How to Become a Bricklayer in the UK (2026 Guide)
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.
📬 Get Bricklayer Job Alerts
New bricklayer jobs delivered to your inbox weekly. Free, no spam.
🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
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.
Related Guides
Good next clicks if you want to compare routes, pay, or training paths.
From Banking to Bricklaying: A Real Career Change Story
From the bank to the building site. Why people are leaving banking for bricklaying, how to retrain, what to expect, and realistic salary information.
Read 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.
Read guide →
🧱Bricklaying Apprenticeship UK: Pay, Training & How to Apply (2026)
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 →
📬 Get Jobs Like This Sent to You
Join thousands of tradespeople getting weekly job alerts. Free, no spam.
🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Ready to Start?
Browse live bricklayer jobs and take the first step today.