
Bricklayers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Construct and install prefabricated masonry units
B. Lay bricks or other masonry units to build patios, garden walls and other decorative installations
C. May restore, clean or paint existing masonry structures.
D. Read sketches and blueprints to calculate materials required
E. Cut and trim bricks and concrete blocks to specification using hand and power tools
F. Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, structural tiles and similar materials to construct or repair walls, foundations and other structures in residential, industrial and commercial construction
G. Lay bricks or other masonry units to build residential or commercial chimneys and fireplaces

1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.
2. Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in bricklaying is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
3. Trade certification for bricklayers is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Yukon.
4. Trade certification for stonemasons is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland.
5. Red Seal, an interprovincial trade certification, is also available to qualified bricklayers.

1. Math
2. Physical Education
3. Sciences
4. Industrial Arts

The average hourly wages for Bricklayers is $21.93/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.

9% of Bricklayers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.

The job outlook for Bricklayers is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($21.93) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (9%) is above the 2004 average (7%).

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be below average because of an expected decline in the residential construction industry.
2. The number of persons leaving for retirement will be insufficient to counterbalance weak job creation performance leaving, thus leaving few foreseeable openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

The unionization rate (52%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.

1. Construction
2. Working to schedule
3. Physical work

