Trade Programs: Bricklayer

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Bricklayer do?

Bricklayers work on commercial and residential projects where they lay bricks, block stone, glass block or terra cotta to build interior and exterior walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, smokestacks and other structures.
A bricklayer is trained to do the following jobs:

• select and prepare mortars
• build interior/exterior walls and partitions
• install insulation in masonry walls
• lay radial brick or stone for industrial and residential chimneys
• apply firebrick to chimneys and smokestacks
• apply acid-resistant brick to kilns and tanks
• create garden walls, footpaths, arches, patios and balconies
• precision cut stone, brick, block and other dense masonry materials
• reinforce masonry structures with bolts, tie bars or metal mesh

What skills/abilities are required?

Bricklayers, must be detail-oriented and have good problem solving skills as they work to exact specification with trowels, spirit levels and mason's lines. Mathematical ability and a keen, consistent eye for alignment are assets because bricklaying relies on proportions and straight lines. Bricklayers must be creative and be able to read blueprints and apply other technical information. In this trade people crouch, stoop and kneel repeatedly as well as manipulate heavy materials and work from scaffolding.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of three levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1200 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training. The fourth year of training is devoted entirely to acquiring on-the-job experience.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Apprentice Bricklayers must take some theory instruction during each level of their apprenticeship training. Subjects include:

• Trade-related Mathematics, Science and Communications
• Preparation of Mortars
• Blueprint reading and sketching including:
  - Layout and Construction of Grouted Reinforced Masonry Walls
  - Construction of Buttresses, Pilasters, Steps, Pavements and Patios
  - Construction of Glass Block Unit Masonry Walls
  - Layout and Construction of Refractory Brick and Mortar Materials
• Materials; brick, block and stone
• Principals of refractory work
• Masonry
  -tools and equipment
  -ornamental
  -restoration
  -veneers and cladding
  

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is recommended, including courses in Math. A minimum of Grade 10 is required. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Bricklayer Trade Regulation states that when an apprentice is working, an employer must pay the apprentice a percentage of what a journeyperson would earn, which can be no less than:

• 60 per cent during level one/first year
• 70 per cent during level two/second year
• 80 per cent during level three/third year
• 90 per cent during fourth year

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Bricklayers work on commercial, institutional and residential construction projects. Increasing concerns over construction-site safety and quality assurance have created a stable demand for certified bricklayers. Bricklayers are seasonally employed to start but can become full time with greater experience.