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All Job CategoriesBricklayer
Bricklayer
Mason, brickie
Bricklayers build houses, repair walls and chimneys and refurbish decorative stonework. They also work on restoration projects.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£40000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
away from home
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You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
College
You can take a college course like a
Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills, Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations, T Level in On Site Construction
Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills, Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations, T Level in On Site Construction
These courses teach the skills needed for the job and can help you to find a trainee position with a building company.
Some colleges and private training organisations may offer short or part-time bricklaying 'taster' courses. These may help you try the job if you're thinking of a change in career.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
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 do a
Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These usually take between 2 and 3 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
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 with a bricklaying 'gang' and take training on the job to become a bricklayer.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can join an organisation like the Federation of Master Builders for professional recognition and training opportunities.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a bricklayer from Go Construct and
House Building Careers.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
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
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
The ability to work well with your hands
Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
The ability to organise your time and workload
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could
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 that rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line
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 that rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line
Working environment
You could work on a construction site.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers, at height and you'll travel often.
You could specialise in a particular type of bricklaying like heritage work or stonemasonry.
You could become self-employed and set up your own business.
With experience, you could become a construction site supervisor, or move into related areas like estimating, training or teaching apprentices or students in a further education college.
Find out more about teaching in further education from teach in further education.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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