The Better Brickwork Alliance has launched the "Get a Life with Brick" campaign to encourage 13 to 17 year olds to choose bricklaying as a career.
To accompany the launch, the BBA has distributed teacher's information packs to more than 4500 secondary schools.

The pack includes a poster that recalls the history of brick and promotes its environmental qualities. Personalities appearing on the poster include Tommy Walsh – a bricklayer by training and a member of the BBC's Ground Force team. Interested youngsters can also log on to www.brickpath.info for further information.

The campaign forms part of the BBA's initiative to safeguard the future of quality brickwork and bricklaying. The association says that although the current supply of bricklayers is more than enough, it recognises that there could be future skills shortages if youngsters are not alerted to the attraction of bricklaying now.

John White chairman of the BBA and Persimmon Homes, says: "This is the first time this kind of effort has been made. Going to university is fine, but society needs craftsmen, and some youngsters would be better off on vocational courses. The purpose of our campaign is to bring this highly respected career to their attention."

Launched at the end of 1999, the BBA aims to improve quality and competitiveness in brickwork, promote skills and training and reduce costs. Members include the Association of Brickwork Contractors, the BDA, the Construction Industry Training Board, the Concrete Block Association, the Guild of Bricklayers, the House Builders Federation, the Mortar Industry Association, the Transport and General Workers Union and the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. For further information call 01344-885651.