Bricklayer
The Work
Bricklayers build and maintain a range of structures including internal
and external walls on new houses and commercial projects, chimney
stacks, tunnel linings and decorative work such as archways and garden
walls. They also deal with the repair and refurbishment of existing
brickwork or masonry.
They use a variety of hand and power tools and various materials such as bricks, blocks, lintels, stone and mortar, depending on the job.
A typical new-build housing job will include the following tasks:
As the building goes up, bricklayers or scaffolders will raise platforms to reach the higher storeys; joiners usually follow closely behind fitting frames for doors and windows as designated by the design blueprints.
Depending on the size of the project, gangs of bricklayers may work on different sections at the same time. Some bricklayers may also specialise in stonemasonry work.
Hours and Conditions
The usual working week is 39 hours, Monday to Friday, although overtime at weekends and evenings is common to meet deadlines.
Bricklayers work outside in most weather conditions, and spend much of the time standing, kneeling and carrying heavy loads. The environment can be noisy, dirty and wet, and involves climbing ladders and working off scaffolding when working at higher levels.
Basic safety equipment such as safety helmets and protective footwear are worn and, depending on the job, sometimes gloves, goggles or ear defenders. There may be travel from site to site, and it is often necessary to work away from home for short or long periods. A driving licence would be useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a bricklayer you should:
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release
at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ / SVQ qualifications.
You work towards NVQs / SVQs in Trowel Occupations levels 1 to 3.
You complete mandatory units including: erecting and dismantling working platforms, setting out and erecting masonry structures and carrying out safe loading and unloading of materials. Depending on your area of work, you take additional optional units from:
A three-year Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) is open to people between the ages of 16-25 in England and Wales, or a four-year apprenticeship in Scotland registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council. Contact CITB - Construction Skills for details.
New Deal schemes may be available for people who have been unemployed for six months or more. These provide an allowance and training and can lead to a job and further training through the CITB - Construction Skills. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus for details.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Bricklayers may work for a building contractor or local authority, but many are self-employed and work on a sub-contract basis for contractors as 'labour only' with materials supplied by the building contractor. There may be opportunities to work abroad on contracts.
It may be possible for bricklayers to progress to technician level, supervisory or estimating roles and then into construction management.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
For trainees, depending on the stage of training they are at, salaries range between £7,100 to £13,000 a year.
With qualifications, bricklayers can earn from £16,600 upwards a year.
Experienced bricklayers can earn around £25,000 a year.
Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Those self-employed negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
