How to become a Bricklayer
Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks and building blocks in mortar to construct and repair internal and external walls, partitions, arches and other structures.
Personal requirements for a Bricklayer
- 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
Education & Training for a Bricklayer
To become a bricklayer you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
In some states and territories, bricklayers must either be accredited as, or work under the supervision of, a registered building practitioner. Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC).
Duties & Tasks of a Bricklayer
Bricklayers:
- Work from plans and specifications
- 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).
Tasks
- Cuts, shapes, and polishes stones and bricks using machines and hand tools, and shapes bricks to fit irregular spaces.
- Checks vertical and horizontal alignment.
- Lays bricks in rows, designs and shapes, and spreads mortar between the joints.
- Erects scaffolding.
- Seals foundations with damp resistant materials and spreads layers of mortar to serve as base and binder for blocks, using trowels.
- Embeds blocks in mortar and removes excess mortar.
- Repairs and maintains bricks, cement blocks and related structures.
- Studies plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures.
Working conditions for a Bricklayer
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.
Employment Opportunities for a Bricklayer
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.
Specializations
Bricklayer
Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks and building blocks in mortar to construct and repair internal and external walls, partitions, arches and other structures.
Average age
38
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
1% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
75%
Employment Size
16,700
Employment by state
ACT: 1.2%
NSW: 30.4%
NT: 0.4%
QLD: 13.5%
SA: 6.4%
TAS: 1.3%
VIC: 26.0%
WA: 20.8%
Age brackets
15-19: 5.2%
20-24: 12.9%
25-34: 25.2%
35-44: 19.2%
45-54: 19.6%
55-59: 9%
60-64: 6.1%
65 and Over: 2.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 2%
Bachelor degree: 0.8%
Certificate III/IV: 67.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.1%
Year 10 and below: 16.8%
Year 11: 4.2%
Year 12: 8.4%
