Brickmasons (also called Bricklayers) lay brick, stone, structural tile, marble, concrete block, and other masonry materials to build walls, partitions, fireplaces, and other structures.

Stonemasons build stone structures such as piers and walls or lay walks, curbstones, or other special types of masonry.

JOB DUTIES  

Click here to see Brick and Stone Masons at work! 

Tools that Brickmasons and Stonemasons may use include:

Brickmasons' and Stonemasons' materials and work aids may include:

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OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Brickmasons and Stonemasons may specialize in these areas:

861.381-018  BRICKMASONS (also called Bricklayers) lay brick, stone, structural tile, marble, concrete block, and other masonry materials to build walls, partitions, fireplaces, and other structures.

861.381-038  STONEMASONS build structures such as piers and walls or lay walks, curbstones, or other special types of masonry.

861.381-018  SEWER BRICKLAYERS lay brick, concrete block, or shaped tile to construct sewers and manholes.

861.381-018  BRICK CHIMNEY BUILDERS lay brick or tile to construct or repair industrial smokestacks or chimneys.

861.381-030  MARBLE SETTERS cut and set marble slabs in walls or floors of buildings and repair or polish previously set slabs.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

A large number of Brickmasons and Stonemasons are members of The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman  . Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

· Doing work which involves special processes or methods

· Working with hand tools and building materials

· Working outdoors

· Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

· Work well with other people

· Rate information using standards that can be measured

· Do quick, careful, and accurate work

· Make quick and accurate calculations

· Judge straight lines, spaces, and proportions

· Understand how flat drawings/pictures would look as solid objects

· Work easily and skillfully with your hands

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

How many 4"x 2 2/3" x 8" bricks will be required to lay a 200 sq. ft. wall area if 675 bricks are need for each 100 sq. ft.?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and comprehend job specifications.

For example, bed the corner brick and check the height with the number 6 on the modular rule. Level and plumb. Spread mortar for the rest of the course and lay bricks. Be certain that the leveling is done from the original corner brick and completely around the first course. Plumb the course on its corner points and align the pier with a straight edge on all four sides.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an order form for the supplies necessary to brick a 24 foot wall.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills in assessing potential jobs and what materials, equipment, and labor will be necessary to complete a job.

Applicants for apprenticeships must be at least 18 years old and be in good physical condition. Employers prefer high school or vocational school graduates with courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate. 

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

094   MASONRY

Programs in Masonry provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment as a beginning Brickmason and/or Cement Mason. Program #35, Construction and Building Technology, identifies similar opportunities.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

010   BRICKLAYER

Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB  

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

Please check Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com  . 

CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS  

The military builds many temporary and permanent structures each year. Lumber, plywood, plasterboard, and concrete and masonry (bricks, stone, and concrete blocks) are the basic building materials for many of these projects. Construction specialists build and repair buildings, bridges, foundations, dams, and bunkers. They work with engineers and other building specialists as part of military construction teams.

What They Do  

Construction specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

 Build foundations, floor slabs, andwalls with brick, cement block, mortar or stone

 Erect wood framing for buildings using hand and power tools, such as hammers, saws, levels, and drills

 Install plasterboard, plaster, and  paneling to form interior walls and ceilings

 Lay wood and ceramic tile floors and  build steps, staircases, and porches 

 Build temporary shelters for storing  supplies and equipment while on training maneuvers

 Lay roofing materials, such as  asphalt, tile, and wooden shingles

Training Provided  

Job training consists of 5 to 8 weeks of instruction, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools. Course content typically includes:

 Building construction  

 Masonry construction methods  

 Types and uses of construction joints  and braces

 Interpretation of blueprints and  drawings

 How to mix and set concrete, mortar,  and plaster

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs in this occupation.

Physical Demands  

Construction specialists may have to lift and carry heavy building materials, such as lumber, plasterboard, and concrete. Sometimes, they climb and work from ladders and scaffolding.

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful school subjects include math, woodworking, and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

 Preference for physical work  

 Ability to work with  blueprints

 Interest in using power tools  

Work Environment  

Construction specialists work indoors and outdoors on construction sites.

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian construction specialists usually work for construction or remodeling contractors, government agencies, utility companies, or manufacturing firms. They perform duties similar to military construction specialists. They may also be called bricklayers, stonemasons, cement masons, cement finishers, carpenters, or cabinetmakers.

Opportunities  

After job training, construction specialists work in teams under close supervision. Initially, they perform simple work, such as form building and rough framing. With experience, they perform more difficult tasks. In time, they may supervise and train other specialists. They may become construction superintendents. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs 

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Building Industry Exchange 

Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan 

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal 

Careerbuilder 

SimplyHired.com 

Yahoo!hotjobs    

Monster.com 

Indeed | one search.all jobs.com 

Michigan Talent Bank 

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

The demand for Brickmasons and Stonemasons depends on the level of construction activities. Employment of Brickmasons and Stonemasons is more dependent on the level of non-residential construction. The use of pre-fabricated components such as steel-reinforced concrete brick veneer has lowered labor costs for builders, but also reduced employment opportunities for Brickmasons and Stonemasons.  There are about 6,625 Brickmasons and Stonemasons working in Michigan. Almost all of them worked in the construction industry.

Employment of Brickmasons and Stonemasons is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of190 annual openings is expected, with 90 due to growth and 100 to replacement needs. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. In late 2008, there were141 apprentices in training for this occupation and 11 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

The employment of these workers is sensitive to the ups and downs in construction activity, especially commercial construction. The number of openings may vary from season to season or year to year, depending on the economy. Opportunities for hiring are better in mild weather when more work is contracted.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014 - BRICKMASONS 

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

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Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth