What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A Bricklayer UK
If you are looking for a career change or are fresh out of school and have your heart set on a career in construction then looking into bricklaying might be a viable option. If you’re ready to train, you’ll need to know what path to take so what qualifications do you need to be a bricklayer, UK?
Typically speaking you will need English and Maths GCSEs to become a bricklayer. But after this, there are several paths you can take towards the job. Some people train through an apprenticeship program whereas others attend a college course. There are also some opportunities to begin work experience and your employer may fund your training.
In order to become a bricklayer, the necessary qualifications are just the first part. There are a number of skills and qualities that you will need to possess to be able to achieve success in this type of work. The following are all traits of a good bricklayer:
- An ability to remain calm under pressure.
- A good knowledge of construction.
- A keen eye for detail.
- The ability to work well as part of a team.
- Able to be flexible and open to change.
- A good knowledge of how to carry out certain tasks using handheld devices or a computer.
- Be able to work well with your hands.
With all of this in mind, we’d like to help you further explore what it takes to become a bricklayer in the UK.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Bricklayer UK
How long it takes to become a bricklayer may depend on the type of training that you choose to go for. In reality, there is no actual requirement for formal training and many people begin working on a construction site before learning on the job.
However, if you are going to attend some kind of course, then it’s important to have a good idea of what to expect.
Opting for an apprenticeship is one of the best ways to get into the construction industry and anyone over the age of 16 can apply. It works by dividing your time between work and some kind of formal training. This training may take place at a college or with an independent training provider. The good thing about being an apprentice is that you are employed so you will earn a wage; it is important to note that the minimum wage for an apprentice is lower than that of a fully qualified worker.
Working on an intermediate apprenticeship for bricklaying will take two years to complete.
For many people, a college course is the way forward and colleges all over the UK offer this type of training. Typically, you will be able to choose from two different qualifications; a level 2 diploma in bricklaying or a level 1 certificate in construction skills. However, you might also choose a level 2 diploma in trowel occupations.
In any case, these qualifications run over the course of two years. If you do not have the time to commit to a full time college course, then there are a lot of part time options available but do keep in mind that it will take longer to complete the entirety of the course content.
If you decide that learning on the job is the best option for you, it’s important to remember that you will not leave this training with any kind of formal qualification. However, this does give you the chance to learn at your own pace. According to some professional bricklayers, it can take between six and twelve months to get used to the basics and then another twelve months before you have enough skill and experience to label yourself as a bricklayer. It is also important to note that, in order to be legally allowed to work on a construction site, you must apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card.
Related Article: What Surface Can You Lay Bricks On?
Do You Need A Degree To Be A Bricklayer?
If you are looking to become a self-employed bricklayer then you don’t actually need any formal qualifications but it can be helpful to have these as a way of demonstrating to your clients that you are able to do the job well.
But even when applying for a job as a bricklayer it is incredibly unlikely that an employer would expect you to have a degree. Most employers expect you to have GSCEs in English and Maths and depending on whether they offer on the job training, you may or may not need an NVQ, diploma or other form of certificate.
That said, if you want to further your knowledge and expand your career options into construction management then it is entirely possible to complete a degree in the subject. Doing this will allow you to enter much higher earning roles. That said, bricklayers in the UK are on a very favourable wage. On average, you can expect to earn up to £42,000 annually although as a beginner, you may start on around £20,000 per year.
Is It Hard To Become A Bricklayer?
Becoming a bricklayer does require a certain amount of study and a lot of attention to detail. You will need to be willing to learn on both a practical and theoretical level, taking part in on the job training and working in a classroom environment.
Provided that you have the necessary skills and are willing to work hard, becoming a bricklayer can be an incredibly rewarding journey.
Conclusion
In the UK, there has never been a better time to enroll in a college course or apprenticeship to become a bricklayer. According to reports this year, there is a shortage of bricklayers and the decrease from the previous year is pretty significant with up to 38% of construction companies reporting a shortage of staff.
You’ll need certain qualities to become a bricklayer and studying can take around two years and is usually done through college or an apprenticeship. Although it is possible to learn on the job, you may not always get a formal qualification for this.