Masonry

Duties interpret drawings and blueprints, and calculate the materials required measure from an established starting point and construct corners first, using a plumb line and mason’s level to ensure each layer will be level from corner to corner spread mortar over the base or previous layer, spread more mortar on one end of each brick to be laid, and lay the bricks into position remove excess mortar after the brick (or other masonry material) is in position use a hammer and chisel or a masonry saw to cut bricks to fit, as required reads and interprets drawings and blueprints and works by hand or with hand and power tools measures accurately from an established starting point and uses plumb lines and a mason's level, as required knows the properties of various mortars and other bonding materials and applies the knowledge in different projects spreads mortar over the base or previous layer, on one end of each brick to be laid, lays bricks in position and removes any excess mortar uses hammers or chisels or masonry saws to cut and fit bricks lines or relines furnaces, kilns, boilers and similar installations using refractory or acid-resistant bricks, concretes, plastics or other material works well independently or with co-workers under a deadline to get the job done experiments with various materials and methods to solve construction problems the ability to use proper lifting techniques to work with heavy tools and materials weighing up to 25 kilograms, manual dexterity and a good sense of balance, the ability to get along well with co-workers, and an eye for color, line and proportion.

Work environment and pay Bricklayers are employed by special trade, building and general contractors. Some bricklayers are self-employed, usually contracting on small jobs such as patios and fireplaces. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $38 an hour plus benefits. Many bricklayers stay in the trade until they retire. Others advance to estimator, inspector, foreman or managerial positions. Brick & Stone Mason Mason is a voluntary certified trade in the construction sector, which means that it does not require a valid Certificate of Apprenticeship to work in the trade. However, apprenticeship training is recommended. Grade 12 is usually required by employers and unions today, but grade 8 is currently the legal minimum to be apprenticed in this trade under the Ontario College of Trades Apprenticeship Act (2009). Please note that minimum entry requirements to this and other trades are currently under review by the Ontario College of Trades. Completion of a 6000 hour apprenticeship will include a combination of on-the-job and in-school training. Brick & Stone Mason skills are transferable to other masonry trades as well as landscaping.

Education required the term of apprenticeship for a bricklayer is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1600 hours of on-the- job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year. An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Bricklayer trade or holds a related journeyperson certificate and has the employer’s recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship. Inquiries about credit for previously completed courses of study or work experience can be directed to an apprentice representative at any Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office. A person who has previous training or work experience in the trade and wants to determine their level of skill and knowledge for entry or advanced standing in an apprenticeship program may complete the Prior Learning Assessment Online Application. For more information, see the Prior Learning Assessment Guide. A high school student can become an apprentice and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time under the apprentice program To learn the skills required of a bricklayer in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must: satisfy the entrance requirements or pass the entrance exam (see Entrance Level Competencies, Exam Counseling Sheet, Entrance Exam Study Guide, and Entrance Exam Support Materials List

Education continued Courses in mathematics and science are particularly important. find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees. complete the online Apprenticeship Application and Contract pay the non-refundable application fee as part of the application process complete the required on-the-job training - during on-the-job training, apprentice bricklayers earn at least 60 percent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 80 percent in the second, and 90 percent in the third year. complete all program requirements as identified in the coarse outline enroll in technical training - select an educational institution that offers training for Bricklayer apprentices, and a time to attend training - determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution review books and materials required for training successfully complete all required exams Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.