bricklayer job description

Bricklayers are responsible for important aspects of construction. The job includes the following duties: reading blueprints and drawings: as a bricklayer, you work on construction projects completing repairs and restoration. You read the blueprints and drawings to determine where to lay the bricks. Understanding the drawings helps you measure the materials required for the construction work and the equipment necessary. laying bricks: as a bricklayer, your primary role is to lay bricks or blocks at the construction site. Before laying bricks, plan the right places to place, measure and cut or drill them to fit the area you are constructing. You also cut and shape masonry materials like stone and concrete using power saws and other equipment. installing scaffolding and equipment needed in construction: as a bricklayer, your job involves preparing the work area for construction. That involves installing the scaffolding, hoists and ladders before construction. You prepare the cranes to ensure the work isn't interrupted when the construction commences. mixing mortar and sand: as a bricklayer, you mix mortar, sand and other ingredients used in construction. If you read the drawings and project specifications, you can identify the ingredients that require mixing. inspect completed work: as a bricklayer, your job involves inspecting the completed work to ensure it matches the client's requirements. You also install brick veneers and repair walls or cracks to ensure a high-quality finish.

The role of a bricklayer entails working outside in all types of weather and moving around from site to site. Sites are likely local, but sometimes the role takes bricklayers away from home. Accommodation and food are usually provided under these circumstances, as is a higher pay level. Training in health and safety is a precaution for all bricklayers working in building and mining sites due to potential accidents. Some safety equipment used includes work boots and a safety helmet. Other bricklayer jobs require wearing gloves, goggles, ear defenders or a safety harness. When it comes to larger commercial buildings, there are instances in which bricklayers will be high up and in noisy or dusty conditions. Candidates for this role should be comfortable with heights and be constantly vigilant regarding health and safety awareness.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include site managers , construction project managers , construction workers, builders and tilers. You might also be working in close proximity to maintenance supervisors , maintenance fitters , plumbers , and carpenters , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, crane operators , labourers and machine operators.

Depending on the season, bricklayers normally work 39 hours weekly. There are often evening, all-night and weekend overtime shifts required to finish a project before its deadline. While bricklayers work full-time, part-time roles and contract work are also available. When a project ends, you commence another project.

As a bricklayer, stay up-to-date with developments in construction to excel in your career. After completing an apprenticeship, you can find entry-level work. With experience, your skill advances, and you become a supervisor, estimator or project manager. Some bricklayers take up professional roles in construction, like becoming construction managers, site supervisors or building engineers.

advantages of finding a brand manager job through randstad

Finding your bricklayer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a bricklayer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what does a bricklayer do?

Bricklayers work with various materials, including clay bricks and concrete blocks, to construct and repair structures, walls, chimneys, paths and foundations. These projects could be for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, depending on the company for which they work. As a bricklayer, you interpret the plans and specifications of construction projects and lay bricks according to the specifications. Your job is to use mortar to bind bricks in various shapes and ensure they are in place.

how do I become a bricklayer?

Working as a bricklayer requires formal qualifications to learn the technical skills required. You need formal training or a certificate course in bricklaying at a TAFE or registered training organisation. Completing an apprenticeship also provides on-the-job training and courses that improve your skills. After undertaking construction induction training, obtain a White Card required to work on construction sites.

how much do bricklayers make?

As a bricklayer, you earn a remuneration package of $35,000 per year. Entry-level positions pay a lower salary, with earnings as low as $30,000 annually. As you improve your experience and skills, your salary scales gradually to $40,000 yearly. The remuneration package for bricklayers depends on the complexity of the projects and the work schedules. Working in full-time positions raises your hourly rates, while part-time positions offer a lower salary.

is bricklayer a good job?

Becoming a bricklayer is a great job with numerous career prospects and opportunities for growth. The career also requires minimal educational qualifications at entry level. The remuneration package of bricklayers is also promising. You will likely earn more as you improve your skills and experience.

what skills are necessary for a bricklayer?

As a bricklayer, you require problem-solving skills to deal with challenges that arise on construction sites. You also require teamwork skills to collaborate with other construction workers.

how do I apply for a bricklayer vacancy?

