Nvq Courses Devon
Work as a Bricklayer by Swansea Jobs
Bricklayers or “brickies” lay interior and exterior walls, also the inside of tunnels. Most bricklayers learn their trade while on the job, whilst also possibly studying for an NVQ in Bricklaying (Level 2 and 3), or a City and Guilds in Bricklaying skills, or a GNVQ in construction skills. It is possible to get apprenticeships which allow trainees to work and study at the same time. Many people start to train in this trade straight after leaving school and although bricklaying skills can be taught to people of any age, employers are not so keen to take on older people. This is because the job of bricklaying is very physically demanding.
* The job involves cutting bricks to size using chisels, hammers and power tools
* Putting down mortar using a trowel
* Laying the bricks in courses using a line and spirit level to check they are straight and level
* Erect a scaffold and carry bricks when necessary
A bricklayer’s job is skilled and needs good co-ordination skills, along with an ability to work at heights. Work often takes place on noisy, busy, dirty building sites in all types of weather, so bricklayers must make use of appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, goggles, eye masks etc.
Once suitably experienced, bricklayers may decide to become self-employed and can work for private households, on restoration projects or for sub contractors in the construction industry.
The minimum wage for construction workers on building sites is £7.62 per hour. Wages will vary according to location and level of experience of workers. A trainee bricklayer can expect to bring home around £12,000 per annum, rising to £20,000 when very experienced and qualified. Career prospects are good for bricklayers after gaining experience, and they can rise to become a technician on site. Most people who become site managers have worked as bricklayers in the past.
Hours of work can be 9-5, but overtime is very common (but this does get paid for), also working at weekends. Working patterns may change according to the hours of daylight, with the potential for some very early starts.
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