Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone and concrete blocks to build and repair buildings, walls and paved areas. They do this by consulting building plans, making measurements and binding bricks together with mortar. Their work is an important part of the construction process, as bricks often form the structural base of many buildings. Sometimes they do ornamental work by laying shaped or coloured patterns in buildings, archways, walls or floors.
Specialisations
- Arch Bulder
- Chimney Builder
- Refractory Builder
- Retort Setter (Bricklaying)
- Tuckpointer
Knowledge Skills and Attributes
- a high level of physical fitness and stamina
- to enjoy practical work
- an ability to work to deadlines
- the ability to work accurately, follow plans and instructions
- good hand-eye coordination
- an ability to follow plans and instructions
- to be comfortable working from heights
Education Training Requirements
To become a qualified bricklayer, you have to complete an apprenticeship in bricklaying/blocklaying, which combines workplace training with paid employment. Training may be delivered entirely in the workplace, or some parts of training may be delivered by a registered training organisation including an Institute of Technology/TAFE college. The apprenticeship takes 36 months to complete.
- Certificate III – Bricklaying
- Certificate III – Bricklaying/Blocklaying
Apprenticeships and Traineeship
As a trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification.
