Bricklayers play an integral part in the housing industry. Their duties involve building, repairing and restoring brickwork on construction sites in all weather conditions and at height.
There are various paths into this role, including previous experience on construction sites or an apprenticeship program. Completing a City and Guilds pre-apprentice course may also prove useful.
Qualifications
Bricklayers play an essential part in construction projects. Their duties involve measuring out areas for brickwork projects before laying bricks to form the foundations and walls of buildings. Furthermore, they may repair existing masonry structures.
Bricks provide numerous advantages over other forms of building material. Not only are they durable, but also help save energy by keeping buildings warm in winter and cool in summer – saving both energy and money! Cleaning bricks is simple with minimal upkeep required.
Bricklayers can find employment with various employers. While some work on large commercial construction sites, others may operate their own private contracting business. Many begin as apprentices learning the trade alongside an experienced journey bricklayer or mason; other pursue vocational qualifications at college or through apprenticeship opportunities within construction companies; all require having obtained their Construction Skills Certification Scheme card before starting to work on site.
Experience
Bricklayers play an essential part in building construction. Their task involves building and repairing walls, chimneys and fireplaces according to blueprints and specifications outlined by blueprints or specifications from architects or clients. Bricklayers may work for construction companies as tradespersons or may work independently as self-employed entrepreneurs.
Many bricklayers enter their profession through apprenticeship programs that combine classroom study with on-the-job training from certified journeypersons. Apprenticeship programs typically last three 12-month cycles and participants earn while learning.
Experienced candidates can gain exposure in construction sites as unskilled labourers or through attending trades training courses offered at schools and community centres. While some courses focus specifically on bricklaying skillsets, others offer general skillsets applicable across any trade. Recruitment agencies can place skilled tradespeople into bricklaying vacancies locally or nationwide by conducting assessments and health & safety checks on candidates to make sure they’re suitable for the task at hand; their rates will depend on project size and level of experience.
Getting on with a tradesperson
Bricklayers specialize in building, repairing and renovating brick walls as well as structures such as chimneys, tunnel linings and arches. To do so, they cut and shape bricks before mixing mortar to form courses (horizontal layers) of them for placement on construction sites. Spirit levels and lines may be used to ensure straightness while protective clothing and safety gear must be worn when working outdoors.
Many bricklayers are employed through recruitment agencies that specialize in placing skilled tradespeople into construction project jobs both locally and nationally. This employment can either be on a short-term or contract basis depending on the size and requirements of an organisation.
When hiring a bricklayer, always ask for references from previous homeowners they have worked for as well as photographic examples of their past work. If they refuse, don’t hire them! Once hired, get a written contract that clearly states what is and isn’t included within it.
Waste removal
Renovation or repair projects often leave behind waste to be handled properly, including old bricks, mortar and debris that needs disposing of. Many bricklayers offer this service, however it’s wise to check with your local council as there may be specific regulations in place regarding waste removal.
If the brickwork on your home is looking discolored and crumbly, and mortar has started to separate, you may require repointing services in Glasgow. Repointing services usually involve taking an extensive inspection of the structure in question to assess damage at its core, sometimes necessitating working at height.
Reputable bricklayers will offer you a comprehensive estimate that includes labor and material costs to help make it easy to compare prices. Be sure to ask if any disposal fees are included, otherwise this will need to be organized on your own.