In response to a crucial gap in the industry’s training offerings for bricklayers and aligning with The Building Safety Act, the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC), Rawlplug and Grayson are proud to unveil a groundbreaking CITB-approved Masonry Fixings Course tailored specifically for bricklayers. With a keen focus on competency and safety in bricklaying, this innovative one-day training programme promises to equip bricklayers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their craft.

Stemming from a huge gap in the sector’s educational landscape and combined with a heightened emphasis on competency within the industry, the UK’s leading construction consumables supplier, Grayson, realised the need for a masonry fixings course tailored specifically to bricklayers. Designed as a comprehensive blend of theory and hands-on practice, the course will take learners through all the different fixings and products used by bricklayers on site. The aim is to train 250 students in the first 12 months, setting the stage for a transformative shift in the bricklaying sector.

Taking place at Rawlplug’s state-of-the-art training centres in Reading and Glasgow, the course will exclusively use Rawlplug tools and equipment. Crucially, the course aligns with the standards set forth by Eve Livett from the ABC, enabling learners to access grants to support their education journey. Furthermore, successful completion of the accreditation entitles individuals to have their competency recognised on their CSCS cards.

CEO of the ABC, Eve Livett, says: “This initiative is not merely about skill-building, it’s about safeguarding the future of construction. As part of our commitment to enhancing safety, we are immensely proud to integrate this course into the new competency frameworks mandated by the Building Safety Act.

The industry is changing, and so must our approach to training. By investing in tailored training and education, we can ensure that every individual working on high-risk buildings is equipped to meet the safety demands of the modern construction era. This course is a significant step forward, bridging the gap between traditional bricklaying techniques and modern safety requirements. By equipping our workforce with these essential skills, we are not only enhancing their professional capabilities but also contributing to the overall safety and quality of our built environment. This proactive approach will help foster a culture of continuous improvement and vigilance, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient construction practices.”

Tony Higson, Managing Director at Grayson, comments: “At Grayson, we have always been committed to advancing the standards of our industry through innovation and education. The inspiration behind the Masonry Fixings Course arose from our observation of a significant gap in the available training for bricklayers, particularly in the area of fixings and anchors.

Recognising the critical role that masonry fixings play in ensuring the safety and integrity of brickwork, we saw an urgent need to develop a specialised training program that not only addresses these technical aspects but also aligns with the new competency requirements of the Building Safety Act. Our goal is to empower bricklayers with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their trade and to contribute to safer, more resilient building practices.”

Pietro Grandesso, Managing Director of Rawlplug UK, adds: “We are thrilled to partner with the ABC and Grayson to launch this pioneering Masonry Fixings Course. At Rawlplug, we believe that the foundation of a safe and successful construction industry lies in proper training and the right tools. This course is a reflection of our commitment to excellence and innovation in construction practices. By providing bricklayers with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience using our state-of-the-art tools, we are helping to elevate industry standards and ensure that safety is paramount in every project.”

Interested participants can book their slots for the course via the ABC’s online booking system. The course fee is set at £220 per person for the one-day session, £140 of which can be claimed back through CITB.