Job Role - Bricklayer

The Bricklayer Job role is crucial in almost all construction projects. A Bricklayer's basic duties are quite obvious, to lay bricks. However, Bricklaying is far more involved than some people think. Bricklayers, or brick and blocklayers lay bricks, cut stone and concrete blocks with mortar or 'mud'.

They build from the ground up, extend or repair domestic and commercial buildings and other structures including foundations, walls, chimneys as well as decorative works such as light masonry.

This page will give you an overview of what a Bricklayer is and what they do and hopefully answer any questions you may have on your search for a Bricklaying job and career.

What is a Bricklayer?

A Bricklayer, or brick and blocklayer build houses, repair walls and chimneys and refurbish decorative stonework. They also work on restoration projects.

A Stonemason is similar to a bricklayer yet a bricklayer almost always works on brick and block walls as well as other similar materials, whereas a Stonemason could work with boulders in order to create a similar structure. Bricklayers are nearly constantly needed in the growing world and are in high demand nearly all year round (weather permitting).

A short Youtube video from a On The Tools, showing a Bricklayer named Beth on their daily routine.

Who does a Bricklayer work with?

Bricklayers often work alongside a General Labourer or 'hoddie', who complete more straightforward tasks as the Bricklayers focus on their own work. A Hod Carrier or 'hoddie' is traditionally a bricklayers mate who uses a Hod to carry bricks and mortar to the bricklayers themselves or nearby. The idea being to have the necessary materials right in front of where the brickie will be working next.

Bricklayers will often work alongside other trades such as a Telehandlers, Stonemasons or just a Handyman.

What does a Bricklayer do?

A Bricklayers main responsibility is simple, laying Bricks.

This varies between specific roles and construction sites but in most cases the brickie's tasks will be to either build structure with blocks or bricks (or both!). This could be in the form of retaining walls, small structures such as wells or as simple as the four walls of a house.

They shape and cut bricks and blocks. Install pre-cut bricks and other related structures like foundations.

So, What does a Bricklayer do daily?

A Bricklayer's main role may include:

• Measuring working areas and set out the first rows of bricks (for face work) or blocks and damp course (for foundation and internals).
• Mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
• Use a trowel to lay bricks with mortar / 'mud'.
• Shape and trim bricks with hammers, chisels and power tools.
• Ensure that building rows are straight using spirit levels, laser levels or plumb lines.

In a Bricklayer job description, it will discuss the role and any further requirements to get the job, see below.

Bricklayer Job Description

An example of a job description for a Bricklayer.

Job Role:

• Laying Bricks and or Blocks
• Measuring, marking up, cutting, fitting and finishing Brickwork and Blockwork.
• Using a range of hand and power tools.
• Fastening bricks with wire clamps or cement.
• Working accurately with detailed plans and specifications
• Erecting brickwork structures such as face walls, internal walls and retaining walls.
• Repairing, maintaining and finishing brickwork utilizing substances such as brick acid.
• Calculating angles and determining the vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
• Carry out work outdoors in reasonable adverse weather and at height safely.
• Using equipment and tools effectively to perform construction tasks.

Requirements:

• Knowledge of building and construction practices, particularly regarding building and walls.
• Confident measuring distances and calculating angles and vertical/horizontal alignment.
• Ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
• Relative physical fitness, able to stand for long periods of time.
• Verbal communication skills.
• A valid CSCS card for most on-site Bricklayer jobs.
• Knowledge of different types of materials and their uses.
• Ability to interpret diagrams and specifications.
• Previous experience within Bricklaying or assisting Bricklayers (for Hod Carrier or basic Brickie roles).

How do I find a job as a Bricklayer?

It may seem like there are a lot of walls in your way to getting a bricklaying job. However, it's rather simple really. Brickwork jobs in the construction industry will always be available as long as there are construction projects that need walls... Recruitment agencies provide workers for many companies therefore they will almost always have a role available for you. At RecruitEasy, we advertise most our available roles on our construction and other industry job search. If you can't find a role that's right for you, You can also register for us to find you a role.

How to Register for Bricklayer jobs:

1. Register with us on our website or call us to register with us now.
2. We will take your details and experience so we can find the right job for you.
3. We will find you a Bricklayer job to start as soon as possible.



Why does a Bricklayer need a CSCS Card?

To work as a Bricklayer on most sites in the construction industry you will need a valid CSCS card, this proves you have the relevant knowledge and training to carry out your duties on-site safely for yourself and others. This must be in date and legitimate. You can check if your CSCS Card is in date on the card itself or here. To get your CSCS card you must complete one of the following criteria:

• QCF Level 1 Award Health and Safety in a Construction Environment or the SQCF Level 4 equivalent.
• One day site safety plus health and safety awareness course
• IOSH Working safely course



After obtaining the above, you will also need to pass the CITB Operatives Health, Safety and Environment test within two years before applying to the get your CSCS Card from CSCS website.

The above courses would need to be refreshed every 5 years, however there are some lifetime qualifications that will not need refreshing. Such as the QCF Level 1, SCQF Level 4 and BTEC Level 1, you can check the latest requirements on the CSCS website, which also tell you which specific Health, Safety and Environment test you will need to take.




The purpose of the Construction Safety Certification Scheme (or CSCS) is to certify the specialist and safety knowledge of workers, the required CITB health, safety and environment test will also examine knowledge across a wide range of topics and improve safety and productivity on site. At RecruitEasy, we mostly recruit for companies who required a CSCS card on site, but you can call us or register to check if we have any roles suitable for a non CSCS card Labourer.




What Qualifications should a Bricklayer have?

Except from your amount of experience Bricklayer positions may also require certain qualifications, including:

• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying
• Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations
• T Level in On Site Construction

To find out more information about Bricklayers qualifications visit the City & Guilds website.




If you have any questions in your pursuit of a career as a Bricklayer don't hesitate to contact us, one of the team would be happy to help.



Find work as a Bricklayer All Job Roles