How to be a Good Bricklayer

by Team Tradify, November 28, 2023

Bricklaying is a skilled trade that not only shapes the buildings we live within but also offers a rewarding career path for those who love working with their hands. It’s foundational to the construction industry and a trade with plenty of job opportunities.

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Best bricklayer qualities
Getting started as a bricklayer
Continuous learning
Health and safety in bricklaying
Communication and teamwork
Building a digital identity
Financial and business management

1. Best bricklayer qualities

Bricklaying is physically demanding and demands accuracy and endurance. Checking if you possess these qualities is a clear way to determine if you're well-suited for the job.

Precision and physical skill: Laying bricks requires a steady hand and a keen eye for detail. Your structures not only need to look good but also be structurally sound.
Strength and stamina: This is a physically demanding job. You'll be lifting, bending, and working in various conditions, including construction sites, mud and/or unsteady ground.
Mathematical skills: Calculating angles and quantities is a daily part of the job, so brush up on those maths skills!
Attention to detail: From mixing mortar to aligning bricks, the devil is in the details.

Sounds like you? Then read ahead.

2. Getting started as a bricklayer

Ready to lay the foundation for your career? These apprenticeship programs will give you the training necessary to begin your career as a bricklayer.

🇺🇸 USA bricklaying apprenticeships
🇬🇧 UK bricklaying apprenticeships
🇦🇺 Australian bricklaying apprenticeships
🇳🇿 New Zealand bricklaying apprenticeships

Remember, obtaining the right certification and licence is crucial for your professional credibility!

Learn more about how to get an apprenticeship in the trades.

3. Continuous learning

Don't stop learning once you've mastered the basics. The construction industry is always evolving, and so should you. Staying updated on the latest building codes and techniques will establish you as a reliable, trustworthy and skilled bricklayer. Taking short courses or workshops will expand your skill set and provide more opportunities to develop your career.

Take a look at our podcast for great industry insights from leading tradespeople, or check out our blog for more articles like this one.

4. Health and safety in bricklaying

Safety first! Always adhere to safety standards and use the correct personal protective equipment. Being aware of construction principles is vital to prevent accidents on site.

As a bricklayer, you’re often exposed to health and safety hazards. It’s just part of the job. A good bricklayer will work hard at minimising these risks to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. Be sure to stay on top of your health and safety obligations:

5. Communication and teamwork

Excellent communication skills are essential, especially when working on larger projects. Being able to effectively collaborate with other professionals will enhance your reputation in the industry while maintaining a professional demeanour around clients will do wonders for your professional reputation and is fundamental to establishing yourself as a reputable bricklayer business, sole trader, contractor or brand.

Read these tips for how to build a strong client-contractor relationship.

6. Building a digital identity

In today’s digital world, having an online presence is crucial. Create a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn and showcase your projects. Regular updates and interactions can help you network and attract more clients.

If you reach a point where it’s time to go out and start your own bricklaying business, small business directories can also help to promote your business, especially if you don’t have your own website. See which options suit your business best by looking at our lists of small business directories for your local area:

🇺🇸 USA Small Business Directories
🇬🇧 UK Small Business Directories
🇦🇺 Australian Small Business Directories
🇳🇿 New Zealand Small Business Directories

You also need an online presence to build a brand for your business. The majority of customers will discover and learn more about you online, so make sure your digital marketing is up-to-par.

Social media profiles will also help to boost your reach. Think about whether these platforms would suit your business or work profile:

7. Financial and business management

From social media to cloud-based apps like Tradify that streamline your work processes, technology is the not-so-secret weapon for running a successful bricklaying business. You’ll need automated systems that help eliminate unnecessary paperwork, so you can focus on the tools and growing your trade business.

Managing your finances is key, especially if you run your own bricklaying business. Tools like Tradify can help you keep track of expenses and streamline your billing processes.

There are plenty of tools out there known to help with cash flow management and can help you run your bricklaying business, including:

The building blocks of success

Becoming a skilled bricklayer takes more than just laying bricks. It’s about precision, safety, continuous learning, and effective communication. When you’re ready, there’s nothing to stop you from starting your own trade business and specialising in an area that interests you. With the right qualifications, mindset, and tools, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Great tradespeople use Tradify to run their businesses. Sign up for a free 14-day trial, or jump into one of our weekly live walkthroughs.