On-site

Bricklayer

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

Annual Salary

£25,000 to £45,000

Working hours

40 to 44 a week

You could work: between 8am and 6pm; away from home

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% fewer Bricklayer jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

As a bricklayer, you would:

  • read and follow building plans for each job
  • measure work areas and set out the first rows of bricks or blocks
  • mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
  • use a trowel to lay bricks and mortar
  • shape and trim bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
  • check rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line
  • build architectural and ornamental brickwork features

Working environment

You may need to wear protective clothing.

You could work on a construction site.

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

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
College

You can take a college course like:

  • basic construction skills
  • bricklaying
  • T Level in On Site Construction

These courses teach you some of the skills you'll need to find a trainee bricklayer job with a construction company.

Some colleges and private training organisations may offer short or part-time bricklaying 'taster' courses. These may be of help to you if you're thinking of a change in career.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
For more information
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a:

  • Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These usually take around 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work

You could start as a construction site labourer or hod carrier with a bricklaying 'gang' and take training on the job to become a bricklayer.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a bricklayer from Go Construct and House Building Careers.

With experience, you could become a:bricklaying team supervisor; construction estimator; site inspector

You might continue to develop your craft skills to specialise in heritage brickwork or stonemasonry.

You could also become a self-employed contractor or set up your own business.

A further option is to train apprentice bricklayers at a further education college.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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