How to become a bricklayer in the UK

Lay the foundations of a brilliant career and explore how to become a bricklayer and the other rewarding roles in this trade.

The art of bricklaying demands precision, problem-solving skills and manual dexterity. If you’re interested in Construction courses and enjoy working outdoors, becoming a bricklayer could be an ideal path for you. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need about how to become a bricklayer in the UK.

What is a bricklayer and what do they do?

Also known as a mason or ‘a brickie’, a bricklayer is a skilled professional who is responsible for constructing, repairing, and restoring brickwork structures.

The work of a bricklayer can include:

• Measuring work areas and setting out bricks.
• Mixing mortar.
• Laying bricks and mortar in a precise pattern.
• Cutting, shaping and trimming bricks using specialist tools.
• Checking that rows of bricks are level.
• Managing the quantities of various materials needed for a task or project.
• Maintaining and repairing existing brickwork.

Bricklayers usually work on construction sites outdoors and can be required to work at height on scaffolding. They often work alongside other construction workers, such as labourers and scaffolders. 

What does it take to become a bricklayer?

There are a few key skills to be aware of if you’re thinking of becoming a bricklayer. These include:

• Knowledge of building and construction regulations and practices.
• A thorough approach and attention to detail.
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• The capacity to adapt easily to changes.
• Physical fitness and stamina – in particular good balance, coordination and strength.
• The ability to work with your hands.
• Time management and organisation skills.
• Patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Basic computer skills.

If you have some of these attributes and are willing to work on the rest, then working as a bricklayer could present an exciting career pathway for you!

Are bricklayers in demand in the UK?

Bricklayers play a crucial part in the UK’s thriving construction industry. According to the Federation of Master Builders State of Trade Survey 2024, many of those running construction projects struggle to fill bricklaying vacancies. 

The ongoing need for housing across the UK continues to drive the demand for skilled bricklayers, so it’s currently a stable career with good employment opportunities.

Do I need qualifications to be a bricklayer?

You can become a bricklayer without formal training, but most employers will require you to have relevant and recognised bricklayer qualifications.

The three most common routes for gaining bricklayer qualifications involve college courses, apprenticeships and on-site training.

College courses

You can complete a bricklayer course at a Further Education college or through a private training provider. If you’re completely new to the construction industry, then a Level 1 Diploma in Brickwork is a great way to learn the essential skills you’ll need. This type of course usually covers:

• Creating basic masonry structures.
• Mixing construction materials.
• Health, safety and welfare in construction.
• How to use technical information and work out quantities.
• Professional communication with colleagues and clients.

There’s also the option to do a more general Level 1 Construction Skills course. These courses incorporate a range of practical skills and tasks alongside some of the theories needed to approach bricklaying, carpentry and joinery as well as painting and decorating.

These Level 1 courses lead naturally to more in-depth programmes of study such as the Bricklaying – Level 2 Diploma. On this type of course, you’ll learn more of the essential skills and gain valuable practical experience that will help you as you enter employment. Level 2 construction courses tend to include specialist knowledge and skills such as interpreting drawings, producing joint masonry and masonry cladding and building different types of walls and structures.

Apprenticeships

Doing an apprenticeship allows you to earn a wage while learning a trade. Apprentices usually spend around 80% of their time learning on the job with a qualified bricklayer and the remaining 20% is spent at college studying essential skills and theory. 

You can do a Level 2 Bricklaying Intermediate Apprenticeship over 2 years or a Level 3 Craft Bricklaying Advanced Apprenticeship over 18 months. To start an intermediate apprenticeship, you’ll need some GCSEs or equivalent qualifications including English and maths. For an advanced apprenticeship, you’ll need 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English and maths.

On-site training

Some employers offer on-site training for people starting in bricklaying, but this can take longer and may not lead to formal qualifications.

A CSCS card

In order to train and work on a construction site, you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. CSCS is the body that provides skills certification for the UK construction industry which helps to maintain safety and improve standards. Having a CSCS card shows employers that you have the correct training and qualifications to do the job.

It’s not a legal requirement that all bricklayers have a CSCS card, but the majority of principal contractors and major house builders will insist that all workers have a valid CSCS card before they are allowed to enter a site.

How much is a bricklaying course?

The costs of a bricklaying course can vary depending on the location, level and provider.

The majority of courses offered by Capital City College (CCC) are free for school leavers aged 16-18. Also, as part of CCC’s commitment to providing broader opportunities for adult learners, students aged 19 and over also benefit from free Level 1 and Level 2 courses (subject to UK residency requirements). There may be other costs to consider for things such as specialist materials and educational trips. You can find out more about our course fees here.

Fees for courses with other training providers can vary greatly. Some companies deliver basic introductory courses for around £500, with longer Level 1 courses costing between £500 and £1500. Level 2 courses can cost between £1500 and £3000 depending on location and length of course.

How much does a bricklayer make?

A bricklayer’s salary will vary based on experience, location, and the type of projects they work on. The starting salary for a bricklayer is around £17,000 with senior or master bricklayers earning over £40,000. The bricklayer’s average salary is in the region of £39,000.

How long does it take to train as a bricklayer?

This depends on your chosen route and whether you choose to study full-time or part-time.

As a rough guide:

• Apprenticeships usually take around 2 years to complete.
• College courses vary in length, with introductory courses lasting a few weeks and more in-depth courses taking one or two years to complete.
• On-site training timeframes are variable as this depends on how much time your employer is able to allocate to your training.

How to find bricklaying courses?

When choosing a bricklaying course, it’s important to find a training provider that can offer you excellent subject knowledge combined with the opportunity to develop practical skills. You may prefer to go all-in and study full time or you may prefer to keep working while you study.

We offer a variety of Construction courses with differing timetables.

Level 1 bricklaying courses:

• Brickwork – Level 1 Diploma
• Construction Skills (Painting, Tiling, Carpentry, Brickwork and Electrical) – Level 1 Certificate
• Construction Skills – Level 1 Diploma
• Construction with ESOL – Level 1 Certificate

Level 2 bricklaying courses:

• Bricklaying – Level 2 Diploma

Some of our courses, such as the Brickwork – Level 1 Diploma and the Construction Skills – Level 1 Diploma are offered at our Enfield Construction Skills Academy, which provides students with important opportunities to complete training and paid work experience, develop their skills and work with a mentor. You can find out more about our colleges and courses by attending an open day.

Career progression

Once you’ve got a little experience working on-site as a bricklayer, there are various ways to build on what you know. You can specialise in specific types of bricklaying such as stonemasonry or heritage restoration.

Many bricklayers choose to become self-employed and, once you’ve built your reputation and developed a strong network of contacts, you could set up your own business. This means you can have greater autonomy and flexibility as well as the freedom to choose your own projects.

Experienced bricklayers often go on to become construction site supervisors, overseeing the teams working on projects and maintaining health and safety standards. There’s also the option to step into related areas such as estimating, training apprentices or teaching your trade to students at a college.

Next steps

The construction industry in the UK is an exciting and dynamic sector with plenty of opportunities for career growth. Completing training in construction and working as a bricklayer gives you the chance to work with your hands and complete varied projects that will give you a real sense of achievement.

The construction industry in the UK continues to experience growth, creating exciting opportunities for a range of skilled construction professionals. Our Construction courses offer the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to help you start your career. Choose your course and apply today!

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