Bricklaying Apprenticeships

Can you get an apprenticeship in bricklaying?

Absolutely! And if you’ve made it to this point, chances are you’re either curious about careers in construction or know someone in the industry who's sparked your interest.

Here's what makes bricklaying brilliant: there's so much more to it than laying bricks. You'll learn about health and safety (PPE), energy efficiency in buildings, environmental building practices, and all the different materials used in construction. You'll understand how structures work, how to read plans, and how to bring an architect's vision to life.

Right now, demand for bricklayers is climbing. Housebuilding is increasing, and the industry genuinely needs skilled people. Whether you're interested in new builds, restoration projects, or heritage brickwork, a bricklaying apprenticeship opens up real opportunities.

How does a bricklaying apprenticeship work?

You don’t need previous experience to become a bricklayer apprentice. You can start with a Level 2 apprenticeship and work your way up from there. 

Level 2 apprenticeships are the first step on the career ladder, the newbies in the pack. They’re designed for career-ready students like you who want to get stuck in and learn about the world of work. These apprenticeships are 80% practical and 20% classroom-based.

Oh - and they pay you to learn. 

As an apprentice, you’ll split your time between working for your employer and studying at a training provider. Each programme you do will vary. So working for a company that builds homes from scratch will be completely different from one that focuses on renovations.

What qualifications do I need for bricklaying?

To get onto a level 2 apprenticeship, you’ll usually need GCSE's in maths and English.

What if I don’t have the qualifications?

If you're not sure whether construction is right for you, or you don't have the right GCSEs, a T-Level Foundation Year is a smart first step.  You could do a Level 1 construction diploma, for example, at Barking and Dagenham College and take maths and English as part of your course.  It lets you test the waters, improve your CV, and figure out if bricklaying is truly your path - all without committing to a full apprenticeship straight away.

The T-Level Foundation Year is a taster program that gives you industry knowledge, helps you develop skills, and prepares you for either an apprenticeship or a job. To join one, you'll need to:

• Be aged 16-24

• Be eligible to work in the UK

• Have little or no work experience

• Be motivated to learn

If you already have two GCSE's in maths and English, you can jump straight to a Level 2 apprenticeship.

Once you've completed your Foundation Year and your Level 2 apprenticeship, you'll have qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C). From there, you can move into Level 3 apprenticeships if you want to gain higher qualifications and specialise further.

Where can I find an apprenticeship in bricklaying?

Lots of construction firms are offering bricklaying apprenticeships. Sometimes it can be hard to choose between them all and find one that’s right for you.

That’s where our Top Apprenticeship table comes in. Here you’ll find the best, most value-driven companies in the industry, based on honest reviews written by apprentices just like you. So if you want an apprenticeship in bricklaying, but need a leg up, be sure to check it out. 

Feeling stuck? Keepmoat Homes is a good place to start. As a bricklaying apprentice with the UK’s leading home builder, you’ll spend 18 months in training, learning skills from employees and contractors within the trade. You’ll work on-site, take theory classes and carry out tasks like:

• Building cavity walls

• Inserting insulation

• Joint walling

By the end of your program, you'd have a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Bricklaying and be fully qualified to start your career in the sector.

How long is a bricklaying apprenticeship?

Bricklaying apprenticeships typically take around two years to complete, though they can last up to 30 months depending on your employer and the specific program.

Don't let the timescale put you off. The longer programs often mean more experience, more varied projects, and stronger skills by the time you qualify. Experience really does make all the difference when you're starting your career.

Once you've finished, you'll earn an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying and a knowledge-based BTEC qualification. This qualifies you to place and compact concrete, install drainage systems, and repair masonry structures - skills that open up plenty of career paths.

Is bricklaying a hard trade?

Let’s be honest: yes, bricklaying is physically and mentally demanding. But it’s not impossible. It just needs time, patience and passion to get it right.

As a fully qualified bricklayer, you’ll need to:

• Read building plans

• Understand surface finishes

• Understand the inner workings of concrete and cement 

• Install rebar.

But here's what's important to remember: your apprenticeship is specifically designed to build you up to this. You won't be expected to do everything on day one. You'll develop the physical stamina, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities gradually, with experienced bricklayers guiding you every step of the way.

Plus, modern construction equipment - brick elevators, hydraulic scaffolding, telehandlers - makes the physical side much more manageable than it used to be. The industry has evolved to make the work safer and less gruelling.

Yes, it takes time, patience, and genuine commitment to become skilled. But if you're willing to put in the effort and learn, you'll build a career that's both physically active and genuinely rewarding.

Are bricklayers in demand in the UK?

Here's the situation: the UK currently has a shortage of at least 30,000 bricklayers nationwide. The combination of Brexit, COVID-19, older bricklayers retiring, and fewer people entering the trade has created a significant skills gap.

At the same time, the demand for housing keeps growing - we need around 300,000 new homes built every year.

So yes, bricklayers are absolutely in demand. And that demand isn't going away anytime soon.

This is actually excellent news for you. It means job security, the ability to choose between employers, opportunities to work on diverse projects, and strong earning potential as you build your career.

The industry needs skilled people. If you're ready to train, work hard, and develop your craft, there's a genuine place for you in construction.

How much do bricklayers earn? 

Let's talk money.

As an apprentice, you'll start on the National Minimum Wage, though many employers pay above that rate. You're paid for your normal working hours, any training that's part of your apprenticeship, and extra courses like maths and English.

Your salary depends on your apprenticeship level and employer, so it's worth comparing what different companies offer when you're job hunting.

Here's the encouraging part: once you're fully qualified and experienced, bricklayers can earn around £42,000 a year. And with the current shortage of skilled bricklayers, wages are likely to keep rising.

If you're fit, enjoy working outdoors, and want a career that offers financial stability, bricklaying delivers on all fronts.

Ready to start building? A bricklaying apprenticeship gives you practical skills, hands-on experience, and a clear career path in an industry that truly values skilled workers. If that sounds like your kind of future, start exploring opportunities today.