Bricklayer

A bricklayer uses manufactured bricks, breeze blocks, concrete and mortar to build and repair inside and outside walls, tunnels, chimneys and archways. Work can be plain or ornamental.

The Work

You could be:

• reading the engineers’ and architects’ plans and drawings


• choosing tools and materials


• measuring the area, then setting out bricks in position, starting with the corners


• using a trowel to spread mortar


• laying the bricks, using a plumb line and spirit level to make sure they are vertical and level


• using a club hammer and bolster (a chisel with a wide blade) to cut bricks to size and a brick hammer to trim the bricks


• lifting and carrying bricks and tools


• climbing and working on scaffolding


• laying a damp proof course.

Conditions

• You work mostly outdoors, sometimes in bad weather.


• You often work at heights.


• You must carry heavy weights and climb scaffolding.


• You must wear protective gear: a hard hat, and sometimes goggles, gloves, ear-protectors and protective footwear.


• You might have to work evening and weekend overtime.


• Your working day starts early and usually depends on daylight. Working hours are longer in summer than in winter and there may be lay-offs in winter.


• You must travel to different sites and might have to live away from home.


• It might be dusty when bricks are being cut.

Getting In

• The normal entry route is by an apprenticeship - by Skillseekers or a Modern Apprenticeship, or by an apprenticeship registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC).


• You do not always need formal qualifications, but Standard grades in English, maths and a technological subject are helpful. 4 Standard grades are sometimes required.


• You may have to take an aptitude test.


• A driving licence can be useful.


• You should be fit, strong and agile and not allergic to dust.


• From 2010 workers in the construction sector must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme. Many construction firms already require a relevant CSCS card to allow workers to work on site.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• practical skills
• a methodical approach and an eye for detail


• an awareness of safety issues
• physical strength to lift and carry weights


• a head for heights and a good sense of balance.

• work accurately and meet deadlines
• work alone and as part of a team.

Training

With on-the-job and off-the-job training, you would work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Levels 2 and 3 in Bricklaying (Construction).

Getting On

• With experience you can apply for promotion to supervisory posts.
• You might then move into management.
• You might go on to work for yourself, sub-contracting your labour to building contractors. Eventually you could run your own specialist firm, employing other staff.
• There are good opportunities for temporary work abroad.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Most construction employees find it very satisfying to know that they have helped build something that might well last for generations.

• Around 10% of women make up the UK construction workforce and the industry is encouraging more women to join.


• The construction industry predict that around 37,000 new entrants will be recruited in each of the next 4 years, excluding new entrant trainees.
• Look for jobs with building contractors and local authorities.


• There will be many construction jobs coming to Glasgow with relation to the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.