A great bricklayer does more than just stack bricks and spread mortar. Professional bricklayers are craftsmen who blend precision, planning, and strength to create durable, attractive structures. Whether you’re just starting your bricklaying journey or working toward your Level 3 NVQ in Bricklaying, mastering these skills is essential for progressing in your construction career.

In this guide, we cover the key skills every professional bricklayer should develop to stand out in today’s competitive building industry.

1. Technical Bricklaying Skills

At the core of any bricklayer’s job is technical ability — your capacity to lay bricks, blocks, and stone to the right measurements and tolerances.

You need to master:

• • Spreading mortar evenly

• • Cutting bricks to size using hand or power tools

• • Creating clean, consistent joints

• • Building walls to a line, level, and plumb

These foundational skills are taught in depth during the NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying and further refined at Level 3 for advanced and decorative brickwork.

👉 Explore NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying
👉 Advance with NVQ Level 3 in Bricklaying

2. Reading Drawings & Site Plans

Professional bricklayers must be able to interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications. You’ll need to understand:

• • Wall thickness and dimensions

• • Layouts for windows, doors, and expansion joints

• • Placement of damp-proof courses and insulation

This is especially important as you move into Level 3 and supervisory roles, where your responsibilities include overseeing others and ensuring compliance with plans.

3. Tool Mastery and Maintenance

From trowels and spirit levels to brick hammers, laser levels, and mortar mixers, knowing how to use and care for your tools is critical.

Professional bricklayers should:

• • Select the right tool for each job

• • Keep equipment clean and well-maintained

• • Use PPE (gloves, safety goggles, boots) effectively

4. Knowledge of Materials and Mortar Types

Different projects require different types of materials — from engineering bricks to breeze blocks and various types of mortar.

A skilled bricklayer understands:

• • How different bricks perform under load

• • When to use lime mortar vs cement-based

• • The importance of matching brick colours and textures

This is a valuable skill when working on heritage projects, restorations, or bespoke designs.

5. Problem Solving and Adaptability

Even with the best planning, construction sites can be unpredictable. Weather delays, material shortages, or design changes mean that bricklayers need to think on their feet.

Key problem-solving skills include:

• • Adjusting layout to suit unexpected measurements

• • Dealing with irregular brick or block sizes

• • Suggesting practical changes on-site

6. Health, Safety & Site Awareness

Construction sites are hazardous, and professional bricklayers must follow strict safety procedures.

You’ll need to:

• • Follow risk assessments and method statements

• • Use scaffolding and access equipment safely

• • Wear appropriate PPE and understand COSHH regulations

Completing a bricklaying NVQ includes health and safety components and contributes toward gaining your CSCS card.

🪪 What CSCS Card Do Bricklayers Need?

7. Communication & Teamwork

While bricklaying is often hands-on and physical, strong communication is just as vital. Bricklayers must coordinate with site supervisors, labourers, plasterers, electricians, and scaffolders.

Good communication helps ensure:

• • Projects stay on schedule

• • Mistakes are avoided

• • Teams work safely and efficiently

8. Project and Time Management

As you progress to more senior roles — such as lead bricklayer or site supervisor — time management becomes increasingly important.

Professional bricklayers:

• • Plan their day’s work

• • Keep track of materials used

• • Ensure targets are met without cutting corners

These skills are covered in more detail during the Level 3 NVQ in Trowel Occupations and NVQ Level 4 in Site Supervision.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the skills above doesn’t just make you a better bricklayer — it opens the door to higher pay, greater job satisfaction, and opportunities to grow your career. Whether you’re aiming to be the best in your crew or eventually supervise your own site, continuous skill development is the key.

Ready to take your bricklaying career to the next level?

Get qualified with a Level 2 NVQ in Bricklaying
Progress to the Level 3 NVQ and unlock new opportunities
Gain the CSCS card that matches your skills and ambition

Call us today on 0330 127 1850 or Enquire Online to find out how we can help.