Bricklayers will be offered the chance to learn more about modern methods of construction with the launch of the UK’s first dedicated thin joint masonry systems training course this spring. Developed in conjunction with manufacturers, contractors and the Brick Development Association, the CITB ConstructionSkills course will focus on three different thin joint systems including Porotherm, the precision engineered clay block walling system from Wienerberger.

Completion of the two-day course will enable bricklayers to apply for the thin joint masonry systems CSCS card, the industry standard qualification (Construction Systems Certification Scheme). Its broad content is also expected to appeal to designers, estimators, quantity surveyors and site managers.

Thin joint methods are becoming more popular as, by definition, they use less mortar which has benefits in terms of both cost and sustainability. Experts from Porotherm helped develop the content of the course, which covers technical, practical and theoretical aspects of the systems, and will provide product for the hands-on training sessions.

Phil Noble, technical director for Wienerberger, said: “As modern methods of construction, thin joint systems are an innovative technical solution which will be employed by the existing workforce, the skilled bricklayer. It is important for us to provide the right basic training for using the products they are likely to be working with during their careers. This course allows us to spread not only best practice construction techniques, but also an understanding of how they can make the most of these systems and appreciate why they offer such a great alternative to traditional methods.


“Construction and building materials development is in an innovative phase. Cost-conscious developers aiming to reach increasing levels of sustainability are turning to alternative solutions. Thin joint systems like Porotherm score highly on both counts, and it is up to us to ensure the workforce has the training to use the system whenever and wherever it is specified.”

The course will become available at CITB ConstructionSkills approved providers this spring, following the success of a pilot scheme held at Huyton Church Training Centre near Liverpool in September. The pilot saw experts from a variety of contractors, designers, specifiers, developers and manufacturers - including the experts from Wienerberger’s dedicated Porotherm team – coming together to develop the syllabus.

The programme covers generic links across the three main areas of thin joint building systems including specific theoretical training on clay block, Aircrete and Calcium Silicate systems. Practical sessions will include examples of the three systems available, focusing specifically on Porotherm which differs significantly from the others in terms of raw material, bed joint thickness (as little as 1mm), the fact it has no need for mortar in the vertical joints and uses approximately 95 per cent less water in comparison with traditional masonry methods.

Kenneth Buckle, senior design manager and architect for Vinci Construction UK Ltd, also made a valuable contributed to the development of the programme, he said: “This course will ensure that the training given to both bricklayers and site management teams, will deliver a good, all-round knowledge of how these systems work and the advantages they bring to modern method of construction, in addition to the sustainability debate.

“Completion of this short but comprehensive course will significantly help construction managers, quantity surveyors and bricklayers recognise the benefits thin joint masonry offers in speeding up the building programme. These systems will also improve quality and predictability in workmanship throughout the construction phase and reduce waste. They effectively take the brickwork element off the critical path – that is the completion of a weathertight shell – enabling the first fix to begin far sooner, and the facing brickwork to be undertaken at a slower pace. This method of build has been immensely successful throughout Europe over the last 30 years and it is important that here in the UK our architects and engineers start to recognise and understand the benefits they will bring to their British projects and their clients."

For more information about the ConstructionSkills course and becoming an approved provider please contact: Bill Brown of ConstructionSkills on 0300 456 557 or 07843 343 636 or by email to bill.brown@cskills.org

(GK)