James Mack

Apprentice Bricklayer

'I don't like sitting down and writing, I like to be out there doing things,' says James Mack. That's why working as an apprentice bricklayer is just the job for him. 'I'm out in the fresh air and I can have a laugh with the lads. I wouldn't want to be stuck in an office.'

James is happy to admit that he didn't like school at all and was relieved to leave and get on the course he chose. 'I never thought about doing A-levels or anything,' he says. His goals then and now are simple. 'Job satisfaction! I want to go home with a smile on my face. I'm not doing the same stuff every day, I'm outside and I've met loads of people and go out with them all the time.'

But James admits that while his job may be enjoyable, it's a skill, and one you have to learn. No one just shows up and starts laying bricks. 'I'm working for City & Guilds Trowel Occupations at Brunel College in Bristol. It's a three year course,' he explains. 'Half a day of it is practical - for example you look at a picture of the wall they want building, and then build it. Then they mark you on the work; tell you what's right and what's wrong. The rest of the day is theory when they explain why things are important. I prefer the practical.'

According to James, practical is what being a 'brickie' is all about. 'Laying bricks, blocks and extensions, mixing up mortar, labouring and moving materials around the site. 'James says. 'I start at eight in the morning and usually finish around four in the afternoon. I start by mixing the mortar and at the end of the day I clean out the mixer and clean up the site.'

Is there anything he doesn't like about the job? 'Nothing really, except architects. They can be idiots sometimes. And gables, where the wall is just underneath the roof, they can be tricky too but that's where the course helps out. I didn't understand bricklaying gables until I saw them done at college.'

James is sure that bricklaying is the job for him long term, but does he see himself moving up if possible? Maybe a site agent or something? 'Yes maybe,' he replies cautiously. 'But I enjoy bricklaying and I don't want to get away from that.'