Introduction Bricklayers work on the construction and maintenance of council property. Bricklayers are skilled craftspeople who turn the plans of engineers and architects into real structures. They build all types of walls for new buildings, renovations, extensions, tunnels, archways, drainage systems, and so on.

Work Environment

Bricklayers work inside and outside, in all weathers. The work is very physical and requires a lot of standing, bending, kneeling, lifting and carrying. Bricklayers wear hard hats and boots with steel toe-caps; with extra protective clothing, such as goggles, gloves and ear defenders for some jobs. They work at heights, using ladders and scaffolding; and sometimes, in confined spaces.

Bricklayers normally start work early, around 7.30-8am. They continue to around 4-5.30pm, depending on daylight hours. They may be required to travel around the local area to work on different projects.

Daily Activities

On smaller projects, bricklayers may be expected to prepare the site, which involves:

• following plans and measurements to mark out the position of walls and ‘quoins’ (corners), using string and pegs
• preparing foundations by digging trenches and filling them with crushed stones and concrete.

When building begins, bricklayers:

• working to precise plans, which show, for example, where doors and windows are, what materials to use, and what ‘bonds’ (ways of laying bricks) to use;
• planning their work to ensure that any cuts in brickwork fall under windows or doors where they are less noticeable;
• selecting appropriate tools for the job, such as club hammers, brick hammers, chisels and different sized trowels, or power tools, such as disc cutters;
• selecting the materials they need – bricks, breeze blocks, patterned blocks, chalk, flint, etc.;
• mixing mortar and spreading it carefully between layers of bricks;
• constantly checking that all vertical and horizontal lines are level, using spirit levels and plumblines;
• carrying out decorative work, for example, laying bricks at an angle with the corners projecting; making one line of bricks stand out from the rest of the wall; or using a different material, such as chalk, to introduce a pattern.

Skills & Interests

Bricklayers need:

• to be skilled using their hands,
• the ability to work quickly and neatly,
• to be safety conscious,
• basic maths for measuring accurately and doing straight forward calculations,
• to work well as part of a team,
• to be able to work without constant supervision.

Entry Requirements

There are no set entry requirements, though some GCSEs/S grades or equivalent vocational qualifications may be required for trainee bricklayers. English, maths and technology are useful subjects.

Training schemes generally combine on-the-job experience with part-time attendance at college, for example through an Apprenticeship. There may be a selection test for some training schemes or Apprenticeships.

NVQs/SVQs in Bricklaying are available at levels 2 and 3.

Estimated salary range

Around £13,000 per year, although there may be bonuses and overtime pay.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

With experience and further training, bricklayers may be able to progress to supervisory jobs or roles within construction management.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Building Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Construction Skills www.citb.co.uk

Apprenticeship information www.apprenticeships.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under BB.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Bricklayer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.