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Bricklayer

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

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Construction Training Fund acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land throughout Western Australia and pay our respect to the Elders both past and present. We thank them for their ongoing custodianship of the lands and waters, and celebrate their rich culture of art, song, dance, language, and stories.