Bricklayer – Full Training Provided (Full Time)

Fixing bomb-damaged buildings, building runways... In the Army, bricklaying is an important job. With worldwide travel and fantastic training, you’ll be set for life.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Age

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

GCSE Grade A–D/9-3, or Scottish National 4, in Maths, English Language and one other subject.

Need help?

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

A bricklayer? In the Army? It might not be the first role you think of, but in fact, bricklayers are vital to our team. They build bridges, make buildings safe, create runways for aircraft and much, much more. It’s highly skilled work so we offer first-class training, which you can use in the civilian world. This covers everything from scaffolding to block laying. Once you’re a qualified bricklayer and concreter, you can take other qualifications and improve your Maths and English. With sports, travel, Adventurous Training and good mates around you, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Bricklayer is a Trade role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade. More about types of roles in the Royal Engineers.

Key responsibilities

Get trained in scaffolding

Become expert in concreting

Master block laying

Get a grounding in task planning

Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.

If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the military training course at Harrogate .

Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills, such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Then it’s 33 weeks’ technical training at the Royal School of Engineering in Chatham, Kent, learning about brickwork, scaffolding and concreting.

You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician Apprenticeship

(contains the following pathways: Heating and Plumbing, Carpenter and Joiner, Building & Structural Finisher, Plant Operator Mechanic)

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1. 1-2 days

Medical Checks

Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.

4. 1-3 months

Assessment centre

Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

5. 3 - 5 months

Security clearance

Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.

Real Army Life

Uniform & equipment

Get up close with the gear and equipment you’ll use out in the field.

Food & Meals

Your accommodation

Take a look inside the accommodation you’ll live in during basic training.

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.

As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.

Rob Needham

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.

Royal Military Police

Most people eat in the mess on a pay-as-you-dine basis, but if you live independently you can cook for yourself.

Most meals are provided for you in the mess during training. It’s a social part of Army life, and makes it easier to focus on your training and routine.

Royal Army Medical Services

I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.

It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.

Royal Logistic Corps

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Royal Army Medical Services

Your future starts here

Every Bricklayer started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Train in painting and plastering. Then work on the Army’s biggest building projects, all round the world. Get a trade, qualifications and an exciting lifestyle.

Army Electricians are fully qualified and work all over the world. Join us and you'll be trained to tackle any project anywhere.