Bricklaying Apprenticeships

What is Bricklaying?

Bricklayers are a vital profession in the construction industry, responsible for laying bricks, pre-cut stone and concrete blocks in mortar. Bricklayers construct, extend and repair domestic and commercial buildings, and other structures such as foundations, walls, chimneys or decorative masonry. Getting to the end of a project and being able to say ‘I built that’ offers a real sense of achievement for brickies.

Here we will explore what bricklaying apprenticeships offer, the range of apprenticeships available, the skills and experience they allow you to develop, future career progression opportunities and much more.

How do bricklaying apprenticeships work?

Your time as a bricklaying apprentice will typically be split between your employer and training provider (such as a college), with at least 20% of your normal working hours spent on training. Your training provider will tell you when and where your training will be.

Experiences of bricklaying apprenticeships vary depending on the company you work for. Working with a company that builds homes from scratch will lead to a different experience than working with a firm that focuses on renovations. Regardless of where you complete your bricklaying apprenticeship, you will learn the same nationally recognised skills and behaviours whilst gaining knowledge of the wider construction industry.

How long are bricklaying apprenticeships?

Bricklaying apprenticeships usually take between 24 to 30 months depending on the level of qualification, training provider or employer.

How much will you earn as an apprentice bricklayer?

As a bricklaying apprentice, you are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage – the levels of this depend on your age.

A bricklaying apprentice is paid for:

• Your normal working hours
• Training that’s part of your apprenticeship
• Study towards maths and English qualifications if they’re part of your apprenticeship

Also, you are entitled to the minimum holiday allowance of at least 20 days per year plus Bank Holidays.

What types of bricklaying apprenticeships are available?

What will you learn as an apprentice bricklayer?

There is much more to life as a bricklayer than laying bricks – let’s explore what other vital skills you will achieve during your bricklaying apprenticeship: 

• Health and safety hazards, current regulations and legislation, and the importance of method statements. Codes of practice and safe working practices, including asbestos awareness and correct use of PPE.
• The principles of high-quality customer service.
• Different communication methods.
• Different eras, types of construction methods, insulation considerations, sustainability, facilities management, fire, moisture, and air protection.
• The importance and considerations of thermal qualities, airtightness, and ventilation to buildings.
• Types of materials, their uses and their value. Cost awareness and environmental considerations/waste awareness e.g. surface water management and recycling.
• Modern methods of construction, rapid build technology, alternative block, masonry, steel and timber-based cladding systems.
• Set out and build brickwork, including complex arches and surrounding brickwork, curved on plan, concave and convex brickwork, battered brickwork, complex decorative features, obtuse/acute angle quoins and reinforced brickwork.
• Select materials and resources required to set out and build fireplaces and chimneys using materials such as hearths, plinths, flue liners, chimney pots and other modern methods.

Qualifications required to become a bricklayer

Each apprenticeship level will require apprentices to work on construction sites, for which you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

Skills required to become a bricklayer

Bricklayers are good with their hands, need to be able to work well with others and have excellent attention to detail. You must enjoy being outside because bricklayers work outdoors in all weathers.  

Future prospects and career progression

Those who have completed a bricklaying apprenticeship have a bright future ahead of them. Qualified bricklayers are highly sought after in the construction industry, so you will be in high demand from employers. Whether you want to work on large housing developments, commercial renovations or heritage brickwork – a bricklaying apprenticeship will open many doors.

Plus, bricklaying offers an average salary of £38,000 in the UK, with many experienced bricklayers earning more than this. 

Many qualified bricklayers go on to set up their own businesses in bricklaying. Or they become a site supervisor to train up other apprentice bricklayers or specialise in other sections such as stonemasonry.

How to apply for a bricklayer apprenticeship

If you are interested in applying for a bricklaying apprenticeship one of the best things to do is look for vacancies being offered by local construction companies. Do some searches on job websites and use the government’s apprenticeship service. If you've had some previous work experience at a company, ask if they are taking on any new apprentices. You will have to apply for any apprenticeship role, so will need to produce a CV, write a covering letter and attend an interview. 

Where to find bricklaying apprenticeships

Choose one of the below job posting sites to find bricklaying apprenticeship opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales.