Bricklayer
As a bricklayer, you’ll lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone and similar materials to construct or repair walls, arches, chimneys, fireplaces and other structures, following blueprints and specifications. You may also install firebrick in commercial and industrial furnaces and incinerators, and work with acid tile and acid brick in pulp mills.
Does this sound like you?
You have mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
You're able to work with heavy loads.
You have strong skills in communication, reading and numeracy.
Already in an apprenticeship?
Find trade-specific courses to help you on your journey to becoming a certified bricklayer!
See the trade in action
Typical responsibilities
- Read and interpret sketches and blueprints
- Analyze and interpret building plans
- Interpret work orders and determine materials required
- Lay bricks, stone or similar materials to build chimneys, fireplaces, patios, walls, or walkways
- Lay firebricks to line industrial chimneys and smokestacks
- Cut and trim bricks
- Line or reline furnaces and boilers using acid-resistant bricks
- Restore, clean or paint existing brick structures
Common skills you need for the trades
Math
Math is used across the skilled trades. You may work with decimals, fractions, measurements, conversions, area and volume to plan work, calculate materials, monitor operations and troubleshoot.
Reading
Strong reading skills help you work safely and effectively on the job. You’ll use them to understand instructions, equipment manuals, safety information, drawings and other technical information.
Science
Basic science principles help you understand how things work and how materials behave. Across the trades, this can include concepts like electricity, heat, force, pressure and the properties of different materials.
We’re here to help you get there
Need to brush up on math, reading, science or more? We’ve got you covered. Unlock interactive learning modules that meet you where you are and help you build a solid foundation.
Check out the Learning Hub
See exactly what the Learning Hub has to offer before you join. Browse our course library to explore the resources for all levels and stages!
