Bricklayers (NOC 7281)
Description
Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone and other similar materials to construct or repair walls, arches, chimneys, fireplaces and other structures in accordance with blueprints and specifications. They are employed by construction companies and bricklaying contractors or they may be self-employed.
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Example Titles
- apprentice bricklayer
- bricklayer
- brickmason
- refractory bricklayer
- stonecutter
- stonemason
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Classified Elsewhere
- Concrete Finishers (7282)
- Supervisors of bricklayers (in 7219 Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers)
- Tilesetters (7283)
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Duties
Bricklayers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Interpret drawings and blueprints to calculate materials required
- Cut and trim bricks and concrete blocks to specification using hand and power tools
- Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, structural tiles and similar materials to construct or repair walls, foundations and other structures in residential, industrial and commercial construction
- Lay bricks or other masonry units to build residential or commercial chimneys and fireplaces
- Lay radial bricks to build masonry shells of industrial chimneys
- Lay or install firebricks to line industrial chimneys and smokestacks
- Line or reline furnaces, kilns, boilers and similar installations using refractory or acid-resistant bricks, refractory concretes, plastic refractories and other materials
- Lay bricks, stone or similar materials to provide veneer facing to walls or other surfaces
- Construct and install prefabricated masonry units
- Lay bricks or other masonry units to build patios, garden walls and other decorative installations
- May restore, clean or paint existing masonry structures.
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Skills
Bricklayers need the following skills and abilities:
Essential skills:
- physical strength and stamina
- manual dexterity
- good hand-eye coordination, eyesight
- good problem solving skills
- ability to work at heights
- ability to work outside for extended periods of time
- ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Technical skills:
- ability to read blueprints and apply technical information
- good mechanical aptitude
- knowledge of safe operating procedures
- materials management skills
- ability to operate power tools and equipment
- administrative skills such as basic accounting and human resources may be required for bricklayers operating their own businesses.
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Employment Requirements
- Completion of secondary school is preferred. Unless registered as a Senior Years Apprentice or as a Mature Student, successful completion of Grade 10 is required.
- Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of several years of work experience in the trade.
- Some employers might require new workers to have a basic set of hand tools.
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Terms & Conditions
Bricklayers usually work outdoors and they may be exposed to adverse weather conditions. They have to lift and carry heavy loads, and often work at heights on scaffolds. Bricklayers must stand, bend and kneel for extended periods of time. Exposure to silica dust is a concern in the industry. Bricklayers work with close tolerances and good eyesight is important to be able to make proper levels and lines.
Most bricklayers work full time (88%). The majority are employees, although 17% are self employed. The work is seasonal, and most bricklayers in Manitoba are laid off during the winter months.
Although employment in this occupation is primarily seasonal, the annual earnings reported below represent the prevailing wages, salaries, for full time employment for the full year.
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Earnings
$33,300 per annum - starting
$47,000 per annum - average
$66,300 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- To become a certified bricklayer, apprenticeship training must be completed that combines on-the-job (practical) experience and in-school (technical) training.
- Contact the Apprenticeship Branch for more information and program requirements. http://www.apprenticemanitoba.ca/
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Career Paths
Bricklayers are employed by trade, building and general contractors. Workers may enter into the bricklaying trade through jobs as helpers or labourers.
Experienced workers may advance to supervisory or estimating positions, or may open a contracting business of their own.
Red Seal trade certification allows for interprovincial mobility.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for bricklayers in the 2010 - 2014 period are expected to be good. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 340.
The demand for bricklayers is influenced by trends in the construction industry. Low interest rates, government investment in infrastructure and renovation tax incentives are behind a positive outlook for the sector, although prospects will vary over time and in different areas of the Province. Brick and stone have regained popularity as durable low-maintenance solutions for building exteriors and landscaping as well as indoors for design features and fireplaces.
This is a small occupational group with an older than average age profile, many at or past normal retirement age, so job opportunities are likely to occur fairly frequently in order to meet replacement demand.
A proportionally larger number of jobs for bricklayers are located in Winnipeg. The majority (93%) work in the Construction Industry.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
- Bricklayers and Masons Union, Local no. 1, B1B - 1680 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 1A8.
- Construction Labour Relations Association of Manitoba, http://www.clram.ca/
- Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, http://www.constructionsafety.ca/
- Construction Specifications Canada, http://www.cscwinnipeg.ca/
- Manitoba Federation of Labour, http://www.mfl.mb.ca/
- Manitoba Masonry Contractors Association, http://www.canadamasonrycentre.com/cmca/chapters
- Manitoba Masonry Institute, http://www.manitobamasonry.ca/
- Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba, http://www.meritmb.com
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Other Related Information...
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