Trainee Bricklayer

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.

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 and
35 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.

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.

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

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

2. 1 - 2 weeks

Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.

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

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

5. 3 - 5 months

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

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

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

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…