Compare roles in health

There are no set entry requirements to become bricklayer. To train as a bricklayer, you usually need GCSEs in English and maths. Employers may ask for some experience in construction or other practical work. There are often apprenticeships in estates support work which could provide such useful experience. When you start as a trainee bricklayer, your training will include health and safety, how to use the tools and equipment, all aspects of bricklaying and you will be encouraged to study for vocational qualifications. Where employers are advertising for qualified bricklayers, they will usually expect applicants to have a recognised vocational qualification in construction. They may ask for a driving licence.

Estates staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As an estates support worker, you could start on AfC band 2. As a qualified craftsperson in estates maintenance, you will typically start on AfC band 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 4 and above. Bricklayers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The job may involve early starts and weekend working. Terms and conditions will usually be different for bricklayers working outside of the NHS.

As a bricklayer, you need to be interested in construction, physically fit for lifting, standing and carrying, neat and methodical, health and safety aware, willing to work outside in all weathers, able to read plans and able to work alone or in a team, You'll also need practical skills, good manual (hand) skills and good organisational skills.

With experience, a bricklayer can become a team leader, supervising the work of others. With further experience you could progress to manager, responsible for a hospital, area or trust. There are opportunities outside the NHS.

A-levels (including science) or an appropriate level-3 equivalent for entry onto the BSc (Hons) healthcare science (radiation physics) for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP), or for the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable.

NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

Effective communication and team working skills, a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach, confidence with technology, systems and processes.

With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.