Bricklayer | Career Planet

OFO No: 641201

Other names for Bricklayer:

Arch Builder
Blocklayer
Bricklayer (Refractory And/Or Chemical)
Bricklayer (Refractory)
Bricklayer and Plasterer
Bricklaying Contractor
Bricklaying Pointer
Bricklaying Stopper
Chimney Builder
Chimney Repairman
Kiln Builder
Retort Setter (Bricklaying)
Tuckpointer

What is a Bricklayer?

Bricklayers are trades people, who work either on their own or as part of a construction team. It’s one of the oldest jobs in the construction industry.

Bricklayers place bricks or blocks on top of each other to create a wall – ‘glueing’ them together with cement (mortar). They make sure their work is straight, level and plumb.

They are responsible for building the outer and inner walls of buildings. They can repair walls, make partitions, build fireplaces and other brick structures etc. Experienced Bricklayers can also build arches, steps and other more complicated constructions.

Before starting, a Bricklayer must first read the building plans and work out how he/she will plan the bricklaying schedule. They will then mix mortar (cement) and begin working.

Bricklayers must know which bricks are available and the correct ratios for cement mixtures, depending on the job. They will also need to know how to re-enforce structures with metalwork.

What does a Bricklayer do?

meets with the builder and or project manager to discuss the bricklaying requirements
reads and follows building plans
builds the necessary walls, arches, etc
keeps quality checking as work progresses
attends meetings
packs and stacks bricks
mixes the right ratios of mortar

Are you … ?

interested in the building industry?
good with your hands?
practical?
able to read and understand building plans?
able to measure?
reliable?
a team player?
16 years or older?
healthy and strong?
a person who enjoys doing accurate work?

How do I become a Bricklayer?

PATH 1

Apprenticeship
Trade Test

PATH 2

Learnerships: Construction Mason (Facebrick Laying) NQF Level, 2, 3 and 4
Trade Test

PATH 3

Learnerships: Construction Mason (Paving) NQF Level, 2, 3 and 4
Trade Test

PATH 4

National Certificate (Engineering Studies) N1, N2 and N3
CLICK HERE for list of institutions
Workplace experience
Trade Test

PATH 5

Artisan Internship
Trade Test

PATH 6

RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
If you have already been working a long time as a Bricklayer without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
Trade Test

TRAINING:

CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.