Bricklayer

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

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Duties and Working Conditions
Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
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Bricklayers prepare and lay brick and other masonry units to construct and repair structures such as walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces and chimneys.

Bricklayers work with masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile and precast panels. They also lay or install fire brick or castable materials in commercial and industrial vessels, as well as acid tile and acid brick.

In general, bricklayers:

interpret drawings and blueprints, and calculate the materials required
measure from an established starting point and construct corners first, using a plumb line and mason’s level to ensure each layer will be level from corner to corner
spread mortar over the base or previous layer, spread more mortar on one end of each brick to be laid, and lay the bricks into position
remove excess mortar after the brick (or other masonry material) is in position
use a hammer and chisel or a masonry saw to cut bricks to fit, as required

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices,
Certified Journeypersons
Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for a bricklayer is 3 years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1600 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Diploma).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Bricklayer are: A minimum of 54 months AND 7,200 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. A successful practical exam ($210.00). Recognized Credentials The requirements for a Bricklayer are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam. A successful practical exam ($210.00).

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for a bricklayer is 3 years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1600 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Diploma).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on:

Work Experience

The requirements for a Bricklayer are:

A minimum of 54 months AND 7,200 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
A successful practical exam ($210.00).

Recognized Credentials

The requirements for a Bricklayer are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.
A successful practical exam ($210.00).

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order