Do you remember the old nursery rhyme? The wolf will huff and puff… but he won’t blow your house down if it’s made with solid clay bricks and careful craftsmanship. Find out how to build more than just a strong house with a bricklaying apprenticeship.
Jobs in bricklaying
Bricklayer
Duh… a bricklayer is trained to lay building materials to construct houses, walls and other structures. You might do this work for domestic or commercial projects. Many bricklayers are self-employed, which gives you the flexibility to be your own boss.
Construction manager
If you stay in the industry for a while, you could be in a managerial position. A construction manager creates work schedules, coordinates projects and allocates tasks to ensure all the work is completed safely within the budget. This role usually involves traveling to different construction sites and meeting with contractors, so you’ll need strong communication skills.
Stonemason
A stonemason is a craftsman who shapes pieces of stone (like marble and granite) and lays them to create structures like monuments and buildings. You’ll have to be physically fit for this job, which involves hauling heavy materials and using big machinery.
Heritage restoration
You know those grade-II listed buildings you see in the countryside? As a bricklayer or stonemason, you can specialise in restoring historical structures to their original condition and preserving them for future generations.
Plasterer
Once the bricklaying is done, it’s time to plaster the walls and ceilings so the building is ready for tenants to move in. You’ll apply plastering materials skillfully to finish and repair fixtures.
Apprenticeships in bricklaying
National House Building Council (NHBC)
The NHBC provides insurance for new-build homes and creates standards for builders and developers to follow. You can join their team for a Level 2 Bricklaying Apprenticeship, starting with five weeks of practical training.
Taylor Wimpey
Big housebuilding company Taylor Wimpey has Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships in bricklaying, where you’ll work alongside their expert craftspeople to learn the ropes.
Barratt Developments Plc
To take your bricklaying career to the next level, why not choose a construction apprenticeship with housebuilding company Barratt Developments Plc? Their higher and degree-level apprenticeships prepare you to become a site manager, quantity surveyor or project manager.
Local companies
When it comes to trade opportunities, one of the best places you can look is local businesses. Take some time to Google local construction companies and prepare your CV, then contact them to ask about available apprenticeships.
Entry requirements
Working on your practical abilities and soft skills will be the best investment you can make if you pursue a career in bricklaying. Aspiring at least a Level 4 in English and maths is important, as some application processes will ask you to complete assessments and tests.
In terms of your skillset, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never laid a brick before. After all, the point of an apprenticeship is to teach you. Instead, employers and course recruiters will be looking for candidates with a sharp eye for detail, listening ability and strong communication skills. On a construction site, you’ll almost always be working as a team, meaning that your collaboration and problem-solving skills should also be reliable.
Extra tips
Bricklayers work long days and often commute to construction sites and projects. While it might not be possible right now, your five-year plan should probably include learning to drive and getting a car. Although driving lessons are expensive, you can earn while you learn with an apprenticeship and put some money aside in savings.
Build your future brick-by-brick
Whether bricklaying is your end goal or a stepping stone to other career paths, it’s a well-paid and reliable job choice that’ll enable you to make friends, have fun and do valued work.
Still struggling to decide on an apprenticeship? Check out these other opportunities in engineering, logistics or science.
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