Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Bricklayers are experienced workers, who fix and construct partitions, walls, arches, chimneys, floors, and other structures made of gypsum block, concrete block, brick, and precast panes made of structural tile, terra cotta, and other masonry materials. Stonemasons are those who build stone floors, walls and other structures. They are responsible in decorating the stone exteriors of public buildings, churches and hotels.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Those aspiring to become a bricklayer and/or a stonemason should take lessons in Mathematics, Mechanical Drawing, and Blueprint Reading in high school. It is recommended to take courses in English and General Science. Engineering class is beneficial to develop skills of the applicant. An applicant can easily find employment in this field if they finish a three year apprenticeship. This helps the applicants know more about the task by observing skilled workers and getting classroom training. Applicants are required to be at least 17 years old, physically fit and have a high school diploma.
Skills and Abilities
Bricklayers and stonemasons regularly have to carry materials and are often required to lift heavy equipment such as rows of brick and scaffold parts. They need to be used to getting dirty while working. It is important to know how to work without being supervised and to work with a team. They should know how to focus on their job no matter how demanding it is. Strong physical and mental aptitude is needed because of the challenges in this work.
Duties
Bricklayers start their task by studying and examining blueprints. Then they start laying bricks in the corners of the structure. This is the most important part when building a structure since this is when the foundation of the structure is established.
This is normally handled by experienced bricklayers. They are responsible in laying bricks from one corner to the other and utilize plumb lines, gauge strips and other equipment as a guide to ensure that the wall is built straight. Bricklayers should know how to mix mortar which is a combination of sand, water and cement. Part of their task is to make sure that the mortar is spread properly and evenly to have a neat appearance.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The average hourly earnings of bricklayers in 2005 were $21.94. They would have received a salary of approximately $41,860 if the bricklayer worked full-time. Their earning would depend on the area where they work and their work experience. Those who are beginning in this profession would earn half the rate for those who are experienced. The increase in the need for homes, hospitals apartment buildings, schools and other public buildings provided more employment opportunities for applicant who want to be bricklayers and stonemasons. The job openings in this field are also due to experienced bricklayers' retirement or leaving from the field.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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