Bricklayer
Build and repair walls and chimneys to make people's homes and other buildings safe and protected from the weather.
Also known as: builder, brickie
About the job
What it's like
Are you looking for a hands-on job where your keen eye for detail will come in handy? As a bricklayer, you'll build and repair a range of different structures.
You'll deal with walls, chimneys, tunnel linings and archways. Your work will help people's homes and other buildings stay safe and protected from the weather.
Bricklayers can also spend a lot of time working on home extensions. You may refurbish brickwork and masonry to restore old buildings as well. If you fancied it, you could even specialise in stonemasonry!
Your tasks might include:
reading building plans from architects or engineers
measuring the work area before you start laying bricks
setting out the first rows of bricks (courses) and the damp course
mixing mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
laying bricks on top of each other and using a trowel to apply the mortar
shaping and trimming bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
On larger jobs, your team will work on a particular section of a building alongside other bricklaying groups. You'll need to be aware of safety issues, particularly when working at heights and carrying loads.
Hours
You'll normally work Monday to Friday.
Sometimes, you may need to do overtime in the evenings and at weekends.
Environment
You'll spend a lot of time outside, whatever the weather!
The work can be physically hard, so you'll need to be fit.
Your job may involve working at heights on scaffolding.
You'll be expected to use protective equipment, such as safety helmets and boots.
Travel
You'll travel between building sites.
Some jobs may involve overnight stays away from home.
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Other careers that you might like
Stonemason
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- power tool operation
- masonry
- public liability
- chisels
- hammers
- stonemasonry
- retaining wall
- lasers
- mortars
- superstructure
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- making decisions
- time management
- managing resources
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
There are a couple of ways you can get into a career as a bricklayer. Apprenticeships are the most popular route, but you can also go to college.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You should consider an MA in Construction: Building.
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Not got the qualifications you need to apply for an apprenticeship? Don't worry – you can do a Pre-Apprenticeship. These courses usually last for one year and will put you in a great position to progress to a Modern Apprenticeship.
Search for Pre-Apprenticeship courses
College
Getting qualifications at college could help you build the skills you'll need to get into a bricklaying job. Useful subjects include:
Brickwork
Construction Management
Built Environment
It can be useful to hold qualifications that show a range of practical skills and experience. For example, Skills for Work Construction Crafts at SCQF Level 4 or 5 looks good on an apprenticeship or college application.
All bricklayers must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a site. You'll need to pass a health and safety check to get your CSCS card.
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