Every building needs a strong foundation. Whether you think of a residential or a commercial building, its strength depends on its first layer. Plus, there are certain other subtle details that one needs to take care of at the time of constructing a building. Generally, people consider assigning this task to professionals who have both skills and expertise for handling bricklaying assignments. Such professionals generally work for employers and constitute unions, such as local 1 bricklayers union, to address issues pertaining to their salary and other things.

A career in the bricklaying industry can be a rewarding one. Besides, given the growing demand for the services of bricklayers, it also has the potential to offer a secure career choice.

This post will shed light on what you need to do in order to advance your career goal in the bricklaying industry.

Qualification

As a career option, bricklaying demands more skills than academic qualifications. If excellent skills constitute your forte, then you can think of building a brilliant career in this profession. You will get a better salary package if you have exceptional technical skills. Also, you can think about doing some specific courses for this purpose.

If you have GSCEs in technical subjects and English, you can apply for an apprenticeship. However, your chances of success in obtaining it will depend on the availability of positions. Local governments try their best to create enough positions for facilitating candidates in obtaining a position.

Candidates who have a Diploma in Construction or the Edexcel Introductory Certificate have an edge over others in beginning an apprenticeship. These courses are known to build the basic skills linked to construction in candidates.

 Additionally, employers also give preference to the card corresponding to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). By having it at your disposal, you can improve your chances of serving an apprenticeship for reputed employers.

This apart, the next thing you need is passing the health and safety test. This is important as it provides an employer with the benchmark of whether or not you are safe enough to work on their construction projects.

Skills

Now that you know what qualifications you need in order to present your candidature for a career in bricklaying, it’s just about the right time to find out more about the type of skills you need to improve your chances of getting employment.

Typically, you will need the following skills to create exciting possibilities for yourself in this profession:

  •       A higher degree of physical fitness
  •       Skills to comprehend technical plans
  •       An in-depth understanding of various safety and health issues
  •       The capability to work on behalf of a team
  •       The ability to handle bricklaying assignments on behalf of an employer with care and precision
  •       Demonstration of extraordinary practical skills

You may need some additional skills as well. However, the possession or the combination of the aforementioned skills will put you right in the driving seat with regard to your career prospects.

Work environment

As a bricklayer, you will need to work for at least 39 hours a week. You may have to work in the evenings or even at weekends. A lot will depend on the nature of the project assigned to you. Whilst you will have specific duty hours, you may need to operate beyond it only in the event there is a need for it.

You will generally work as a bricklayer in your local area. However, this may change depending on a project. Due to this aspect, you may need to work at a faraway place from your home.

However, you can rest assured that your employer will bear the charges for your food and accommodation. What’s more, you will even get a good remuneration package for it.

You need to be both physically and mentally prepared to work outdoors in different weather conditions. Generally, employers of bricklayers provide the requisite training and equipment to help them operate in their best possible way.

Remuneration package

So far as the salary package of a bricklayer goes, it depends on their skills and experience.

Those who are at the beginning stage without much experience can make up to £15,000 a year. Those who are experienced, depending on how experienced they are, can increase their earnings by up to £23,000 or even £30,000.

If you wish to earn even more, you can do it by working independently as a craftsman. This way, you will be able to demand a payment that better suits your level of skills.

Final thoughts

To carve out a brilliant career in bricklaying, you need to look beyond academic qualifications. Physical fitness, precision in working with tools, creativity and an eye for proportion and color all come in handy in enhancing career opportunities. If you have the aforementioned skills and qualifications, there is no reason why you cannot succeed in flying colors. A workers compensation law firm will help you find out more about the legal aspects of the profession of bricklaying.