What Does a Bricklayer Do?
A Bricklayer, also known as a mason, is a skilled trade job in the construction industry. In this job, you'll use a wide variety of materials including bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stone to build walls, walkways, fences, and other structures. If you're a practical person who enjoys working with your hands, this could be the career for you.
Bricklayers typically work outdoors, in all types of weather. One day you might be working on a skyscraper in the city center, the next you could be laying a home's foundation in a suburban development. The work environment is physically demanding, so you'll need to be in good shape to carry heavy materials and spend long periods on your feet.
As a bricklayer, your main responsibilities will be reading and interpreting blueprints, cutting and shaping bricks and other materials to meet those specifications, laying bricks in an attractively and structurally sound way, and finishing the project by applying mortar between the bricks. This job requires a good sense of precision and an understanding of safety measures to ensure a durable and safe construction.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Blueprint Reading
- Mathematical Calculations
- Material Selection
- Masonry Techniques
- Safety Compliance
- Tool Operation
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Physical Stamina
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
- Time Management
Technical Skills
- Blueprint Reading
- Mathematical Calculations
- Material Selection
- Masonry Techniques
- Safety Compliance
- Tool Operation
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Physical Stamina
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
- Time Management
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Complete high school or obtain GED equivalent. Basic knowledge in algebra and geometry and classes in mechanical drawing can provide useful skills.
- Vocational Training: Enroll in and complete a program at a trade or technical school that offers a course for bricklayers. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and practical hands-on training.
- Apprenticeship: Complete a formal apprenticeship with a construction firm or trade union. This generally involves 3-4 years of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Certification: Obtain certification from an organization such as the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) or the International Masonry Institute (IMI). The certification process usually involves completion of a written exam and a practical demonstration of skills.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Complete high school or obtain GED equivalent. Basic knowledge in algebra and geometry and classes in mechanical drawing can provide useful skills.
- Vocational Training: Enroll in and complete a program at a trade or technical school that offers a course for bricklayers. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and practical hands-on training.
- Apprenticeship: Complete a formal apprenticeship with a construction firm or trade union. This generally involves 3-4 years of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Certification: Obtain certification from an organization such as the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) or the International Masonry Institute (IMI). The certification process usually involves completion of a written exam and a practical demonstration of skills.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Required in most states