Working as a bricklayer will see you build and repair walls both inside and outside of properties, whilst also working on other kinds of brickwork, such as chimney stacks and tunnel walls.
Who can I work for?
Construction agencies such as Hill McGlynn and regular employment agencies oversee much bricklaying work through short-term contracts. Building contractors, The Army and local authorities are regular supplies of work, but the biggest are huge construction firms such as Barrett Homes or Persimmon.
Where and when can I work?
Working for some of the bigger construction companies should mean there should be work at a town or city near you. Some jobs will require you to live temporarily away from home, and there are even lucrative positions available abroad on short-term contracts. You'll usually work 39 hours a week, and should expect anti-social shifts, such as evenings, weekends and all-night overtime as deadlines loom.
What can I earn?
Experienced bricklayers earn up to £30,000 a year; an unskilled one will get £15,000, rising to between £16,000 and £23,000 with a formal qualification. Like many jobs, salary is dependent on experience.
What are the benefits?
You can top up that tan, get to work outside in the fresh air and reap the benefits of extra pay when working on a job away from home.
Are there chances of promotion?
You could work self-employed or start your own construction business, as you gain more experience. Or, you could become an independent craftsman and name your price! You can also train for specialist work such as conservation, restoration or stonemasonry.
What will I be responsible for?
By working as a bricklayer, you would be responsible for many different things, such as constructing the first shell of a building, laying bricks in horizontal layers, making walls waterproof, weatherproof and secure, cutting bricks to size, and mixing mortar either manually or by using a machine.
What qualifications do I need?
Don't forget, the more technically skilled you are, the bigger your pay packet will be. You'll usually need GCSEs in English and technical subjects such as design & technology to get an apprenticeship. Some companies may ask you to have a basic building qualification before you start an apprenticeship, primarily the Edexcel Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction.
Do I need any experience?
A short spell of unskilled support labouring would be the perfect start. This entails carrying bricks and mortar so more skilled workmen don't have to stop working to fetch supplies.
What attributes are needed?
You would need to have a head for heights and a sound grasp of health and safety legislation, as well as being able to work carefully, safely, accurately and as part of a team.