Bricklayer

Also known as:

Builder - Bricklayer

Introduction

Bricklayers build the interior and exterior walls of buildings. This may involve constructing new buildings or repairing and maintaining existing ones. They use a variety of tools and materials.

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Work Activities

Bricklaying involves constructing all types of walling from plain walls to more detailed work. Brickwork is an essential part of many structures and a bricklayer has to make sure that the structure is accurate and meets design requirements.

Many sizes and colours of building material are used and considerable skill is needed to combine them to meet requirements. Bricklayers need to be able to read plans and drawings to find out how the structure is to be built and take account of where corners need to be or where gaps must be left for doors and windows.

A bricklayer may work on new buildings, extensions or be involved in the restoration of existing buildings. A variety of tools are used, including trowels for spreading the mortar, club hammers and bolsters (wide bladed chisels) to cut bricks, and brick hammers to trim the bricks.

The work is mainly outdoors and conditions can be dirty and dusty as well as cold, damp and muddy.

Health and safety is an important aspect of the job, so bricklayers need to wear protective footwear, a safety helmet and, occasionally, safety glasses.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a bricklayer you need to be physically fit and strong as the work involves bending, stretching, lifting and working at heights.

You need to be able to work both alone and in a team. You also need to be neat, accurate and have an eye for visual effect.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Bricklayers earn in the range of £270 - £340 a week, rising to £410 - £500. Top earners can make around £600 a week.

Bricklayers work a 39-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

You may work for building, construction and civil engineering companies throughout the UK. Some bricklayers are self-employed and work independently.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained, for example, as a building operative, are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available.

• 58% of bricklayers are flexible hours.
• 2% work part-time.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.