Course Overview:
The Bricklaying & Construction course at St. Pierre and Alix Vocational Institute provides learners with foundational skills in the building and construction industry. This hands-on program equips students with the practical knowledge needed to build residential and commercial structures, maintain infrastructure, and work confidently on construction sites. As Uganda’s population and urbanization continue to grow, demand for skilled masons and builders is increasing—making this course a direct pathway to employment and self-reliance.
The program blends technical training, safety education, and entrepreneurship, preparing learners to either join the workforce or start their own construction businesses.
What You Will Learn:
1. Building Tools and Materials
Students start by identifying and handling key tools used in construction—trowels, spirit levels, wheelbarrows, hammers, measuring tapes, and more. They learn about different types of bricks, cement, sand, aggregates, and water ratios. Understanding how to select and mix materials correctly is foundational to quality construction.
2. Site Preparation and Setting Out
Before a structure is built, the ground must be prepared and marked. Trainees learn how to interpret building plans, set out building lines, excavate foundations, and align walls using plumb lines and leveling tools. Precision at this stage ensures stability and proper design.
3. Bricklaying Techniques
From laying a single brick to constructing a full wall, learners are guided through bonding methods, mortar mixing, spacing, corner laying, and height control. Techniques include stretcher bond, header bond, and English bond patterns used in various parts of a structure.
4. Wall Construction and Finishing
Students progress to constructing full walls with openings for doors and windows, creating arches, and applying finishing techniques like rendering, plastering, and pointing. They also learn to use reinforcements for stability and strength.
5. Roofing Basics and Floor Construction
While full roofing is covered in other construction modules, students are introduced to the basics of roofing support, slab preparation, and laying simple floors using concrete screed. Proper drainage, slope calculation, and curing are emphasized.
6. Estimation, Costing, and Site Management
Learners are trained in how to measure materials, estimate quantities, and calculate the cost of small projects. They also learn basic record-keeping, scheduling, and site safety management to ensure efficiency and compliance on worksites.
7. Safety and Environmental Health
Construction can be dangerous without proper precautions. Students are taught how to use personal protective equipment (PPE), follow site safety rules, handle tools responsibly, and manage waste to reduce environmental impact.
Who This Course Is For:
- Young men and women seeking marketable construction skills
- School leavers (P.7, S.4, S.6) looking for practical career paths
- Adults interested in joining the building industry
- Individuals planning to start construction businesses or build their own homes
No previous experience is required, though learners should be physically fit and willing to work in outdoor and hands-on environments.
Practical Experience:
Training is conducted both in the classroom and on actual construction sites within or near the institute. Students participate in building projects like fencing, pit latrines, classroom repairs, and garden sheds—gaining experience from foundation to finishing. This fieldwork enhances confidence and gives students a real sense of contribution and achievement.
Learners also construct practice walls and demo structures as part of their internal exams and DIT assessment.
Certification and Career Pathways:
Upon completion, students are awarded a national certificate in Bricklaying and Construction through the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT). This certificate qualifies them for employment or apprenticeship in construction firms, NGOs, and government projects.
Career options include:
- Assistant mason or foreman
- Site technician or building crew member
- Self-employed bricklayer
- Home builder or project manager
- Construction trainer in community-based programs
Many of our graduates go on to form local building teams, subcontract for small projects, or offer renovation and repair services in their communities.
Course Duration:
This course runs for 12 to 18 months, including classroom theory, field practice, and national assessments. A short course option (4–6 months) is available for those interested in basic wall construction and home improvement only.
Materials Required:
The institute provides bricks, cement, and basic tools for practice. Students are advised to have:
- Steel-toe boots or strong shoes
- Overalls or work clothes
- A personal tape measure and notebook
Safety gloves and helmet (provided or purchased through the school)
Success Story:
Joseph Basalirwa, a former student, began as a casual laborer but after completing the program, now runs a small building company in Wakiso. He hires two other graduates from the institute and specializes in house foundations, walls, and boundary fencing. His services are now booked through referrals and community partnerships.
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