Applying for a bricklayer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

bricklayer

what is a bricklayer?

Bricklayers build and repair chimney stacks, walls, tunnel linings and decorative work like archways. They are responsible for using blocks, including bricks and mortar, for setting out buildings and work in line with approved construction plans. People in bricklayer jobs may also refurbish masonry and brickwork on restoration projects.

The range of sites and projects on which bricklayers work includes large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations and extensions. The responsibility of a bricklayer is to construct the first shell of a building. This is true whether the development is a house, school, bridge or other types of construction.

Buildings certainly would not get built without the skills of a bricklayer. People skilled in this construction role create waterproof, weatherproof and secure walls. Candidates for this type of job are likely to be in high demand as government spending is focused on constructing new houses and schools in the coming years. This makes bricklaying a career choice that is quite secure.

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average bricklayer salary

A bricklayer earns an average salary of $35,000 per year. Bricklayers in entry-level positions receive a remuneration package of $30,000 annually. With more experience, your earning increases, and you can take home a remuneration package of over $40,000 yearly. Some bricklayers are contractors and earn an hourly salary depending on the complexity of the role.

what factors affect the salary of a bricklayer?

As a bricklayer, your earning depends on various factors. An apprentice bricklayer and anyone new to the profession will likely earn a lower salary. As you develop your bricklaying skills, your remuneration package increases. Working full-time also earns you a higher salary than working a part-time schedule. Since bricklayers are usually contract employees, working full-time hours increases your earning potential.

The location of the project also influences your earnings. The remuneration package for metro areas fluctuates based on the city's cost of living and demand. Metro areas with large construction projects increase your earnings.

Your qualification also increases the remuneration package. While working as a bricklayer doesn’t require advanced academic qualifications, completing some courses boosts your earning potential. A bricklayer with advanced academic qualifications is paid more than a worker with minimal qualifications and competencies.

Want to know what you will earn as a bricklayer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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2

types of bricklayers

Some of the types of bricklayers include:

refractory bricklayers: a refractory bricklayer repairs or builds furnaces, tanks and other heat and corrosion-resistant structures. You can work in industrial settings to replace brickwork damaged by corrosion or water. Apart from industries, refractory bricklayers work in residential areas to help homeowners repair and build chimneys.
tuck pointers: as a bricklayer specialising in tuckpointing, you enhance masonry's cosmetic appearance. For instance, if parts of the mortar have deteriorated, you remove them and fill the joints with new mortar to improve the appearance.

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working as a bricklayer

Working as a bricklayer involves laying bricks and stones to construct buildings and structures. Let’s explore the duties, responsibilities, work environment and career outlook.

bricklayer job description
Bricklayers are responsible for important aspects of construction. The job includes the following duties:
- reading blueprints and drawings: as a bricklayer, you work on construction projects completing repairs and restoration. You read the blueprints and drawings to determine where to lay the bricks. Understanding the drawings helps you measure the materials required for the construction work and the equipment necessary.
- laying bricks: as a bricklayer, your primary role is to lay bricks or blocks at the construction site. Before laying bricks, plan the right places to place, measure and cut or drill them to fit the area you are constructing. You also cut and shape masonry materials like stone and concrete using power saws and other equipment.
- installing scaffolding and equipment needed in construction: as a bricklayer, your job involves preparing the work area for construction. That involves installing the scaffolding, hoists and ladders before construction. You prepare the cranes to ensure the work isn't interrupted when the construction commences.
- mixing mortar and sand: as a bricklayer, you mix mortar, sand and other ingredients used in construction. If you read the drawings and project specifications, you can identify the ingredients that require mixing.
- inspect completed work: as a bricklayer, your job involves inspecting the completed work to ensure it matches the client's requirements. You also install brick veneers and repair walls or cracks to ensure a high-quality finish.
work environment

The role of a bricklayer entails working outside in all types of weather and moving around from site to site. Sites are likely local, but sometimes the role takes bricklayers away from home. Accommodation and food are usually provided under these circumstances, as is a higher pay level.

