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How to become a Bricklayer

Bricklayer

Career progression and salary expectations for a Bricklayer

1

Apprentice Bricklayer

| Up to £12,000
2

Bricklayer

| Up to £24,000
3

Bricklaying Instructor

| Up to £30,000

The role of a Bricklayer

Looking to build a new career? We might have the perfect position for you…

Bricklayers build, repair and maintain interior and exterior walls, as well as any other type of brickwork.

The majority of their work is carried out within the home, however, they are absolutely vital in a number of other areas of construction, with everything from archways and partitions through to chimney stacks and tunnel linings requiring a Bricklayer’s expertise.

Although bricks are their primary material, they may also use concrete blocks, stone, or precast panels to complete the job.

Day-to-day duties for a Bricklayer may include:

  • Measuring the work area
  • Cutting bricks to size
  • Mixing mortar
  • Laying horizontal rows of bricks (known as ‘courses’)
  • Checking that all rows are level, and fixed into place
  • Making access holes for other tradesman
  • Ensuring that walls are waterproof, and weatherproof
It takes a good level of physical strength and stamina to become a Bricklayer, not to mention excellent hand-eye coordination.

The majority of your time will be spent working outside, sometimes in difficult and dangerous conditions, so may not be ideal for anyone who isn’t a big fan of heights or standing on scaffolding (see also: adhering to health and safety regulations).

Finally, as the role involves a lot of repetition, patience will similarly be a virtue. Something which may be worth bearing in mind if you want to avoid hitting a brick wall – literally.

N.B. Terrible bricklaying puns may not be essential…

Other key skills for a Bricklayer include:

  • Excellent mathematical ability
  • Organisational skills
  • The ability to read and understand blueprints
  • Attention to detail
  • An in-depth knowledge of construction materials and processes
  • Proficiency using both hand and power tools
"I started doing casual labour and construction work pretty much as soon as I left school. If I’m honest, mainly because I didn’t really know what else I wanted to do. After doing some basic brickwork on a few sites, I decided to enrol on a bricklaying apprenticeship – and, to this day, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. As a full-qualified Bricklayer, I mostly work on house construction these days, erecting walls and helping building the shell of the house. But it’s great. I get to do something I love and work outside, come wind, (light) rain or shine. Just not heavy rain. It ruins the bricks…"

Get qualified as a Bricklayer

You will not generally need any formal qualifications in order to become a Bricklayer. However, on-site experience (such as through an apprenticeship) may help you get started, and specific bricklaying certifications could help you get your foot in the door.

Recommended Bricklaying courses

  • Bricklaying for DIY Enthusiasts

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    You have had a vague understanding of Bricklaying for a long time, and now you have decided that enough is enough! You want to push yourself into the next gear. And to help you with pressing the accelerator, we are here with a comprehensive Bricklaying course. So, it’s time to go …
    £12

  • Construction Management & Bricklaying Diploma - QLS Endorsed

    Academy for Health & Fitness
    Level 5 Diploma(QLS Hard Copy Certificate Included)>255 CPD Points>Gift: 10 CPD Course + PDF Certificate>Lifetime Access
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    • 370 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 255 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ★★★ 24-Hour Knowledge Knockdown! Prices Reduced Like Never Before ★★★ The construction industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, employing millions of people and generating billions of pounds each year. The industry is forecast to grow by 3.9% in 2024, creating over 160 …
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