Brickmasons & Blockmasons
Block Layer, Brick and Block Mason, Bricklayer, Mason
What they do:
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
On the job, you would:
- Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
- Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.
- Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- building and construction
- design
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Skills
Basic Skills
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Physical Strength
- use your lower back and stomach
- lift, push, pull, or carry
Endurance
- exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Independence
- Achievement/Effort
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Project management software
- Daystar iStructural.com
- Estimating software
Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
Education
Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, & Tile & Marble Setters
- Refractory Materials Repairers
- Terrazzo Workers & Finishers
- Tile & Stone Setters
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about brickmasons and blockmasons.