You can take a college course like:

• basic construction skills
• bricklaying
• T Level in On Site Construction

These courses teach you some of the skills you'll need to find a trainee bricklayer job with a construction company.

Some colleges and private training organisations may offer short or part-time bricklaying 'taster' courses. These may be of help to you if you're thinking of a change in career.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You can apply to do a:

• Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These usually take around 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as a construction site labourer or hod carrier, with a bricklaying team or 'gang', and do training on the job to become a bricklayer.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• concentration skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a bricklayer, you would:

• read and follow building plans for each job
• measure work areas and set out the first rows of bricks or blocks
• mix mortar by hand or with a mechanical mixer
• use a trowel to lay mortar and place bricks
• shape and trim bricks using hammers, chisels and power tools
• check rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line
• repoint brickwork to repair old or damaged mortar joints
• build architectural and ornamental brickwork features

You could work on a construction site or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers, at height and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.