Training in health and safety is a precaution for all bricklayers working in building and mining sites due to potential accidents. Some safety equipment used includes work boots and a safety helmet. Other bricklayer jobs require wearing gloves, goggles, ear defenders or a safety harness.

When it comes to larger commercial buildings, there are instances in which bricklayers will be high up and in noisy or dusty conditions. Candidates for this role should be comfortable with heights and be constantly vigilant regarding health and safety awareness.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include site managers, construction project managers, construction workers, builders and tilers. You might also be working in close proximity to maintenance supervisors, maintenance fitters, plumbers, and carpenters, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, crane operators, labourers and machine operators.
work schedule

Depending on the season, bricklayers normally work 39 hours weekly. There are often evening, all-night and weekend overtime shifts required to finish a project before its deadline. While bricklayers work full-time, part-time roles and contract work are also available. When a project ends, you commence another project.
job outlook

As a bricklayer, stay up-to-date with developments in construction to excel in your career. After completing an apprenticeship, you can find entry-level work. With experience, your skill advances, and you become a supervisor, estimator or project manager. Some bricklayers take up professional roles in construction, like becoming construction managers, site supervisors or building engineers.
advantages of finding a brand manager job through randstad
Finding your bricklayer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a bricklayer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Bricklayers don’t require educational qualifications, but you can benefit from the following academic qualifications:

formal training: to become a bricklayer, you need formal training to learn what the role entails. Pursue a Certificate III in bricklaying or bricklaying at a registered training organisation. The course is usually available as part of an apprenticeship program. You should check with the building authority in your state if any additional certification is required for working as a bricklayer.
obtaining a White Card: since you will be working in the construction industry, you require a White Card. Undertake induction and construction training at a registered training organisation.

bricklayer skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a bricklayer include:

technical skills: as a bricklayer, you require technical skills such as reading and understanding drawing plans and blueprints. Technical knowledge also helps you understand the use of various tools and equipment. You use your maths skills to calculate measurements and other building details.
communication skills: as a bricklayer, you work with diverse construction professionals, including carpenters, plumbers and electricians. You use your communication skills to communicate with various individuals to ensure everyone understands the project requirements. Communication helps you relay your expectations and answer any questions that arise.
problem-solving skills: as a bricklayer, you encounter various challenges in your construction work. You rely on your problem-solving skills to find solutions to issues that arise on construction sites.
physical stamina: as a bricklayer, your role is physically demanding. Since you are on your feet for long hours and lift heavy materials, you rely on physical strength to complete your tasks.

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FAQs about working as a bricklayer

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a bricklayer.

what does a bricklayer do?

Bricklayers work with various materials, including clay bricks and concrete blocks, to construct and repair structures, walls, chimneys, paths and foundations. These projects could be for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, depending on the company for which they work. As a bricklayer, you interpret the plans and specifications of construction projects and lay bricks according to the specifications. Your job is to use mortar to bind bricks in various shapes and ensure they are in place.
how do I become a bricklayer?

Working as a bricklayer requires formal qualifications to learn the technical skills required. You need formal training or a certificate course in bricklaying at a TAFE or registered training organisation. Completing an apprenticeship also provides on-the-job training and courses that improve your skills. After undertaking construction induction training, obtain a White Card required to work on construction sites.
how much do bricklayers make?

As a bricklayer, you earn a remuneration package of $35,000 per year. Entry-level positions pay a lower salary, with earnings as low as $30,000 annually. As you improve your experience and skills, your salary scales gradually to $40,000 yearly. The remuneration package for bricklayers depends on the complexity of the projects and the work schedules. Working in full-time positions raises your hourly rates, while part-time positions offer a lower salary.
is bricklayer a good job?

Becoming a bricklayer is a great job with numerous career prospects and opportunities for growth. The career also requires minimal educational qualifications at entry level. The remuneration package of bricklayers is also promising. You will likely earn more as you improve your skills and experience.
what skills are necessary for a bricklayer?

As a bricklayer, you require problem-solving skills to deal with challenges that arise on construction sites. You also require teamwork skills to collaborate with other construction workers.
how do I apply for a bricklayer vacancy?

Applying for a bricklayer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

bricklayer.