Bricklayer

This page has information on the role of a bricklayer in the NHS, including entry requirements and skills needed. 

Working life

As a bricklayer in the NHS, you may work on

• new buildings
• extensions to existing buildings
• repairing or refurbishing existing buildings
• restoration of historic buildings

You'll keep the outside walls of NHS buildings in good condition by doing repairs when necessary.  You may also work on major construction projects lasting several months.

Who will I work with?

For small repairs, you may work on their own. For larger projects, you'll usually work in a team with other bricklayers or with other estates staff such as carpenters, plumbers, tilers, painters and decorators or electricians.

You may have to travel between sites in an NHS vehicle or your own van.

Alternatively, you could be a bricklayer working for a building/construction company providing construction services to the NHS.

Entry requirements 

There are no set entry requirements to become bricklayer. They usually have a recognised vocational qualification in construction.

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. Find out more about apprenticeships.

Employers may ask for a driving licence.

Skills needed

Bricklayers 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
• able to work alone or in a team
• practical skills
• good manual (hand) skills
• organisational skills

Training and development

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

You will be encouraged to study for qualifications such as vocational qualifications.

• Pay and conditions

  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.

• Where the role can lead

  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. Some bricklayers become self-employed by setting up a business, either on their own or with one or more colleagues. 

   

• Job market and vacancies

  Most NHS trusts advertise their vacancies on NHS Jobs. Some advertise on their own websites. You can find a list of NHS organisations on NHS Choices.

  If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

  Find out more about NHS values.

• Further information

  • Construction Industry Training Board
  • Federation of Master Builders