Bricklayer

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

• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You can apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Onsite Trades Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• 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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

Registrations

you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Further Information

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

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 mortar and place bricks
• shape and trim bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
• check rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line
• repoint brickwork to repair old or damaged mortar joints
• build architectural and ornamental brickwork features

You could work on a construction site or at a client's home.

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.