Bricklayer
What is the work like?
Bricklayers build and repair walls, chimney stacks, tunnel linings and decorative stonework like archways. Jobs can range from a house extension to a large commercial development. Bricklayers also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects.
As a bricklayer your work would involve:
- measuring the work area and setting out the first rows (courses) and damp course, following the architect's plans
- mixing mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
- working from the corners inwards, building up the courses, laying the bricks on top of each other and applying the mortar with a trowel (for efficiency, bricklaying teams or 'gangs' often employ a labourer to keep them supplied with bricks and mortar)
- shaping and trimming bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
- checking courses are straight with water or laser spirit-levels and plumb lines.
As the walls go up, scaffolders put up platforms to allow you to continue building the higher storeys. Joiners usually follow closely behind fitting door and window frames in line with the design blueprints.
On larger jobs, your gang would work on a particular section of a building alongside other bricklaying gangs. With the right skills, you may also be able to specialise in stonemasonry work. See the profile for Stonemason.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a bricklayer, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, then you could think about working as a labourer to get site experience. Once working, your employer may be willing to offer you training in bricklaying (see Training section).
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a building firm. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To be eligible for an Apprenticeship, you may need some GCSE in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or vocational qualifications such as Edexcel Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction, which has bricklaying options.
As an alternative, you could take a college course in bricklaying. This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job but employers may still want to see some site experience.
College courses include:
- Edexcel First Diploma in Construction (bricklaying options)
- City & Guilds Basic Skills in Construction award: Bricklaying (6217)
- Intermediate/Advanced Construction Award (Trowel Occupations – Bricklaying).
For more details about bricklaying qualifications, check with ConstructionSkills and your local college.
ConstructionSkills also has information on building careers and qualifications. The construction trades are also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a bricklayer, you can take NVQ qualifications. You would normally work towards NVQ in Trowel Occupations levels 1 to 3. This contains units covering:
- setting out work areas
- preparing mortars
- laying bricks and blocks
- building masonry structures.
Contact ConstructionSkills for more information about work-based qualifications and details of training providers.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme
With the right skills and experience, you could apply for a training place on the The Traditional Building Skills Bursary scheme.
This scheme aims to address some of the skills shortages within the traditional crafts and built heritage sector. It offers bursaries and organises work-based training placements for eligible applicants who want to develop their skills in these areas.
To find out more about the scheme, eligibility and what placements are available, visit the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme website.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0844 248 5262King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- A bricklaying labourer can earn up to £15,000 a year.
- Qualified bricklayers can earn between £16,000 and £23,000 a year.
- Experienced bricklayers, including instructors, can earn up to £30,000 a year.
Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Self-employed bricklayers negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday, although overtime at weekends and evenings is common to meet deadlines.
You would be working outside in most weather conditions, and the work is physically demanding. You would also work at heights on scaffolding.
On all jobs, you would use protective equipment, such as safety helmets and boots, and sometimes gloves, goggles and ear defenders. You would travel from site to site on jobs, and some contracts may require you to work away from home at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- the ability to read technical drawings and plans
- the ability to work methodically and accurately
- an awareness of safety issues, especially when working at heights and carrying loads
- the ability to work as part of a team and with other tradespeople
- a good level of fitness.
What opportunities are there?
You would find work with building contractors and local authorities, but you could also work as a self-employed bricklayer, sub-contracting your skills and labour, with the building contractor supplying the materials.
Your prospects as a qualified bricklayer are very good, due to the expansion of urban regeneration programmes, schools and hospitals building programmes and large development projects around the country. The construction industry estimates that it will need about 5,000 new bricklayers every year between now and 2011.
With experience, you could progress to supervisory jobs, for example site supervisor and clerk of works, or related areas, such as estimating and construction management. You would also have the option to work as a bricklaying instructor at a training centre or college.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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