Bricklayer Fact Sheet

A job profile:
This is probably the job that most people think of when you mention the construction industry. But they probably don’t appreciate the many different types of material that bricklayers use, and the different effects they can create (such as ornamental walls and vaulted archways). Bricklayers also use a variety of specialist tools to spread mortar, cut bricks and blocks to size and to check that walls are perfect.
If you want to be a bricklayer, you’ll have to like that great outdoors and not mind working at heights. Bricklayers also have to be physically fit, careful, and accurate with the ability to follow detailed instructions from architects. Bricklayers often get to travel around the country, and sometimes abroad.

Apprenticeship:
Currently in Northern Ireland, there are two apprenticeship routes available for trainees:

1. 1. Programme-Led Apprenticeship
2. 2. Apprenticeship NI

Our Apprenticeship Route Map also shows these routes towards an apprenticeship and how they work together. We have also detailed the entry requirements for each route, which will help you to decide which apprenticeship scheme is the most appropriate for you, which can be located on the website at:-
Apprenticeships

Skills and entry requirements:
There are various routes for people wanting to get into the construction industry. The skills and qualifications needed vary by occupation and range from apprenticeships and NVQs to HNDs, degrees and professional qualifications. For further information on the skills and qualifications needed for different occupations within the construction industry go to www.bconstructive.co.uk or www.careersserviceni.com

Career Progression:

Training Available:
Training is not only important, it’s essential for future growth in the industry. Properly trained employees and subcontractors are safer, work faster, stay motivated and make fewer mistakes. They are also easier to recruit and retain. Training leads to qualifications like NVQ's and CSR and registered cards. Not only do they prove to you and your clients that your workers are competent professionals but with more and more clients and contractors insisting on a fully qualified workforce they're becoming essential to get on site at all.

We have a fully functional Training Directory which allows you to search effectively for the course suitable for you.

Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) Statistics:
CITB-ConstructionSkill NI produce annual forecasts and analyses of 'skills demand' in the industry on a national and regional basis through the Construction Skills Network (CSN). The CSN represents a radical change in the way we use research, data and information in the construction industry. It will shape our future employment, skills and training needs, this is available via download here.


Average hours of work and earnings (obtained via NI Direct/apprentices)
The average hours of work and earnings vary slightly depending on time constraints on each job, however NI Direct have developed a list of frequently asked questions which addresses all concerns and queries raised. For more information link to the address here



Health & Safety Booklet:
In order to continually reduce accidents on site CITB-ConstructionSkills NI have developed pocket sized health & safety advice booklets specifically for Bricklayers, which have been reviewed and approved by the Health & Safety Executive NI. These are booklets are readily available via download at the link here.



Training plan template: currently under development

Industry Registration Scheme: weblink to CSR card scheme

This information is available as a download by clicking here