Do I need an NVQ to work as a bricklayer?

Many employers like to see one, and it supports a skilled worker CSCS card, but firms also value proven experience and examples of your work.

Should I put my laying pace on the CV?

Yes, if it is honest and you say what kind of work it was. Mention quality of finish too, not just speed.

What if I am a trainee bricklayer?

Show your college course, the walls you have built and that you learn quickly. Many firms take on trainees who are keen and safe on site.

Bricklayer CV example

A strong bricklayer CV shows the work you do, such as brick and block, cavity walls and pointing, with accuracy, steady pace and safe working. List your NVQ and CSCS card, and say whether you work on new builds, extensions or repairs.

Erin Doyle

Bricklayer

erin@example.com · 07700 900178 · Brighton

Profile

Experienced bricklayer with NVQ Level 2 and a CSCS card, skilled in facing brickwork, blockwork and cavity walls on new builds and extensions. Accurate with levels and setting out, and used to working at a steady daily pace from scaffold. Works well with labourers, site managers and other trades.

Experience

Bricklayer — a regional house-building firm

Built brick and block cavity walls on new-build houses, keeping courses level and plumb

Laid around 400 bricks a day on standard facing work, keeping joints even

Set out corners and openings from drawings and built in lintels, cavity trays and damp proof courses

Worked closely with a labourer to keep mortar and materials coming, and kept the work area tidy

Checked levels and plumb with a spirit level, line and pins as the walls went up

Bricklayer — a local building contractor

Built garden walls, garages and small extensions from foundations to roof line

Repointed and repaired old brickwork, matching the mortar colour

Worked from scaffold and trestles, following site safety rules and wearing PPE

Matched new brick to old where extensions met existing houses

Key skills

NVQ Level 2 bricklaying

Facing brickwork and blockwork

Cavity walls and damp proof courses

Setting out and levelling

Pointing and repairs

Reading drawings

Working from scaffold

Cutting bricks and blocks

CSCS card

Working to daily targets

Example · fictional candidate · Heritage design · Use this design

Tips for a bricklayer CV

List NVQ Level 2 and your CSCS card near the top, with any scaffold or working at height training
Say what you build, such as new builds, extensions, garden walls or repairs
Give your pace where it is honest, such as bricks a day, and mention quality as well as speed
Mention feature brickwork, arches or stonework if you can do it
State whether you are happy to travel between sites and have your own transport
Name any CPCS, NPORS or power tool tickets you hold if they are relevant

Applying with a cover letter? See our bricklayer cover letter example.