What does a bricklayer do?

From laying bricks and concrete blocks to pre-cutting stones and preparing the mortar, the tasks conducted by a bricklayer are varied and well rounded. A mason builds, constructs and repairs domestic or commercial buildings. Bricklayers or masons are part of the core construction team and are critical to the structure of a building due to the fact that they are responsible for the foundations. Traditionally, bricklayers mostly used bricks and concrete cinder blocks. However, construction methods and materials have evolved and bricklayers are having to diversify their expertise and learn fast. Today’s constructions can be made of marble, structural tiles, terracotta blocks or even glass blocks. All of these are still sealed with mortar, which all bricklayers are familiar with.

Bricklayer skills and qualifications

Bricklayers spend a lot of time on their feet, carrying bricks or blocks of concrete. Most of the work is done outdoors. A good fitness level is required for this job. Successful bricklayer candidates have the following skills to be able to fulfil their duties in the role:

• Be detail oriented and have a methodical approach
• Have knowledge of construction and building
• Be able to work as part of a group of construction workers
• Work with tight timelines and be able to handle pressure
• Be manual and agile with their hands
• Be hard working and resilient
• Have stamina and strength. This is essential to perform productive work throughout the shift and handle weather changes.

Bricklayer experience requirements

In the construction industry, having experience is a true asset when it comes to employment opportunities. A blend of basic qualifications and experience is preferred. Some of the standard experience requirements for bricklayers include adaptability (due to the diversity of the tasks), stamina (to ensure continuous productivity), knowledge of building regulations, technical proficiency and mechanical know-how. This knowledge of what happens on the ground blended with the appropriate qualifications are proof points of the expertise required for the job.

Bricklayer education and training requirements

Different routes are available to those wanting to become a bricklayer. The three options available are a college course, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. The first possibility is college training with a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills, Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying or Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations. There are no formal entry requirements for the Level 1 Certificate. Apprenticeship is another route to becoming a bricklayer. This can be done with a construction firm and requires 30 hours a week of work on the ground. The advantage of this route is that it blends on-the-job experience and technical training due to the time split. GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in maths and English are required. Starting as a construction site labourer with an employer willing to provide training can lead to getting the qualifications as well. As with most construction jobs, enthusiasm is just as important as qualifications.

Bricklayer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a bricklayer in the United Kingdom is £31,851 per year. As with many jobs, salaries vary depending on the level of experience, the employer, the location and the fluctuation between market demand and jobseekers at the time of the application.

Job description samples for similar positions

Use our Indeed article on how to write a job description here to create the best job description possible for a bricklayer. You can also check for other job description samples that are posted on our site for other roles in the construction industry.

• Construction Manager
• Construction Superintendent
• Construction Worker
• Labourer

Bricklayer job description FAQs

Do bricklayers need a CSCS card?

For their candidature to be considered, bricklayers must have a CSCS card. There are different levels for the card. Bricklayers with an NVQ at Level 1 qualify for the Green Bricklayers CSCS card, whereas bricklayers with an NVQ of at least Level 2 have the blue card. Managerial bricklayers have the gold CSCS card.

How many bricks per day can a bricklayer lay?

The number of bricks that a bricklayer can lay every day is quite subjective as it is dependent on the weather, the type of brick, the complexity of the building and many other factors. However, on average, it is estimated that a bricklayer lays 300 to 500 bricks per day.

What can a bricklayer specialise in?

With the appropriate experience and qualifications, a bricklayer can move towards a construction site supervisor role, or can specialise in decorative brickwork or stone masonry. A bricklayer can also choose to set up their own business.