Bricklayers

Description

Well, ONE of the Three Little Pigs got it right. When he built his house, he chose good, strong, sturdy brick–and foiled that hungry wolf.

People don't have to build houses to keep the wolves at bay, but we still choose brick over most other materials. That means bricklayers, especially skilled ones, are much in demand. Apart from building sturdy brick walls, bricklayers construct and repair all kinds of structures including arches, fireplaces, chimneys, and patios. Bricklayers are "stackers" at heart, so if you're still clinging on to your Lego set, you may want to pick up a trowel, mix some mortar, and start building.

Did you know that when you're building a home, the corners are made first by constructing a "lead," or a pyramid of bricks? Bricklayers use what's called a level to make sure each layer of brick, from corner to corner, is at the exact same height. Careful planning and precise measurements prevent building disasters, such as lopsided walls (not to mention the boss's disapproval).

Wherever bricklayers work, they always have to think about their safety. It's a big issue. Often, they have to work on scaffolding, where accidents can happen. Good common sense is often your best defence against injury (the hardhats and steel-toed boots help too!).

Specific duties

Bricklayers perform some or all of the following tasks:

• Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, structural tiles and similar material to construct or repair walls, foundations and other structures in residential, industrial and commercial construction.
  
• Lay bricks to build residential or commercial chimneys, fireplaces and smokestacks.
  
• Line or reline furnaces, kilns and boilers, using heat- and acid-resistant bricks, concretes, plastics and other materials.
  
• Lay bricks, stone or other masonry materials to provide a veneer (top coating) for walls or other surfaces.
  
• Lay bricks or other kinds of masonry to build patios, garden walls and other decorative elements.
  

Related careers

You might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties.

• Concrete Finishers
• Concrete, Clay & Stone Forming Operators
• Construction Trades Supervisors
• Tilesetters

High school path

A CareerMATTERS consultant suggests these high school courses would be helpful. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. You should consult with your school counsellor to make the best choices for your own career path.

Recommended Courses
Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
English
ENG1D English, Grade 9, Academic or ENG1P English, Grade 9, Applied	ENG2D English, Grade 10, Academic or ENG2P English, Grade 10, Applied	ENG3E English, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	ENG4E English, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Math
MFM1P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 9, Applied or MPM1D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 9, Academic	MFM2P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied or MPM2D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic	MEL3E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	MEL4E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Science
SNC1D Science, Grade 9, Academic or SNC1P Science, Grade 9, Applied	SNC2D Science, Grade 10, Academic or SNC2P Science, Grade 10, Applied	SPH4C Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation

* a job shadowing/co-op experience is recommended

Post-secondary options

• To get work as a bricklayer, some employers may require that you have at least a Grade 10 education. But graduating from high school will certainly increase your chances of finding a job.
  
  
• An apprenticeship is available as a Brick and Stone Mason (Bricklayer).
  
  
• Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, and available but voluntary in all other provinces and the Yukon Territory. Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified bricklayers.
  

There may be several different paths to a career. Post-secondary education or training programs will help, but they are not a guarantee. You should research your options carefully before deciding on any program of study. Click here for a comparison chart of institutions or accreditations.

The following programs offered at Ontario post-secondary institutions may be helpful in pursuing a career in this field. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.

Institution	Programs offered
University
McMaster University	Masonry: Material and Design (Graduate Diploma)
College
Fleming College	Brick and Block Laying - Certificate

Page 1 of 1

Career path

Wondering how you could prepare for a career in this field? Or what else you might do once you have some experience?

Where do want to be: building new homes? Office buildings? Or perhaps you'll open your own business working on renovations–fireplaces and patios to improve peoples' homes.

Employers

These are examples of the places, businesses and industries that employ people in this field:

residential building developers
building construction firms
exterior construction firms
primary steel producers
construction contractors

Work environment

Bricklayers spend most of their time outdoors working for construction companies or bricklaying contractors. They do a lot of bending, kneeling, crouching, and standing–so it helps to be in good shape.

Bricklayers usually work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, but some may have to get up at the crack of dawn and start at 6 a.m.! Overtime may be required depending on deadlines.

Common job titles

Also Known As....

Apprentice Bricklayer
Bricklayer
Brickmason
Marble Mason
Refractory Bricklayer
Stonecutter
Stonemason

For more information

Links to associations, organizations, unions and other places that may be able to provide more information.

• Apprenticeship: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
  Information about apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario including training info, contacts, etc.

• Council of Ontario Construction Associations

• Interprovincial Standards
  The "Red Seal" allows qualified trades persons to practise in any province or territory in Canada. Includes a list of all Red Seal trades.

• MadeWithTheTrades.com
  Careers in Construction. Includes profiles of apprentices and journeypersons, and information about the construction industry.

• Ontario Construction Secretariat

• Ontario Job Futures
  Information on occupations common to Ontario. Includes job descriptions, employment outlook, salaries, etc. (Government of Ontario)

• Ontario Masonry Training Centre
  Great info on training and careers.