Trade guide
How to Become a Bricklayer in the UK
Overview
Bricklaying is one of the highest-paying trades in the UK, especially with the current housing shortage. Good bricklayers are worth their weight in gold — many earn £200-£300+ per day. With 1.5 million new homes needed, the demand for bricklayers will remain strong for years to come.
Next steps
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Step-by-Step Career Path
Start with the Basics
No formal qualifications are strictly required, though GCSEs in Maths help. Many bricklayers started as labourers and learned on the job.
Get Formal Training
Level 2 Apprenticeship in Bricklaying (2 years) or college course (City & Guilds/NVQ). CITB also runs short courses for career changers.
Complete NVQ Level 2
Covers setting out, laying bricks and blocks to line, building corners, and working with different bond patterns. Practical skills are the focus.
Get Your CSCS Card
CSCS Blue Card proves you're a qualified bricklayer. Essential for working on any construction site.
Build Speed & Quality
Productivity is everything in bricklaying. A good bricklayer lays 400-500 bricks per day. Speed comes with experience — give it 1-2 years.
Go Self-Employed or Specialise
Most experienced bricklayers work for themselves on day rates. Some specialise in stonework, heritage restoration, or move into site management.
Qualifications Needed
- ✓NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying
- ✓CSCS Blue Card
- ✓CITB Health & Safety Test
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent earning potential — day rates of £200-£300+
- Always in demand
- Relatively quick to qualify
- Satisfying physical work
- Easy to go self-employed
- No expensive tools needed to start
Cons
- Very physically demanding
- Working in all weather conditions
- Hard on knees, back, and hands
- Seasonal slowdowns in winter
- Early starts (often 7am on site)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bricklayers earn per day?▼
Experienced self-employed bricklayers earn £200-£350 per day depending on location and project. London rates are highest. Annual earnings of £40,000-£60,000+ are achievable.
Is bricklaying a dying trade?▼
The opposite. With the UK's housing targets and an ageing workforce, bricklaying is one of the most in-demand trades. It's a secure career for decades to come.
Can I learn bricklaying at any age?▼
Yes. While it's physically demanding, many people retrain as bricklayers in their 30s and 40s. Short courses (2-4 weeks) can teach the basics, with NVQ following.
Do bricklayers need a CSCS card?▼
Yes, for working on construction sites. You'll need to pass the CITB Health & Safety test and have your NVQ qualification to get the Blue Skilled Worker card.
More bricklayer guides to compare
Good next reads if you want to compare routes, pay, training or live jobs before deciding.
Salary guide
Bricklayer Salary UK: What Bricklayers Earn in 2026
Real bricklayer salary figures for the UK in 2026. Employed pay, self-employed day rates, and what affects bricklayer earnings on site and in domestic work.
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Bricklayer Apprenticeship UK: Pay, Site Skills and How to Apply in 2026
A practical guide to bricklayer apprenticeships in the UK, including apprentice pay, site skills, CSCS, employer expectations, training routes and how to apply.
Read guide →Apprenticeship
Bricklaying Apprenticeship UK: Pay, Training & How to Apply
Thinking about a bricklaying apprenticeship in the UK? Here is the 2026 guide to apprentice pay, entry requirements, training length, and how to get started on site.
Read guide →Results alert
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