Build and repair walls and structures with bricks and stone.

Bricklayers use mortar to lay bricks, stone and other blocks to construct or fix walls, arches and partitions. They read plans to work out materials, dimensions and installation steps. Bricklayers set up scaffolding, seal foundations, and spread mortar as a base and binder. They lay bricks in rows and shapes, embed blocks, and remove excess mortar. They check alignment to keep walls straight and level. Bricklayers also cut, shape and polish stones or bricks to fit spaces, and repair or maintain brick and cement structures.

For further information:

Construction Industry Training Board SA
Phone: (08) 8172 9500
Email: citb@citb.org.au
Website: www.citb.org.au

TAFE SA offers Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying that is completed under a contract of training as an apprentice. Pathways include Certificate II in Construction Pathways.

Still unsure? Then try a short course also offered through TAFE SA such as Bricklaying Basics. Check the website for the full list of short courses.

SA Apprenticeships are available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Services Website at http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships or phone 1800 673 097.

It is recommended that students interested in becoming bricklayers try to obtain some form of work experience, as apprenticeships can be hard to come by. Work experience can be sought by contacting building companies directly. Career advisers at your school may also be aware of opportunities for structured work experience while you are still at school. 'Many of today's successful builders, construction managers and construction industry specialists learned about the industry through their apprenticeship in bricklaying,' states a Master Builders Association former Safety Manager.

Once building begins, a bricklayer uses various tools and machinery. A spirit level makes sure that each layer of bricks is even. A bricklayer's line, where a piece of string is run between two points, provides an even line for bricklayers to work to. Other tools such as a bolster or saw are used to cut and shape bricks to the right size. A trowel is used to lift and spread the mortar, which holds the bricks together. There are a number of specialist areas that a bricklayer may enter into: Chimney Builder, Refractory Bricklayer, Retort Setter (Bricklaying) and Tuckpointer.

Bricklaying is physically tiring work, and in many instances, heavy weights will have to be carried. If you are considering this as your occupation, you'll have to have physical strength and a high level of fitness. Have you an eye for detail? Basic mathematical skills are useful when estimating the cost and amount of materials required to complete a job. Good hand-eye coordination, and an excellent eye for detail are necessary to ensure that each layer of bricks is even. If you finish building a brick wall only to discover it's uneven, it's back to the drawing board and starting all over again! Most work occurs between the hours of 7am and 4pm. However, if working to a deadline, some overtime can be expected either on weekends or in the early evening. The length of each working day is dependent on weather conditions and the amount of daylight.

Safety is a major concern and working conditions depend on the type of construction site being worked on, and the nature of each particular contract. Work may be in or outdoors and in some cases quite high up on scaffolding. Because of this, and the dangers associated with construction sites in general, a good knowledge of occupational health and safety is critical for bricklayers. It is important for them to keep up to date with new information and requirements throughout their working lives.