Bricklayers are essential to so many construction projects; often, it’s the first trade that we think of when we mention the sector. If you’re seeking a career that’s physical, involves plenty of time outdoors, and is in demand, then bricklaying could be the trade to consider.

If that sounds like you, then you might have a few questions: How do I get into bricklaying? What qualifications and experience do I need before I start looking for work? Where do I find out about a bricklaying course?

In this article, you’ll learn about the work of a bricklayer, practical skills training, bricklaying courses and essential qualifications for construction careers.

What to expect when working as a bricklayer

What are the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of a bricklayer?

At its basic level, a bricklayer’s job involves building structures out of bricks. How that presents in the day-to-day role of a bricklayer will vary hugely depending on where they’re working. It could include building a wall in a customer’s garden or working on a construction site as part of team building houses. They’ll need to ensure that what they’re building is correct to the technical plans of the project, that the rows are straight and that all brickwork is pointed.  

What are the common materials, tools and techniques in bricklaying?

Bricklayers will use bricks or blocks with mortar, which is the medium that fixes the bricks together and is used to ‘point’ the brickwork. Pointing gives the wall its sealed finish, so there are no gaps between the bricks where water can get in.

The tools a bricklayer uses could include a mechanical mixer to mix the mortar (they might also do this by hand, depending on the scale of the project), a hammer, chisel and power tools for trimming bricks, a trowel to apply the mortar and point the brickwork, and also a spirit level, laser level or plumb line to keep the rising structure straight.

What health and safety do bricklayers follow on a construction site?

Nearly all construction site managers in the UK require workers to hold a CSCS card. The type of card will depend on the different levels of qualification and the work that the person does. An example is whether the worker is coming on site as a labourer (Green Card) or skilled worker (Blue Card). Regardless of card type, every CSCS applicant must pass an approved health & safety test to show they can safely work on a construction site.

Building a career in bricklaying

How to become a bricklayer

Like many construction trades, there are a few different routes into the industry. For school leavers, typically it’s a construction course at an FE college or an apprenticeship. Other routes include starting work as a labourer first and gaining on-the-job experience. A route that’s popular with adult new entrants and career changers is learning bricklaying at a construction training provider before going on to find work opportunities where they can gain more experience.

What qualifications do bricklayers need?

To become a bricklayer, it’s possible to start work without any qualification, but you’ll need to learn from someone through on-the-job training.

Bricklaying qualifications mean you gain that underpinning knowledge and practical experience, plus an industry-recognised certificate to demonstrate it.

When it comes to holding an NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying, this qualification unlocks the opportunity to apply for a Skilled Worker Card (Blue CSCS Card).

Bricklaying courses explained

Beginner bricklaying course

A beginner bricklaying course is equally as suitable for people who are interested in a new career in bricklaying as it is for someone learning for a spot of DIY bricklaying.

On a beginner’s bricklaying course, you’ll gain practical bricklaying skills and essential bricklaying tools training to ensure you can complete basic brickwork safely and competently. Most bricklaying courses are workshop-based, allowing learners to practise techniques under supervision. 

This type of course will typically give you a solid introduction to the basics of bricklaying, covering health and safety of working with bricks, and how to build a selection of basic structures out of brick, such as a cavity wall or a pillar, including pointing and damp course.

If you’re tentatively considering bricklaying as a potential career, a beginner’s course is a low-risk way to try out the trade before committing to a full bricklaying qualification.

City & Guilds bricklaying courses

Whether you choose a City & Guilds-approved bricklaying course or a bricklaying level 2 diploma, the next step helps move you into work-readiness, with the opportunity to build on your skills, speed, and advanced techniques.

If an NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying is your aim, then a City & Guilds Level 2 bricklaying diploma will provide the training to give you the skills and knowledge of the industry and NVQ standards, preparing you for work and to meet the requirements of the NVQ.

Getting an NVQ in bricklaying

As a bricklaying apprenticeship alternative, an NVQ in bricklaying is a declaration of competence, meaning that the individual’s skills and knowledge are assessed. This is done through a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates on-site work, collected site documentation, knowledge-based questions, and a discussion with an assessor.

An NVQ-ready training programme can help prepare you for this, but once you’ve done that, you need to register for your NVQ. You can apply for an Experienced Worker or Trainee CSCS card at this point. When you complete the NVQ, you can then upgrade your card to a Blue Skilled Worker Card.

FAQs about bricklaying courses

How do I become a bricklayer?

There are a few pathways to becoming a bricklayer, including construction college courses, bricklaying apprenticeships, doing an industry-approved course with a private construction training provider or finding work as a labourer or bricklayer’s mate, so you can learn the ropes.

Do I need to do a City & Guilds bricklaying course if I want to work as a bricklayer?

No, there are no required courses or qualifications if you want to start working as a bricklayer. Industry-recognised training is recommended and beneficial to help gain skills and knowledge and increase employment prospects. A qualification becomes essential if you want to apply for a Skilled Worker CSCS card.

Do I need an NVQ Level 2 to work as a bricklayer on a construction site?

The majority of construction sites require workers to hold a CSCS card. If you have an NVQ bricklaying qualification, or equivalent, you have the option of applying for a Skilled Worker CSCS card.

How do I find a City & Guilds bricklaying course near me?

To find a City & Guilds bricklaying course, search for a City & Guilds-approved centre that offers construction skill courses.

What career opportunities are there in construction and site work for qualified bricklayers?

There are several career opportunities beyond the work of a bricklayer. While staying on a construction site, you could consider becoming a site supervisor. Moving into construction training or even NVQ assessment is another potential area.

How to get started

Bricklaying Courses at Able Skills

“Did the taste of bricklaying course here for a week, enjoyed that and the instruction I received, so went back again and did the City and Guilds bricklaying course.”  Review via Trustpilot.

Able Skills is a purpose-built construction training centre offering construction trade courses, including City & Guilds bricklaying training.

The spacious bricklaying workshop is on the ground floor of the 50,000sqft training centre, and is set out with individual stations with all the bricklaying tools and materials within easy reach for all students.

The location and on-site parking make it easily commutable from London and the southeast, and affordable accommodation makes travelling from further afield possible.

If you’d like to find out more about bricklaying courses, contact our team today by phone or email.