Many of the world's most famous landmarks are made from bricks, such as the Chrysler Building, New York, and London's Battersea Power Station.

Bricklayers construct and repair the first shell of a building using bricks, stones and even glass to form external and internal walls.

They also construct chimney stacks, fireplaces and other structures and it is a bricklayer's responsibility to make the walls waterproof, secure and weatherproof.

Bricklaying is a skilled job which requires physical strength and attention to detail, but the rewards can be great.

One time bricklayer's apprentice Trevor Hemmings is fourth in the 2008 City & Guilds Vocational Rich List, with a worth of £1.03 billion.

Fast Facts

Trevor Hemmings, a former apprentice Bricklayer is now worth £550 million and is seventh in the 2011 City & Guilds Vocational Rich List.
Source: City & Guilds Vocational Rich List 2011

The Skillbuild UK finals used more than 800 bricks, 9 tonnes of mortar, 8 tonnes of stone and an articulated lorry load of materials. 
Source: Skillbuild 2011

Featured Competitor

Stephan Kemna

Nation: Netherlands
Competition: 2007
Skill: Bricklaying

Do you enjoy practising your trade?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a bricklayer. It gives me a good feeling when I look at what I have built.

Results

Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
Nicolai Munksgaard Asmussen Denmark Philip Green United Kingdom		Lester Tibbles Australia Michael Pareiner South Tyrol Italy Morgan Conus Switzerland