Bricklayer (Mason) Description

What does a Brick and Stone Mason Do?

Masons are skilled workers who install masonry materials such as brick, block, stone, and other materials to build walls and buildings. They read blueprints and specifications, interpret codes, and must have a strong knowledge of tools, materials and techniques to perform in the trade. They work in the outdoors, indoors, on different locations, at home, the city next door, and around the world. They use their skills in a most practical way to build the most magnificent structures we have today.

• They build your schools, hospitals, commercial and industrial buildings.

• They build walls that resist + 2,200 Degrees Kelvin, to smelt and process metals, chemicals, and glass - we call these Refractories.

• They build your homes.

• They restore the oldest buildings in the world!

• Take a quick look around Saskatchewan and you'll soon gain insight into how they shape your landscape!

• In order to become a certified bricklayer, an apprentice must work and learn for 3 to 5 years. This commitment will pay you for the rest of your life.

Sample Industry Pay-Scale

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!
Mason Apprentice	Age 19	$15/hr x 2000 = $30,000/year
Certified Mason	Age 24	$32/hr x 2000 = $64,000/year

Tip of the Iceberg
There is a lot more to the industry than meets the eye, and a lot more than most people give credit for. Brick and Stone Masons learn so much in their careers that many move into a variety of specialties. Take a look at the chart below and consider some of the other options.

Diversity in career choice multiplies as experience and skills expand. This trade opens doors to a world of opportunity. A good attitude, strong work ethic and performance will take you a long way. Can you picture yourself somewhere is this industry?

Traits & Talents
As a mason, you should be physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, work well with your hands and have a good eye for precision. You will be expected to work quickly and precisely according to a prearranged schedule, to accurately follow blueprints, and to be flexible enough to adapt to various materials, techniques and conditions. As there is minimal supervision on most job sites, motivation, dependability and the ability to take initiative are all important characteristics of masons. You also need good interpersonal communication skills to interact with clients, foremen and co-workers, and an appreciation of architecture, design and proportion.

The Workplace
Masons often work for construction companies or are self-employed as sub-contractors, involved on a project-by-project basis. Working either structurally or decoratively, they may renovate commercial and residential structures or be employed in the construction of new buildings. Masons routinely work in concert with architects and engineers to coordinate activities on large construction sites. The use of heavy tools and materials is common, as is working outdoors, sometimes in all kinds of weather. Typical working conditions also include standing, kneeling and bending for long periods, in both small enclosed spaces and large open areas, or even at the top of skyscrapers.