Bricklayer Job Description
Skilled bricklayers build, repair and finish masonry work on residential, commercial and civil projects. Use this template to advertise a practical, site‑based role with clear responsibilities and realistic candidate expectations.
What does a Bricklayer professional do?
A bricklayer sets out, lays and points bricks and blocks to lines and levels, working from drawings and specifications to deliver structural and finishing masonry work on site.
Bricklayer job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Bricklayer
About the role
We are looking for a reliable Bricklayer to join the site team at [Location/project]. You will set out and build walls, partitions and other structures in brick and blockwork, cut and trim units, carry out pointing and ensure work is finished to specification. CSCS card (or equivalent proof of competency) and relevant site experience required; training and PPE will be provided as agreed.
Key responsibilities
- Read drawings, take site levels and set out masonry work to specified lines and levels
- Lay bricks, blocks and other masonry units using appropriate mortar mixes and bonding patterns
- Cut, trim and shape bricks and blocks to fit around openings, services and joints
- Carry out pointing, rendering or damp‑proof courses where required to the project specification
- Check work against quality standards and tolerances and report any defects or variances
- Maintain and store tools and equipment; ensure plant, scaffolding and access are used safely
- Work alongside labourers, other trades and supervisors to meet programme and handovers
- Follow site health & safety procedures, including working at height and safe manual handling
Essential skills and experience
- Practical experience of bricklaying and blockwork on construction sites
- CSCS card or equivalent proof of site competency (or ability to obtain prior to start)
- Ability to read basic drawings and set out work to lines and levels
- Good knowledge of mixing and applying mortar and material handling
- Awareness of site health & safety requirements and safe working practices
- Physical fitness and manual dexterity required for lifting, bending and working outdoors
Desirable
- NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Brickwork/trowel occupations or similar vocational qualification
- Experience with specialist tasks such as restoration, lintel installation or cavity wall construction
- Experience working on private housing, commercial projects or heritage buildings
- Experience training or mentoring apprentices and junior tradespeople
- Full UK driving licence or reliable travel arrangements for multiple site locations
What we offer
- Competitive pay rate (enter band or range)
- Employer pension scheme (details to be specified by employer)
- Paid annual holiday (statutory entitlement or enhanced package)
- On‑the‑job training and development opportunities
- Personal protective equipment provided
- Tool allowance or contribution (where applicable)
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Bricklayer role?
A bricklayer is responsible for constructing and repairing walls, partitions and other masonry structures using bricks, blocks and related materials. They interpret drawings and set out works to required levels and tolerances, prepare and apply mortar, cut and trim masonry units and complete finishing tasks such as pointing. Bricklayers work on a variety of sites and must follow health and safety practices and quality standards.
Main tasks
Laying bricks and blocks, cutting and shaping units, setting out work from drawings, pointing and finishing to meet specification.
Who they work with
Site supervisors, labourers, other trades (plasterers, carpenters) and project managers to deliver programmed work.
Work setting
Construction sites across housing, commercial and civil projects; work is practical, site‑based and often outdoors.
Typical Bricklayer responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Read drawings
Read drawings, take site levels and set out masonry work to specified lines and levels
Lay bricks
Lay bricks, blocks and other masonry units using appropriate mortar mixes and bonding patterns
Cut, trim
Cut, trim and shape bricks and blocks to fit around openings, services and joints
Carry out pointing
Carry out pointing, rendering or damp‑proof courses where required to the project specification
Check work against quality standards
Check work against quality standards and tolerances and report any defects or variances
Maintain
Maintain and store tools and equipment; ensure plant, scaffolding and access are used safely
Work alongside labourers
Work alongside labourers, other trades and supervisors to meet programme and handovers
Follow site health & safety procedures
Follow site health & safety procedures, including working at height and safe manual handling
Bricklayer skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Practical experience of bricklaying and blockwork on construction sites
- CSCS card or equivalent proof of site competency (or ability to obtain prior to start)
- Ability to read basic drawings and set out work to lines and levels
- Good knowledge of mixing and applying mortar and material handling
- Awareness of site health & safety requirements and safe working practices
- Physical fitness and manual dexterity required for lifting, bending and working outdoors
Useful where relevant
- NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Brickwork/trowel occupations or similar vocational qualification
- Experience with specialist tasks such as restoration, lintel installation or cavity wall construction
- Experience working on private housing, commercial projects or heritage buildings
- Experience training or mentoring apprentices and junior tradespeople
- Full UK driving licence or reliable travel arrangements for multiple site locations
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Bricklayer job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be specific about site type and scope
State whether the role is for residential, commercial, restoration or infrastructure work and whether projects are short‑term or long‑term; applicants want to know the typical tasks and finish standards.
List essential certificates and working patterns
Clearly state any required competency proof (for example CSCS) plus expected hours, overtime, shift patterns and travel expectations so candidates can assess fit quickly.
Describe physical demands and equipment provision
Mention lifting, working at height, PPE and whether tools or tool allowances are provided — this helps set realistic expectations.
Include progression and training
Note opportunities for NVQ training, upskilling or supervisory progression to attract candidates seeking career development.
Bricklayer salary considerations
Bricklayer pay varies widely. Employers should consider regional labour markets, project type, candidate experience and recognised qualifications when setting a rate. Decide whether the role is employed or self‑employed, whether overtime or travel will be paid, and how specialist skills affect any premium.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Bricklayer candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
Where is the site and how far will I need to travel?
Candidates want clarity on the project location, typical travel times and whether travel time or mileage is paid.
What are the expected hours, overtime and shift patterns?
State the normal working day, any night or weekend shifts, and how overtime is arranged and paid.
What health & safety and site access requirements apply?
Tell candidates about required competency cards, inductions, PPE rules and any medical or drug‑testing policies.
Are tools, PPE and transport provided?
Be explicit whether the employer supplies tools, PPE, tool allowance or a vehicle, or whether staff must provide their own.
Is training or progression available?
Experienced candidates often want to know about NVQ support, supervisory pathways or specialist training opportunities.
Where to post a Bricklayer job
Target a mix of general and construction‑specific channels to reach both experienced tradespeople and apprentices. Use national job boards for wider reach, specialist construction and trade boards or college apprenticeship lists for targeted candidates, and local networks, site hoardings and trade social groups to capture labourers and regional bricklayers.
Bricklayer job description FAQs
Do I need a CSCS card to hire a bricklayer?
A CSCS card is widely required for site access and is considered best practice; you can accept equivalent proof of competency, but confirm any site‑specific entry requirements with the client or principal contractor.
How should I assess a bricklayer's practical ability at interview?
Ask for a portfolio of recent work, references from site supervisors, and set practical questions about setting out, mortar mixes and common site problems; consider a short practical test or probationary period on site if appropriate.
Should the role be advertised as employed or self‑employed?
That depends on how you will manage PAYE, supervision and working patterns. Direct employment gives more control over hours and training; subcontracting may suit short projects. Ensure the contractual status matches HMRC and health & safety expectations.
What onboarding and supervision should I provide?
Provide site induction, clear briefs, drawings and quality standards, and assign a site supervisor or mentor. Agree any training needs and method statements for specialist tasks before work begins.
How long does it typically take to fill a bricklayer vacancy?
Timing varies by region and project type; simple local hires can be filled quickly, while skilled or specialist roles (restoration or heritage) may take longer. Use multiple advertising channels and local networks to speed recruitment.
Ready to post this vacancy?
Use the template text to create a clear advert, customise the essential requirements and benefits to match your offer, and choose targeted channels to reach qualified bricklayers. If you need further help tailoring the description, contact a recruitment specialist.
