Australian Apprenticeships in Bricklaying

Job Description

Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone, concrete blocks and other types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures.

Bricklayers work outdoors and may have to work at heights or in tunnels and shafts.  They usually work in teams and may be employed by bricklaying subcontractors or building and construction companies.  Bricklayers may have some contact with the public.

Typical Duties

• Work from plans and specifications:
• Seal foundations with damp-resistant materials;
• Spread layers of mortar to serve as a base and binder for bricks, remove excess mortar, and check perpendicular and horizontal alignment;
• Use various tools and brick-cutting machines to cut and shape bricks;
• Construct arches and ornamental brickwork;
• Repair and maintain clay bricks, cement blocks/bricks and related structures;
• Erect scaffolding (subject to licence requirements in some states).

Personal Requirements    

• Enjoy practical work;
• Good hand-eye coordination;
• Technical aptitude in order to follow plans;
• Able to work at heights and outdoors;
• Physically fit and healthy.