Bricklaying is a skilled trade using masonry materials such as clay bricks, concrete blocks, mortar, lintels, cement or pre-cut stone to repair and construct a variety of structures including walls, retaining walls, chimneys, decorative arches and fireplaces in residential housing and commercial projects
Qualification
Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
Sector
Residential / Commercial
What does a typical day look like?
Your day may include:
- Preparing and laying brick, stone, concrete blocks and other masonry materials to build or repair walls, partitions, fireplaces and other structures
- Using machines and tools to cut and lay bricks, mixing mortar using a cement mixer and shovel, pushing wheel and pack barrows, shovelling, and checking your work using profiles, lines and levels
- Reading, interpreting and working from plans, drawings and blueprints
- Estimating and calculating the amount of materials required for a project
- Sealing foundations, repairing and maintaining structures
- Clearing your worksite and keeping it clean whilst following occupational health and safety requirements
Work conditions & hours
- Usually working outside in all types of weather conditions and travelling between sites once each job is complete
- May be required to work at heights and in tunnels or tight spaces
- May work full time (generally 44+ hours per week) and are expected to start work early in the morning with some weekend work depending on how much work is available
Skills and personal qualities
- Enjoy manual and physical work – good level of fitness
- Be able to follow plans and value accuracy
- Like variety and working outdoors
- Be able to work as part of a team and ok working at heights
- Enjoy maths, design and technology and manual studies such as woodwork
How to get started
To become a fully qualified tradesperson you will need to complete an apprenticeship, Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. You can get a head start on this career by completing a pre-apprenticeship course to gain a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Trades).
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Site supervisor
- Construction manager
- Registered builder
- Building Inspector
- Business owner or sub-contractor
- Trainer/Assessor