Bricklayer

 

Bricklayers build houses, repair walls and chimneys, and refurbish decorative stonework.  They also work on restoration projects.

Bricklayers are also known as Masons or brickies.

You can get into this job through:

    • a College Course
    • an Apprenticeship
    • working towards this role on the job

College Course

College courses you could look at:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
  • Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying
  • Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations

These courses will teach you some of the skills needed for the job and can help you to find a trainee position with a building company.

You will usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G) for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an intermediate bricklaying apprenticeship.  This will usually take two years to complete.

You will do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

You will need some GCSEs, usually including English and Maths.

Click below for more information:

Apprenticeships

 

Work Based

You could start as a construction site labourer and take training on the job to become a bricklayer.

Individual companies will have their own entry qualifications when you apply for a job.

 

You’ll need the following skills:

  • some knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

 

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

    • measuring work areas and setting out the first rows of bricks or blocks
    • mixing mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
    • applying mortar with a trowel and laying bricks on top of each other
    • shaping and trimming bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
    • checking that rows are straight using a spirit level and plumb line

The following salaries are a guide only and will be less if you are working as an apprentice:

  • Starter: £15,000
  • Experienced: £35,000

 

Working Conditions

  • You could work on a construction site.

  • Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, physically demanding and you’ll travel often.

  • You may need to wear protective clothing.

  • You will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.

Further Information

For further information click on the links below:

Next Steps

Prospects

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