A bricklayer – sometimes called a mason – is the person who builds walls, structures and buildings using bricks, blocks or stone. They’re the ones who turn a pile of materials into something solid, straight, and built to last.
On site, a bricklayer’s job isn’t just about laying bricks in a line. It starts with setting out the job, checking the ground levels, reading plans, and making sure everything’s square and level. Then comes mixing mortar, laying bricks or blocks, cutting to size, and finishing joints cleanly. A good bricklayer works fast – but never sloppily. If your wall’s off by even a few millimetres, it can throw off the whole job.
You’ll find bricklayers working on houses, schools, retaining walls, garden features, and commercial buildings – basically anywhere structure and finish matter. Some specialise in blockwork for speed, others in face brick for clean lines and visible finishes.
In the UK, bricklayers often come up through apprenticeships, NVQs or on-the-job training. Understanding site drawings, knowing building regs, and keeping up with safety practices are all part of the role.
At Construction and Plant Training Services, we offer training for those looking to work alongside bricklayers or manage site operations. If you’re a plant operator working near masonry crews, it’s important to understand how your role fits into the build – and how to keep things safe and coordinated.
