Red Seal / Compulsory Certified

Bricklayers work with masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile and pre-cast panels to construct and repair structures like walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces, chimneys and other elements. They often work on commercial, industrial and residential buildings.

You like working outdoors and with your hands.

You have good physical strength.

You have used precision tools & equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, structural tiles or other masonry units
  • Read sketches and blueprints to calculate materials required
  • Cut and trim bricks and concrete blocks to specification using hand and power tools
  • Build patios, garden walls and other decorative installations
  • Lay or install firebricks to line industrial chimneys and smokestacks
  • Line or reline furnaces, kilns, boilers and similar installations

Key Skills & Attributes

  • Reading, communication, numeracy and problem-solving
  • Ability to work with your hands
  • Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather
  • Physical fitness
  • Ability to work with heavy materials
  • Experience using precision tools & equipment

Entering the Trade

  • Is there a training pathway for this trade? Yes
  • Number of Levels: 3
  • Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
  • Total Hours Required to Challenge Exam as a Trade Qualifier: 8,100

Hourly Pay

Salary Range: $37.39 – $43.23/hr (based on 2023 collective agreement Journeyperson hourly rate)

Projected Construction Worker Retirements

~7,800 by 2032*

*BuildForce Canada 10-Year Workforce Outlook for NS

Did you know?

If you have a good eye for recognizing patterns, lines and proportions, this is a great asset for a bricklayer. In this career, you can be self-employed or work for construction companies and bricklaying contractors.

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