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Bricklayer

Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks and building blocks in mortar to construct and repair internal and external walls, partitions, arches and other structures.

A small number of bricklayers may specialise in refractory work, where they build and line kilns and industrial furnaces, or in the repair of brickwork damaged by salt or damp.

Bricklayers mainly work outdoors and may have to work at heights.

In specialised work they may operate in tunnels and shafts.

They usually work in teams. Bricklayers work mainly for builders and may have some contact with the public.

TASKS

Bricklayers may perform the following tasks:

work from plans and specifications
seal foundations with damp-resistant materials
build in door and window frames
spread layers of mortar to serve as a base and binder for bricks, and remove excess mortar
check vertical and horizontal alignment of bricks and blocks
use various tools and brick-cutting machines to cut and shape bricks
construct arches and ornamental brickwork
repair and maintain clay bricks, cement blocks/bricks and related structures
erect scaffolding (subject to licence requirements in some states and territories)

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
good hand-eye coordination
able to perform technical activities
able to interpret and follow plans
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a bricklayer you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Bricklaying/Blocklaying.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

In the ACT, bricklayers must either hold, or work under someone who holds, a valid builder's licence. Contact the ACT Planning Authority for more information. In NSW, bricklayers carrying out work valued at more than $1000 must either hold, or work under someone who holds, a valid building contractor's licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. Contact NSW Fair Trading for more information.

Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most work is in housing and commercial construction on a self-employed, subcontracted basis. Supply and demand can change quickly due to market conditions within the building industry. Qualified tradespeople are less likely to be affected by downturns in demand than unqualified bricklayers.

Employment may be sought with bricklaying contractors and general building contractors. By undertaking further studies, experienced tradespeople may be promoted to supervisory positions. They can also advance to other positions within the building industry such as building inspector, building estimator, project manager or registered builder.