1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Bricklayer

Bricklayer

Alternative titles for this job include Mason, brickie

Bricklayers build houses, repair walls and chimneys and refurbish decorative stonework. They also work on heritage and restoration projects.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Bricklayer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You can take a college course like:

  • basic construction skills
  • bricklaying
  • T Level in On Site Construction

These courses teach you some of the skills you'll need to find a trainee bricklayer job with a construction company.

Some colleges and private training organisations may offer short or part-time bricklaying 'taster' courses. These may be of help to you if you're thinking of a change in career.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a:

  • Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These usually take around 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a construction site labourer or hod carrier with a bricklaying 'gang' and take training on the job to become a bricklayer.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a bricklayer from Go Construct and House Building Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a bricklayer, you would:

  • read and follow building plans for each job
  • measure work areas and set out the first rows of bricks or blocks
  • mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
  • use a trowel to lay bricks and mortar
  • shape and trim bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
  • check rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line
  • build architectural and ornamental brickwork features

Working environment

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers, at height and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a:

  • bricklaying team supervisor
  • construction estimator
  • site inspector

You might continue to develop your craft skills to specialise in heritage brickwork or stonemasonry.

You could also become a self-employed contractor or set up your own business.

A further option is to train apprentice bricklayers at a further education college.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Bricklayer

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Brinsley, Nottingham

Bricklaying Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: HIGHER TREMAR, LISKEARD
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Bricklaying

  • Provider: PETROC
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Tiverton

Bricklaying

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Ipswich
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.