Should I become a bricklayer?

Cast your mind back to your school days; you were given options, and it seemed like the decisions you made would shape your entire career. Now with some careful research, we've come up with some reasons why you should consider becoming a bricklayer, what it entails, the risks and why you would need bricklayer insurance. Enjoy!

Throwing it back to what makes a good old-fashioned bricklayer

There are plenty of skills and qualities that you will need if you want to build a thriving career as a brickie! And with new research finding that bricklayers earn more than most university graduates, it's worth finding out whether it's a job that would suit you:

Like practical work

A significant part of bricklaying is hands-on. If you dislike getting your hands dirty, then this isn't the job for you. There are no days off in this game, you get out what you put in, and you must be fully committed to seeing a project through from start to finish.  

Be Physically fit

To crack it as a bricklayer, you will need in good physical shape to work as a bricklayer. On a daily basis, you will be lifting and carrying heavy objects. However, the super positive thing is that the more work you do, the fitter you will become. You will constantly be working up a sweat, noticing aches and pains in muscles you never knew you had! 

Comfortable working at height

You won't always be working high up, but some jobs require you to work at height. Because of this, You will need to make sure that you're relaxed at heights, comfortable moving around, and moving heavy loads. There are various reasons to consider bricklayer insurance, but this is one example of why you need it. If you injured yourself at height or dropped a tool from height that injured a member of the public, you might find yourself with a case on your hands. 

Not phased by working in any weather

One of the best parts of the job is working in the blistering heat during those summer months. But don't forget the harsh winters when you'll be digging out foundations and laying bricks in the cold. Another point is you'll most likely find yourself working different hours at different times of the year. In the winter, the daylight is very short, you may work seven till three, and during the summer, days are much longer, so you might work eight till six. 

Learning a trade vs studying at university

There are various reasons why people choose to follow one career path or another. However, we have found several positive cases why you should choose to train as a bricklayer:

Studying the data found that the future salaries of apprentice bricklayers earn on average £51k per year as opposed to university graduates who would earn around £32k pa. What's more, numerous careers in construction are found to pay more than graduate roles. For example, a roofer makes on average £42k per year, whereas an architect earns 38k. A plumber earns upwards of £48k a year, whereas a dentist earns around £40k. These are just a few examples, but you can see the trend that is occurring. 

What's more, when you train as a bricklayer or in a trade, you avoid all of the university fees. Its been found that the average student in the UK leaves university with debts of £50k. That's in stark contrast to a trade apprentice leaving their studies debt-free and earning around £17k per year. 

There's a significant skill shortage in the UK.

There's a severe skills shortage in the trades. As more older tradesmen come to retirement ages, we aren't training enough youngsters to replace them. Therefore, as a qualified bricklayer, you will never be out of work! Another positive light is that you can become your own boss once you are trained up and confident enough! With the right qualifications in your pocket and trowel under your belt, the world is your oyster! We know many tradesmen who have travelled for work. You can grab your passport and a trowel and find work all over the world.

Are you taking up a trade? Make sure you have insurance!

One of the most vital decisions you may take after deciding on which trade to learn is what tradesman insurance cover you will take out. Public liability insurance for bricklayers is a prevalent form of bricklayer's insurance. It offers essential cover to the bricklayer in the event of a claim being made against them. Claims can occur due to accident, injury, or third-party damage caused by the bricklayer's work. The policy provides cover if compensation needs to be paid due to accidental death or injury. The insurance also covers potential damage made to a customer or client's property. 

See below some key information about bricklayer's public liability cover:

• Starts at just £72.80 for £1million cover.
• Excess of £500 as standard on all claims.
• Covers bricklaying at a height of 15 metres.
• Covers bricklaying at a depth of 2 metres.
• Free mid-term adjustments, no admin fees.
• Interest-free monthly payment options, no Direct Debit fees.
• Can be purchased online or over the phone.
• Employers Liability Insurance add-on available.
• Instant certificates and documentation.

So there you have it. 

Don't all leave your jobs at once. But becoming a bricklayer is definitely worth a thought. With a skill-shortage in the trade industry, you could find yourself in a new line of work, earning more than your previous job and covered by our all-important bricklayer insurance in case of an accident. Should you be a newly qualified bricklayer or an apprentice looking for cover, why not contact us now. We cater for all trades and offer the best cover at the most competitive rates - Give us a call or fill out our online quote now.