Bricklaying Challenge Highlights Skills Behind Construction Work

Friday, June 19, 2026

A reporter attempted a bricklaying challenge under the guidance of expert tutor Jack Dawson at the Daily Star headquarters to showcase the skill involved in the trade. The event, leading up to the UK’s FixFest festival, highlighted the precision and technique required in construction work, promoting greater appreciation for tradespeople.

A recent bricklaying challenge demonstrated the skill and precision required in a trade often overlooked in popular culture. The exercise, held ahead of FixFest—a UK festival dedicated to tradespeople and their families—offered a firsthand glimpse into the demands of construction work.

The challenge took place at the Daily Star headquarters, where a reporter unfamiliar with bricklaying attempted to build a section of wall under the guidance of Jack Dawson, an experienced construction tutor with nearly 25 years in the field. Dawson, referred to as a “cement sensei,” emphasized that bricklaying demands more than brute strength; it requires careful technique, precision, and keen observation.

Participants were introduced to the physical elements of the trade, including carrying heavy bricks and handling mortar, the mixture used to bind bricks together. Despite the seemingly straightforward task, the process proved challenging. The reporter struggled with transferring mortar effectively—a critical step that involves applying the right amount to the wall before positioning each brick.

Dawson explained that much of successful bricklaying depends on visual focus, estimating that "90% of brick-laying takes place in the eyes." His mentorship underscored how attention to detail can significantly impact the quality and stability of the structure.

FixFest, where the challenge was promoted ahead of, represents an event for those working in trades to celebrate their skills and enjoy a break from demanding physical work. The festival is designed as a family-friendly gathering, highlighting the importance of the trades sector within the UK.

The bricklaying challenge served to remind participants and observers alike that construction work combines physical labor with specialized knowledge. Tasks that might appear straightforward on the surface, such as stacking bricks to form a wall, involve nuanced skills that take years to master. The experience also offered a measure of respect for tradespeople, whose expertise underpins much of the built environment.