federation in 2016 (initially funded by CITB) and is a collaboration of home builders and supply chain organisations working together to attract and develop the workforce of the future and in doing so change the culture of the home building sector.

The HBSP team leads on and supports work to help tackle skills gaps and shortages and ensure sufficient capacity within the workforce to deliver the supply of good quality new homes the country needs.

https://www.hbf.co.uk/