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Bricklaying

Bricklayers build the external fabric of buildings in bricks or concrete blocks, which will be load bearing or simply a decorative weatherproof cladding to steel or concrete framed buildings.

Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone, concrete blocks and other types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures, work at heights or in tunnels and shafts. Bricklaying is one of the most varied construction trades and bricklayers could work on a number of projects from creating a single conservatory building, to building brand new homes or large commercial developments.

This competition has been designed to reflect the role of a bricklayer and the standards that are expected within the construction industry.

Competition overview

Competitors will be marked throughout the competition:

  • Competitors work to zero tolerance - 10 marks are awarded for each aspect, and one mark is deducted for each millimetre of error
  • Competitors will gain marks for dimensional positioning, gauge, level, plumb, alignment, square, details projected and recessed features, joint finishes, conformity to drawing, cleanliness of facework and work methods
  • Competitors have to work in a safe manner and will lose marks if this is not adhered to

General instructions:

  • At the Regional Qualifiers the maximum working time for the task is 6 hours
  • At the UK National Final the maximum working time for the task is 18 hours
  • SkillBuild UK National Final competitors could progress onto EuroSkills and WorldSkills competitions if all the relevant criteria have been met

Core competencies

To take part in this competition you should be able to:

  • Read, understand and be capable of interpreting orthographic projection and other drawing formats, in addition to specifications
  • Plan and organise work and resources
  • Demonstrate effective time management
  • Take dimensions from drawings, setting out accurately, and accurately measuring components for cutting
  • Use various hand tools, construction aids and mechanical brick-cutting machines (whilst being supervised)
  • Set out decorative and detailed brickwork of various forms, including radial work on plan and elevation, angled and ramped work, decorative panels, strap work and various aspects of polychromatic brickwork
  • Produce a variety of joint finishes to a high standard
  • Keep the work area clean and tidy
  • Work in a safe manner
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