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Construction

Bricklayer

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A bricklayer is someone who builds and repairs walls, chimneys, and other structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and other types of stone. It is a very important job in the construction industry. Imagine a new house being built; the bricklayer is the person who carefully lays each brick, one by one, using a special cement called mortar to stick them together. They need to be very precise and skilled to make sure walls are straight, strong, and safe. This career involves working outdoors a lot, in all kinds of weather, so it is good for someone who likes being active and does not mind getting a bit mucky! You learn to read blueprints (drawings of buildings), use tools like trowels and spirit levels, and understand different building materials. It is a very hands-on job where you can see the result of your hard work taking shape every day, building everything from homes and schools to hospitals and shops.

Bricklayer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary (UK)

A bricklayer in the UK can expect to earn around 28,000 to 35,000 pounds per year, especially once experienced. Apprentices might start on lower wages while they learn.

Entry Level Salary (UK)

Starting salaries for new bricklayers or apprentices are usually between 18,000 and 22,000 pounds per year, increasing as skills improve.

Number of Positions (UK)

There are thousands of bricklayers working across the UK. It is a vital and in-demand trade in the construction industry, with many job openings advertised regularly.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Stonemason

A Stonemason works with natural stone, cutting, shaping, and setting it to create beautiful walls, buildings, and decorative features. It's like bricklaying but with bigger, natural blocks.

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Paving Specialist

A Paving Specialist lays different types of paving, like slabs or block paving, to create paths, driveways, and patios. It's all about making flat, sturdy surfaces for people to walk or drive on.

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Restoration Bricklayer

A Restoration Bricklayer specialises in repairing and restoring old brickwork on historic buildings. They need to match old bricks and mortar perfectly to keep the building's original look.

Learn the Basics

Explore the Trade

Find out what being a bricklayer is all about by doing some research and talking to people.

You can start by looking up videos online to see bricklayers in action. Talk to a careers advisor at your school about construction jobs. If you know anyone who works in construction, ask them about their job and what a bricklayer does day-to-day. You could also visit local construction sites (from a safe distance, of course!) to see different types of buildings being made.

Practice Practical Skills

Start developing your practical skills, like measuring and working carefully with your hands, which are important for bricklaying.

Bricklaying requires precision and a good eye. You can practice similar skills at home with LEGO, building models, or even helping out with DIY projects. Learning to measure accurately and use basic tools safely, like a tape measure or a spirit level, will give you a head start. These activities help improve your hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.

Study Relevant Subjects

Choose subjects at school that will help you when you start training to be a bricklayer.

While there aren't specific 'bricklaying' subjects, Design and Technology (DT), Resistant Materials, or even Maths can be really helpful. DT helps you understand how things are built and the materials used. Maths skills, especially measurement and calculations, are crucial for figuring out how many bricks are needed or how to build a wall straight and level. English is also important for understanding instructions and communicating on a building site.

Get Qualified

Consider an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a great way to learn on the job while also getting a qualification.

A bricklaying apprenticeship usually takes 2-3 years. You'll work for a construction company, learning from experienced bricklayers, and also attend a college or training centre for part of the week. You'll learn skills like setting out walls, mixing mortar, laying bricks and blocks, and understanding different types of bonds. You'll also get paid while you learn, which is a big bonus!

Enrol in a College Course

You can also learn bricklaying skills by doing a full-time course at a college.

Look for Level 1, 2, or 3 courses in Bricklaying at your local further education college. These courses will teach you all the theory and practical skills in a workshop environment. They often cover health and safety, different types of brickwork, and how to use tools and equipment. While you won't be working on a real site as much as an apprentice, it's a structured way to gain your qualifications.

Gain Work Experience

Try to get some experience on a real building site to see what the job is like and learn practical skills.

Even if it's just for a week or two during school holidays, work experience can be invaluable. It shows you're keen and helps you understand the working environment. You might start by helping with simple tasks like carrying materials or keeping the site tidy, but you'll be observing skilled bricklayers and learning how a site operates. This experience can also help you secure an apprenticeship later on.

Start Your Career

Find Your First Job

Look for opportunities to start working as a bricklayer once you have your qualifications or during your apprenticeship.

Many apprentices get hired by the company they trained with. If not, you can look for jobs with local construction firms, house builders, or specialist masonry companies. Websites like Indeed, Gov.uk (for apprenticeships), and construction-specific job boards are good places to start. Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications, work experience, and practical skills.

Keep Learning and Developing

Bricklaying is a skill that you can always improve and learn new techniques for.

Once you're working, continue to learn from experienced colleagues. You might want to gain more advanced qualifications, like an NVQ Level 3, or specialise in certain areas like restoration or decorative brickwork. The construction industry is always evolving, so staying up-to-date with new materials and techniques will make you an even better bricklayer.

Build a Good Reputation

Being reliable, hardworking, and friendly will help you succeed and get more work.

On a building site, it's important to be on time, work hard, and follow safety rules. Being a team player, communicating well with your colleagues, and taking pride in your work will make you a valued member of any team. A good reputation can lead to more job opportunities, better projects, and even the chance to become self-employed later in your career.

🎬 Useful Videos

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Bricklayer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Current Career

Bricklayer

Laying bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls.

Advanced Careers

Construction site supervisor

Supervising specialist contractors and workers on construction projects.

Plasterer - Fibrous plasterer

Preparing walls and ceilings for decoration and finishing.

Property maintenance operative

Ensuring that buildings are in a safe working condition.

Military engineering construction technician - Building & Structural Finisher

Multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradesmen.

Stonemason - Banker Stonemason

Install new natural sustainable and ethically sourced stone or conserve, repair or replace existing natural stone in buildings and/or landscape projects.

Stonemason - Exterior Stone Fixer

Install new natural sustainable and ethically sourced stone or conserve, repair or replace existing natural stone in buildings and/or landscape projects.

Stonemason - Heritage Stonemason

Install new natural sustainable and ethically sourced stone or conserve, repair or replace existing natural stone in buildings and/or landscape projects.

Stonemason - Interior Stone Fixer

Install new natural sustainable and ethically sourced stone or conserve, repair or replace existing natural stone in buildings and/or landscape projects.

Stonemason - Memorial Stonemason

Install new natural sustainable and ethically sourced stone or conserve, repair or replace existing natural stone in buildings and/or landscape projects.

Stonemason - Stone Facade Preservation

Install new natural sustainable and ethically sourced stone or conserve, repair or replace existing natural stone in buildings and/or landscape projects.

Sample Qualifications

How to become

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Onsite Trades Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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

Work

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

More Information

Registration

Further information

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

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