Bricklayer

As a bricklayer you build in stone — you bond façades lay tiles plaster walls and cast foundations. You are part of raising houses from the ground and refurbishing old buildings so they last many years. You become a classic craftsperson whose work is right in front of everyone's eyes and must be straight strong and beautiful.

§What do you do in everyday life?

Your day is on construction sites inside and out. You mix and lay mortar set stones in bond plaster and tile and you constantly check with level and plumb that everything is straight. You work with both heavy materials and fine plaster work and you cooperate with other trades on the site so building progresses.

• 01You learn to bond stone with mortar in masonry.
• 02You learn to polish and finish walls.
• 03You learn to lay tiles and clinkers.
• 04You learn to cast and make foundations and floors.
• 05You learn to work with plumb line, level, and measuring.
• 06You learn to restore and repair old masonry.

§How do you get started?

You start with a basic course and find an apprenticeship with a master mason or contractor. The main course alternates between school and practice, and you get apprentice wages while learning the trade. On the site you learn from experienced journeymen who show you the techniques and pace of real construction.

§The way forward

As fully trained you can work for bricklaying companies and contractors or become independent with your own business. You can specialise in for example restoration tiling work or energy renovation and build further towards for example building technician or building constructor.

“Stone as material: petrology for craftspeople”