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Are you interested in a career that involves working with heavy tools and building structures with brick and other materials? If so, becoming a bricklayer might be the perfect fit for you. Bricklayers are responsible for preparing and laying brick and other masonry units to construct and repair various structures such as walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces, and chimneys.

Overview of Bricklayer Jobs

Bricklayers work with a variety of masonry materials, including brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile, and precast panels. They also handle specialized tasks like installing firebrick or castable materials in commercial and industrial furnaces and incinerators. Additionally, bricklayers may work with acid tile and acid brick for specific industrial purposes, such as in pulp mills.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a bricklayer can vary depending on the specific job, but in general, they:

• Interpret drawings and blueprints and calculate the required materials.
• Measure from an established starting point and begin construction by building corners first. They use tools like plumb lines and mason's levels to ensure that each layer is level.
• Spread mortar over the base or previous layer, apply more mortar to one end of each brick, and lay the bricks in position.
• Remove any excess mortar after placing the bricks or masonry materials.
• Use tools like hammers, chisels, or masonry saws to cut bricks as needed.

Working Conditions

Bricklayers typically work outdoors, often on scaffolding. In industrial work sites, they may work in confined spaces and at heights. To combat adverse weather conditions, they may use protective enclosures and portable heaters.

Skills and Requirements

To excel as a bricklayer, you'll need manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and the ability to use proper lifting techniques for handling heavy tools and materials. An eye for color, line, and proportion is also important. Bricklayers should also be able to work effectively as part of a team and enjoy working with their hands on various projects that may require creativity.

Certifications and Salary Info

In terms of certifications and education, bricklayers often start with an apprenticeship and can earn provincially regulated certifications. The average salary for this position is approximately $40.97 per hour. The demand for bricklayers is around 1,700 positions per province per year.

If you're considering a career as a bricklayer, keep in mind that the National Occupational Classification codes for this profession include 7281 (2006 NOC), H131 (2006 NOC-S), 7281 (2011 NOC), 7281 (2016 NOC), and 72320 (2021 NOC).