Learning bricklaying

Some people start bricklaying straight from school. Others come to it after another career. There are a few ways in.

What bricklayers do

The National Careers Service lists the day-to-day tasks. A bricklayer reads building plans, measures the work area and sets out the first rows of bricks or blocks. They mix mortar, lay bricks with a trowel, and shape and trim bricks with hammers, chisels and power tools. They check that rows are straight with a spirit level, a laser level or a plumb line. They also repoint old brickwork and build ornamental features.

The service says the work may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and at height.

Three ways in

In England, the National Careers Service names three routes. A person can take a college course, start an apprenticeship, or work towards the role.

College courses include basic construction skills, bricklaying and the T Level in On Site Construction. For the T Level, students need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths, or the equivalent. Some colleges and training organisations may also offer short or part-time taster courses, which the service suggests for people thinking about a change of career.

The third route starts on site. People can begin as a labourer or hod carrier with a bricklaying team, and train on the job.

For more on becoming a bricklayer, the service points to Go Construct.

Apprenticeships

The National Careers Service names three bricklaying apprenticeships:

A foundation apprenticeship is open to people aged 16 to 21, and to some people aged 22 to 24. It usually needs no particular qualifications or experience.

GOV.UK says an apprentice is an employee, earning a wage and getting holiday pay. At least 20% of their normal working hours goes on training and study. To start one in England, a person has to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education.

Skills Bootcamps

The Department for Education's Skills for Careers service describes Skills Bootcamps for adults. They run for up to 16 weeks, and the subjects include construction. People need to be 19 or over.

The service says each bootcamp ends with a guaranteed job interview with an employer. Not every bootcamp leads to a qualification, so the course details are the place to check. People find a bootcamp through the National Careers Service and apply to the training provider.

Cards and site safety

The National Careers Service says a bricklayer needs a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, or an equivalent, to train and work on a construction site.

CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board, is the skills and standards body for construction in Great Britain. It offers the health, safety and environment (HS&E) test, which CITB says proves a person's health, safety and environment knowledge for work on site.

Outside England

The Skills for Careers service links to the careers services for the rest of the UK. They are Careers Wales, My World of Work in Scotland, and nidirect in Northern Ireland.

Useful links