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 at heights.

You are creative.

You have good physical strength.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, structural tiles or other masonry units
  • Read sketches and blueprints to calculate required materials
  • 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

(technical training and on the job)

  • Reading, communication, numeracy and problemsolving skills
  • Ability to work with your hands
  • Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather
  • Physical fitness
  • Ability to work with heavy materials
  • Ability to recognize colours, patterns and proportions

What You’ll Need

Entrance Requirements

High School:
Grade 10

Apprenticeship Program:
4 years, includes completion of 3-8 weeks of technical training at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, 5,400 hours on-the-job training and exam. Journeyperson certificate awarded after successful completion. As an apprentice, you also earn while you learn.

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Hourly Pay

Contact the local union for more information on hourly pay, benefits, pensions and more.

Projected Retirement

8,700 + 
Projected construction worker retirements in the next decade

*BuildForce Canada

Did You Know?

Bricklaying has literally been the foundation of some of the world’s oldest structures such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Rome’s Colosseum and many more.