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Occupation Details

Bricklayer



Fact Sheet

Preparing a brick for laying

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

Duties and Tasks

Bricklayers may perform the following tasks:

  • 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 vertical 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)

Specialisations

Small numbers of bricklayers may specialise in refractory work, where they build and line kilns and industrial furnaces; or in the repair of brickwork damaged by salt or damp.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Daily lifting of items over 10 kilograms, with or without the use of mechanical aids, is a requirement of these jobs. Jobs requiring heavy lifting are excluded.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day outdoors, exposed to the weather. They may report back to an office, station, depot or other central site. Jobs requiring mainly outdoor work are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed standing up for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.Jobs requiring standing for long periods have been excluded.
Included are jobs in architecture, building design, surveying, urban and regional planning and construction.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.

Work Conditions

Bricklayers work outdoors and may have to work at heights or in tunnels and shafts. They usually work in teams. Bricklayers may have some contact with the public.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy practical work
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • good at technical activities
  • able to follow plans
  • physically fit and healthy

Related Industries

Construction Services

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Bricklayer

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Making very accurate measurements to ensure a straight wall