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