What qualifications do you need to become a bricklayer?

To become a qualified bricklayer in UK construction, you need an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying, which qualifies you for a CSCS Blue Card. This can be obtained through a bricklaying apprenticeship (2–3 years), a college Level 2 bricklaying course, or the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route if you have significant practical experience. CSCS Blue Card bricklayers are the industry standard — most principal contractors and housebuilders require it for all workers on their sites.

How long does a bricklaying apprenticeship take?

A bricklaying apprenticeship in the UK typically takes 2–3 years, combining on-site work with a Level 2 college programme. The apprenticeship leads directly to an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying and qualifies you for a CSCS Blue Card. During the apprenticeship you work with experienced bricklayers on live projects, building speed and quality under supervision. Apprentice wages are typically £200–£320/week in years 1–2, increasing in years 3+.

How much do bricklayers earn in the UK?

Bricklayers earn £18–£28/hour as skilled operatives in 2026, equivalent to £220–£350/day. London and the South East pay at the top of this range. High-output bricklayers who work gang contract or price-work (paid by quantity laid rather than hourly) can significantly exceed the hourly rate equivalent. Bricklaying gang leaders earn £24–£32/hour, and experienced foremen or bricklaying supervisors reach £28–£38/hour. The bricklayer shortage means rates have risen consistently over the past decade.

What is the difference between a CSCS Green Card and CSCS Blue Card for bricklayers?

A CSCS Green Card (Labourer) is an entry-level card that does not confirm any specific trade qualification — it only confirms completion of the CITB health and safety test. A CSCS Blue Card (Skilled Worker) confirms you hold an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in your specific trade — for bricklayers, NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying. Blue Card is required for bricklayers on most UK construction sites. You cannot work as a recognised qualified bricklayer on the majority of principal contractor sites with only a Green Card.

Can I learn bricklaying without doing a formal apprenticeship?

Yes — while an apprenticeship is the most common route, you can also: complete a standalone Level 2 Bricklaying course at a college or training centre (typically 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time); access short intensive bricklaying courses at private training providers as an entry point (though these do not directly qualify you for NVQ Level 2); or use the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route if you have worked in bricklaying for several years without formal qualification. All routes ultimately lead to NVQ Level 2 and CSCS Blue Card as the recognised qualification.

Is bricklaying still in demand in the UK?

Yes — bricklaying is in severe and long-running shortage across the UK. The housebuilding sector, which is the largest employer of bricklayers, has chronic difficulty filling vacancies. CITB regularly identifies bricklayers as one of the highest-shortage trades in construction. The combination of an ageing workforce, reduced apprenticeship numbers relative to demand, and sustained housebuilding output has created a sustained supply/demand imbalance that shows no sign of resolving in the near term. For workers considering entering the trade, demand is strong and rates have risen consistently.

Career Guide

How to Become a Bricklayer in the UK

Bricklaying is in severe and sustained shortage across UK construction — with consistently strong rates and high employment security. This guide covers qualifications, apprenticeship routes, CSCS Blue Card, pay, and career progression.

Typical pay

£18–£28/hr

Card required

CSCS Blue

Shortage

Severe

Quick Answer

How do you become a qualified bricklayer in the UK?

To become a qualified bricklayer, you need an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying, which qualifies you for a CSCS Blue Card. The main route is a 2–3 year bricklaying apprenticeship combining on-site work with college training. If you have existing practical experience, the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) provides a faster route to the NVQ without completing formal training. Qualified bricklayers earn £18–£28/hour in 2026, with London and the South East paying at the higher end. Bricklayers are in severe shortage nationwide — demand is consistently strong.

What Bricklayers Do

Bricklayers construct walls, partitions, arches, and other structures using brick, block, stone, and similar materials, bound with mortar. They work across residential, commercial, and civic construction — from new-build housing to extensions, commercial cladding, and heritage restoration.

Laying bricks, blocks, and stone to plan specifications
Mixing and applying mortar to correct consistency and strength
Setting out work from drawings and establishing datum levels
Building cavity walls with correct insulation and ties
Constructing arches, lintels, and feature brickwork
Pointing, repointing, and finishing faces to specification
Working on internal blockwork for walls and partitions
Interpreting architectural and structural drawings

Three Routes to Qualification

Apprenticeship

2–3 yearsMost common

Combines on-site work with a Level 2 Bricklaying college programme. You earn while you learn — typically £200–£320/week. Leads directly to NVQ Level 2 and CSCS Blue Card. Available through bricklaying contractors and construction colleges.

College Level 2 course

1–2 yearsFlexible entry

Full-time or part-time bricklaying courses at FE colleges. Covers practical bricklaying, technical drawing, and construction theory to NVQ Level 2. On completion you apply for CSCS Blue Card and enter employment as a qualified bricklayer.

EWPA (Experienced Worker)

WeeksFor experienced workers

If you have worked in bricklaying for several years without formal qualification, the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment lets you demonstrate competence and gain NVQ Level 2 without completing a full course. Requires evidence of experience and a practical assessment.

Career Progression & Pay

Bricklaying offers a clear progression path from operative to gang leader, foreman, and supervisor, with strong rate increases at each stage.

Apprentice Bricklayer

During apprenticeship — increases each year

£8–£14/hr

Qualified Bricklayer (CSCS Blue)

Standard qualified rate — UK regions

£18–£26/hr

London/South East Bricklayer

Premium for London and South East sites

£22–£30/hr

Bricklayer on Gang/Price Work

Output-based — high earners significantly exceed hourly rate

£25–£40+/hr equiv.

Bricklaying Gang Leader

Leading a gang of 3–6 operatives

£24–£32/hr

Bricklaying Foreman / Supervisor

Multi-gang management, quality oversight

£28–£38/hr

Bricklayer Career FAQs

Bricklayer Jobs UK Bricklayer Salary Guide CSCS Card Guide Best Paid Construction Trades Candidate Hub

Looking for Bricklayer Jobs?

Phoenix Gray places bricklayers on housebuilding, commercial, and civils programmes across the UK. Register with us for weekly-pay CIS or PAYE vacancies.