Bricklayers and Stonemasons

Bricklayers and Stonemasons lay bricks, pre-cut stones and other types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, partitions, arches and other structures, and cut and shape hard and soft stone blocks and masonry slabs for the construction and renovation of stone structures and monumental masonry.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Studying plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
  • Erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding
  • Sealing foundations with damp-resistant materials and spreading layers of mortar to serve as base and binder for blocks using trowels
  • Laying bricks in rows, designs and shapes, and spreading mortar between joints
  • Embedding blocks in mortar and removing excess mortar
  • Checking vertical and horizontal alignment
  • Cutting, shaping and polishing stones and bricks using machines and hand tools, and shaping bricks to fit irregular spaces
  • Repairing and maintaining bricks, cement blocks and related structures
  • Designing and cutting monumental masonry and lettering
  • Constructing walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks

Key values of workers in Bricklayers and Stonemasons

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Top skills required for workers in Bricklayers and Stonemasons

  • Coordination

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Operations Monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.