When we think about the construction industry, bricklayers will likely be one of the first professions that spring to mind. Without them, the most basic elements of buildings wouldn’t take shape, meaning their work is indispensable to the construction sector.
Unsurprisingly, bricklaying is very much a hands-on career and is perfect for those who are looking for a more physical working life, you should also be prepared to work in the occasional adverse weather conditions. Along with that, the sector does require a high level of attention to detail and health and safety are integral.
How long does it take to qualify as a bricklayer?
For anyone potentially considering a career in bricklaying, it can take as little as 8 weeks to train from complete beginner to the standard necessary for building site employment.
What is covered in an 8-week bricklaying course?
The Able Skills NVQ Level 2 Bricklaying Course will provide candidates with as much knowledge of bricklaying as possible, preparing them with a route to complete their NVQ Level 2 and ultimately be ready for building site employment.
As well as the practical training and assessments, tutors will also ensure you have a full understanding of exactly what is needed to complete your NVQ portfolio.
Over the 8 weeks, you will be trained and assessed to achieve a City & Guilds qualification. Importantly, your training has been designed by experienced time-served bricklayers to reflect the kind of tasks you’ll be carrying out when working in the field.
Each component of the training has been included to reflect reality and to ensure every candidate has a full understanding of what's needed to meet the requirements of NVQ assessments.
Over the 8-week course, there will be training and assessments on the following:
- Health and Safety
- Constructing a half brick corner
- Constructing cavity walls in brick and block
- Constructing 1 brick walling
- Half brick wall with basket weave feature
- Attached and detached piers
- Raking and cutting to a timber frame building
- Cavity wall with window opening
- Gable end construction
- Two rough ring circular arch or decorative panel feature work
- Garden wall with attached piers
"I just finished my 8 week bricklaying course, I had a great experience and was surprised how quickly I was building structures I could never have imagined building in 8 weeks, this is all thanks to my instructor Simon who is a great teacher who will always answer your questions and help you as much as he can, able skills has a great setup with hands on learning and top tier instructors who are masters in their fields, I would highly recommend this centre." James H via Trustpilot
What progression routes are available to bricklayers?
Once you have completed your initial training, you’ll be in a position to work towards your NVQ level 2 and gain access to CSCS if you're planning on gaining site work as a bricklayer.
Beyond this, you could go on to specialise in a particular type of bricklaying, such as heritage work or stonemasonry.
With experience, you could go on to become a construction site supervisor or move into related areas like estimating.
There’s also the possibility of going down the self-employed route and setting up your own business, or moving into the training side of things and teaching new students and apprentices.
Want to learn a bit more about taking your first steps toward a career in bricklaying and how you can be fully trained in just 8 weeks? Visit our training centre anytime we’re open for a chat and find out about out bricklaying courses, or if you can’t make it in, call us on 01322 280 202.
Editor's note: Orginally published 16 March 2023. Updated 6 November 2025.
Bricklaying