How To Become A Bricklayer: A Complete Guide

Bricklaying is an ancient and respected profession that is significant to the construction industry. Bricklaying offers a fulfilling career with a mix of physical activity and skilled craftsmanship. If you’ve ever admired a well-constructed wall or building, you may have witnessed the craftsmanship of a skilled bricklayer.

Are you interested in becoming one? If so, let’s go through this blog to help you build a solid foundation for your bricklaying career.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

• Preparing work areas and materials
• Cutting and shaping bricks to fit specific designs
• Applying mortar and setting bricks
• Ensuring alignment and structural integrity
• Cleaning and maintaining tools

How to become a Bricklayer?

If you want to become a bricklayer, you need to be certified and have the necessary skills and qualities. Here are the steps to becoming a bricklayer:

Educational Requirements

You don’t need a college degree to become a bricklayer. However, a solid educational foundation is beneficial. Completing your college studies will increase your chances of finding bricklaying jobs. Moreover, there are other essential skills in math, reading, and technical drawing provided by colleges. Courses in these areas can be particularly useful. For this reason, it’s important that you finish your education before looking for employment.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a fantastic route to a rewarding career in bricklaying. It combines on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing you to gain practical experience while earning qualifications. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a bricklayer through an apprenticeship:

• Benefits: Apprenticeships offer several advantages. You’ll receive a salary while you learn, reducing the financial burden of education. The hands-on experience gained under the guidance of experienced bricklayers is precious. Apprenticeships also end with recognised qualifications, making you a competitive candidate in the job market.
• Requirements: Entry requirements for bricklaying apprenticeships can vary. Typically, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to pass basic math and English tests. Some programmes might prefer applicants with some construction experience or a relevant vocational course.

Training

To increase your chances of becoming a bricklayer, you might enrol in some renowned online courses. These courses are CPD-certified, which makes you eligible to work in the UK. Moreover, you can visit the Unified Course to take the Bricklaying Training Course to achieve the desired certificate. Our courses are knowledge-based and focused on providing you with all the valuable insights. 

If you intend to change careers and enter the bricklaying field, consider our bricklaying course certificate. It will have a positive impact on your resume, making employers confident in recruiting you.

Earn a CSCS Card

A CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is a key step for any aspiring bricklayer in the UK. It shows your commitment to health, safety, and industry standards, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. The steps to earn a CSCS card include:

• Identify the Right CSCS Card: There are different CSCS cards corresponding to various skill levels in construction, such as Green CSCS Card (Labourer), Blue CSCS Card (Skilled Worker), and Gold CSCS Card (Site Supervisor)
• Pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test: This mandatory test assesses your understanding of health and safety practices crucial on a construction site.
• Obtain Your Bricklaying Qualification: To qualify for a Blue CSCS card (or higher), you’ll need a recognised qualification like an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in bricklaying. 
• Apply for the CSCS Card: Once you have passed the CITB test and have the required qualifications, you can apply for your CSCS card online or by phone.

Apply for Bricklayer Positions

The easiest step to becoming a bricklayer is applying for jobs. It is easier because you can ask the organisation where you have completed your apprenticeship to hire you. Moreover, you can search for jobs on the Internet, as various opportunities are available. If you have the necessary certifications and skills, you are bound to get a job in this field. However, you must show resilience in any application process; your efforts will help you secure a job.

What Skills and Qualities do Bricklayers need?

Bricklaying requires a unique mixture of physical ability, technical skills, and personal qualities to be successful. Here are some of the important skills and qualities for bricklayers:

Physical Skills:

• Strength and Stamina: Bricklaying involves lifting, carrying, and manoeuvring heavy bricks and materials throughout the workday. Physical endurance is essential.
• Good Hand-Eye Coordination: Precise placement of bricks is important. Bricklayers need excellent hand-eye coordination to ensure straight lines and level structures.
• Balance and Agility: Working on scaffolds and uneven surfaces requires good balance and agility to navigate the job site safely.

Technical Skills:

• Attention to Detail: Brickwork needs to be accurate. Bricklayers must have a keen eye for detail to ensure consistent mortar application, perfect alignment, and level courses.
• Following Blueprints: Interpreting blueprints and architectural drawings is important to understand the design specifications and build structures accurately.
• Skilled Tool Use: Bricklayers use various tools like bricklaying profiles, trowels, levels, hammers, and brick chisels. Proficiency in using these tools efficiently and safely is necessary.
• Problem-Solving: Minor issues can occur during construction. Bricklayers need to be resourceful and able to find solutions for uneven surfaces, chipped bricks, or unexpected obstacles.
• Basic Math Skills: Measurements, calculations for materials, and layout planning all require a good foundation in math.

Personal Qualities:

• Teamwork: Bricklayers rarely work alone. They collaborate with other construction workers, like labourers and supervisors to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Work Ethics: Bricklaying is a demanding job. A strong work ethic, dedication to quality, and the ability to meet deadlines are crucial.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with colleagues and supervisors is vital to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Patience: Bricklaying requires meticulous work and can be time-consuming. Patience is key to achieving high-quality results.
• Physical Fitness: The job involves lifting heavy materials, bending, kneeling, and working outdoors in various weather conditions. A good level of physical fitness is necessary.

Bricklayer Earnings: Key factor for choosing this profession

Choosing a career path goes beyond just passion and interest. Financial stability is also a major factor. A bricklayer’s average salary in the UK typically ranges from £28,800 to £48,000 annually. This range can vary depending on experience, location, and whether you’re employed or self-employed. 

Moreover, if you choose the self-employed route, your earnings can fluctuate depending on the number of contracts you secure. However, you have the potential to earn far more if you manage your business effectively.

Conclusion

Becoming a bricklayer is a rewarding career choice, offering a blend of physical work and creative satisfaction. By following these steps, gaining the necessary skills and experience, and staying updated with industry trends, you can become a successful professional in bricklaying. Moreover, the Unified Course is also there to help you advance your professional career in bricklaying. It also offers Construction Project Management courses that are relevant to this sector, which can elevate your career.