Bricklayers are an essential component of the building services industry and are trade qualified in the same way that a builder or electrican are.

They have a requirement to undertake a structured trade training program over a number of years.

What a bricklayer does

Bricklayers work with all kinds of concrete and stone products to produce products such as walls, paths, retaining walls and other brick structures. Bricklayers may also work with brick masonry but are a different trade from a mason who work exclusively with stone. Bricklayers can work on construction sites as part of a team building a building but can also work on their own in the construction of things such as chimneys, fireplaces, pathing, brick fences, retaining walls, brick archways and interior feature walls.

What does the trade training of a bricklayer involve?

• Measurements – how to measure a job to ensure the correct amount of goods are ordered and a correct time frame is given.
• Mortar – how to mix concrete and mortar to ensure that the structure is solid, safe and long lasting.
• Tools – how to use bricklaying tools properly and for the best outcomes.
• Laying – how to lay bricks and other other stone products to ensure their best use and ensure a structure’s integrity.
• Foundations – how to prepare and build solid foundations for any structure.
• Repairs – how to repair and maintain brick walls, paths and structures.
• Equipment – how to use bricklaying machinery such as brick cutting machines properly and safely.
• Scaffolding – how to erect, use and dismantle scaffolding safely and effectively.

Associations

There are a number of state associations for bricklayers, but one of the main national bodies is the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation. This foundation is a national group that ensure the quality of training given to bricklaying apprentices and encourages young people to explore bricklaying as a career. Advice on bricklaying skills and qualifications can be gained from their website.

Associated Trades – Bricklaying is associated closely with the following building trades:

• Carpentry – recieve much of the same training in their first year of trade school.
• Painting and Decorating – receive much of the same training in their first year of trade school.
• Plastering – receive much of the same training in their first year of trade school.
• Plumbing – receive some similar training in trade school.
• Electrician – receive some similar training in trade school

Any bricklayer working on a project for you should be fully trade qualified and should be a member of a state or national association. If you engage a bricklayer who isn’t qualified your structure may not be covered by insurance and you may not be granted a certificate of occupancy. Even worse, the structure may not be strong and secure and may result in loss of property or injury.