Overview
Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone and other similar materials to construct or repair walls, arches, chimneys, fireplaces and other structures in accordance with blueprints and specifications. They are employed by construction companies and bricklaying contractors or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read sketches and blueprints to calculate materials required
Cut and trim bricks and concrete blocks to specification using hand and power tools
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
Lay bricks or other masonry units to build residential or commercial chimneys and fireplaces
Lay radial bricks to build masonry shells of industrial chimneys
Lay or install firebricks to line industrial chimneys and smokestacks
Line or reline furnaces, kilns, boilers and similar installations using refractory or acid-resistant bricks, refractory concretes, plastic refractories and other materials
Lay bricks, stone or similar materials to provide veneer facing to walls or other surfaces
Construct and install prefabricated masonry units
Lay bricks or other masonry units to build patios, garden walls and other decorative installations
May restore, clean or paint existing masonry structures.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$54,226
$77,167
$100,901
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
285expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
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.
Trade certification for bricklayers is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Yukon.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Bricklayers in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Bricklayers
- Bricklayer Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Bricklayers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a carpenter in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Bricklayer Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for this career. Please see the SkilledTradesBC website for other options.