Bricklayers Perth construct or repair walls, chimney stacks, and fireplaces following blueprints and specifications. They may also work with construction materials like concrete cinder blocks, structural tiles, and salvaged stones.
Typical duties include measuring, marking, cutting, and fitting bricks or blocks. They also bind them using mortar. They can work outdoors in adverse weather and at heights.
Bricklayers work with clay bricks, concrete blocks, and other building materials in mortar to construct and repair walls and other structures. Their job is demanding and physically challenging. They often work closely with other construction professionals to build commercial and residential buildings. They also build and repair chimney stacks and other masonry structures. They use a variety of tools and power equipment to perform their work. They must be able to interpret plans and read blueprints to determine the correct material to use. They must also know how to mix mortar and lay different types of bricks and blocks.
They must be able to measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out their work. They must also be able to use plumb bobs and levels to ensure their work is accurate. They must be able to work safely on high-rise construction projects. They must also be able to handle heavy tools and lift and transport materials. They must also be able to erect scaffolding (subject to license requirements in some states).
Some bricklayers specialize in different areas of masonry, such as tunnel linings and decorative work like archways. Others are refractory bricklayers who repair and rebuild furnaces and other heat-resistant structures. These specialists usually work in industrial settings but can also be found in residential areas to help homeowners with their brickwork.
To become a bricklayer, you must complete an apprenticeship with a construction company. This is a great way to learn the skills of this profession while earning money. An apprenticeship lasts about three to four years and includes classroom study and on-the-job training. Many apprenticeships offer a full salary, while others pay a percentage of the rate that a journeyperson bricklayer earns.
The qualifications and skills you need to be a bricklayer vary depending on the type of work you want. You can sometimes pursue a career in this field with only a high school education. However, it is important to take construction, building, shop, and basic math classes. Knowing how to use a tape measure and the ability to add, subtract, and multiply basic fractions is essential in this profession.
Many bricklayers learn their trade through an apprenticeship program sponsored by a local contractor or a union office. These programs usually last three years and combine on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom instruction each year. Prospective apprentices must be at least seventeen and in good physical condition. In addition, they need to have a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license.
In addition to having the right education and training, a bricklayer should have good mechanical aptitude and strong hand-eye coordination. They should also be able to read and understand blueprints and diagrams. Additionally, they should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. This is especially true if they work on large projects with other professionals.
A bricklayer’s job is a demanding one, and it requires physical strength and skill, as well as a willingness to work in all weather conditions. In addition, they should be knowledgeable about construction materials and safety regulations. Many bricklayers are also members of professional construction associations, which provide a platform to network with peers and access industry resources.
Some bricklayers train as laborers and then apply for an apprenticeship, while others enroll in a bricklaying course offered by a technical college. These short pre-apprenticeship courses typically cost less than an apprenticeship, but they can still help you find a bricklaying position.
Another way to become a bricklayer is to work as an assistant to a qualified craft worker. This way, you can learn from the master and get paid while learning the trade. This is a risky option because finding a bricklayer willing to teach an apprentice is difficult.
Bricklayers use bricks, concrete blocks, and decorative stone to construct and repair walls, chimneys, fireplaces, and other structures. They often work with other construction trades to build homes, commercial buildings, and restoration projects. These workers use hand and power tools to cut, shape, and install bricks and other materials. They read blueprints and other specifications to ensure their work is accurate. In addition, bricklayers apply mortar and other masonry products to surfaces, clean and polish new surfaces, and repair damaged areas of existing structures. They also inspect their work to ensure it meets quality standards.
Depending on the type of project, bricklayers may be required to travel between job sites. They also must wear personal protective equipment, such as hard hats and safety boots. These workers are at risk of workplace injury, including muscle strains and falls from scaffolding. They must also carefully monitor the weather, as working outdoors in extreme temperatures can cause heat strokes and other illnesses.
To avoid these hazards, bricklayers must receive regular training in safe work practices. This is especially critical for those who work at heights. Framed scaffolding provides a safer alternative to ladders when constructing or performing height repairs. This can help prevent serious injuries, such as fractures and paralysis.
Working as a bricklayer can be physically demanding and requires the strength to lift heavy materials and the endurance to stand, kneel, or stoop for long periods. Bricklayers can also be exposed to harmful chemicals, which require them to take special precautions in their work environment.
One of the most popular ways to start a career as a bricklayer is through an apprenticeship with a building firm. This program allows candidates to earn money while completing on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified bricklayer called a journeyperson. Typically, an apprentice will be paid by the hour. The wages will increase as the candidate progresses through the apprenticeship and becomes a qualified bricklayer. The apprenticeship is typically two to three years in length.
Bricklayers and allied craftworkers construct the iconic buildings and long-lasting structures that define and shape our towns and cities. They use bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other masonry materials to build walls, partitions, steps, free-standing piers, chimneys, and other structures according to blueprints and specifications. They also lay firebrick in commercial and industrial furnaces and incinerators and work with acid brick in pulp mills.
The salaries of bricklayers vary widely depending on their experience level and their employer. Apprentices may be paid at least the national minimum wage, while more experienced bricklayers earn up to £40,000 annually. The salaries of professional bricklayers are generally higher in areas with a high demand for this type of work.
One of the most popular ways to get into this career is through a bricklaying apprenticeship, where you will be paid while you learn. Requirements for this training program vary across the country, but most building firms will expect applicants to have GCSEs in English and maths as well as technical subjects like design and technology. In addition to on-the-job training, you will complete classroom-based studies in health and safety, construction techniques, and building regulations.
Some projects will require you to travel between sites, and you will be required to wear protective clothing such as a hard hat and safety goggles. In some cases, you will be working outdoors in all weather conditions. You will often be working at varying heights and may need to use ladders or scaffolding. This can be physically demanding, and you will need to be aware of the need for careful planning, as mistakes in this area could lead to costly consequences.
The best part of this career is seeing the results of your hard work. The satisfaction you will feel when your buildings stand the test of time makes this such a fulfilling job. In addition, many people who choose to become bricklayers enjoy the fresh air that comes with spending a lot of time outside. This can be a very rewarding career if you have a good head for heights and can keep your concentration levels up.