A bricklayer can be called a mason or craftsman who is trained to lay bricks during construction. A bricklayer goes under an apprenticeship program so that he qualifies for this type of work in the country. This program may take up to three years before the bricklayer can be allowed to work. The act of bricklaying is an old profession that has become a modern day construction career in Canada. There are trade schools in Canada that handle the training of bricklayers and give them in depth training.
How to Become a Bricklayer in Alberta: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the construction industry, the role of a bricklayer isimportant in building and maintaining a variety of structures. Bricklayers prepare and lay brick and other masonry units to construct and repair structures such as walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces, and chimneys. They work with a range of materials, including brick, concrete block, stone, and more, applying techniques that ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
Tools and Materials Used
A bricklayer’s toolkit is extensive, reflecting the demands of the trade. Essential tools include trowels for spreading mortar, mason’s levels for ensuring evenness, and various hammers and chisels for shaping materials. Other critical items are line blocks and stretchers for maintaining straight lines, jointers for finishing mortar joints, and saws for cutting masonry units. The materials used are just as varied, encompassing everything from traditional clay bricks to acid-resistant bricks and castable refractories, each selected based on the specific requirements of the project.
Basic Bricklaying Techniques
Bricklaying requires precision and skill, starting with the ability to read and interpret drawings and blueprints. Bricklayers must estimate and measure materials accurately, starting from a fixed point and constructing corners first to ensure the structure’s integrity. The process involves spreading mortar, positioning the bricks, and then carefully removing excess mortar. Advanced techniques include cutting masonry materials to fit and using specialized tools to achieve the desired finish, ensuring each brick is perfectly aligned and secure.
Educational Requirements and Prerequisites
To embark on a career as a bricklayer in Alberta, individuals must meet specific educational prerequisites. These requirements ensure that apprentices are well-prepared for the challenges of the trade.
High School Courses
Prospective bricklayers should complete certain high school courses to qualify for apprenticeship programs. The minimum educational requirements include successful completion of English 10-2 and Math 10-3. Alternatively, individuals can meet the prerequisites by achieving a pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests or by passing the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance exam.
Recommended Courses
For those aiming to enhance their qualifications, pursuing additional courses can be beneficial. An Alberta High School diploma that includes English 30-2, Math 30-3, and one of Physics 20, Chemistry 20, or Science 20 is recommended. Additionally, related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses provide practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to the bricklaying trade.
These educational foundations are crucial for anyone looking to pursue an apprenticeship in bricklaying, as they Apprenticeship and Training
Apprenticeship Programs
The apprenticeship for a bricklayer in Alberta spans three years, encompassing both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Each year consists of a minimum of 1,600 hours of on-the-job training paired with eight weeks of classroom instruction provided by institutions such as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). SAIT’s programs are delivered in Edmonton and Calgary, where all instructors hold a valid Alberta Masonry Journeyman Certificate. The Masonry Contractors Association of Alberta supports apprentices by signing them to a three-year apprenticeship contract, after which successful completion of the program and required exams leads to a Journeyman Certificate.
On-the-Job Training and Classroom Instruction
During their apprenticeship, bricklayers undergo extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced professionals, ensuring they gain practical, hands-on experience. Classroom instruction is crucial, covering topics like masonry theory, math, and blueprint reading. This blend of practical and theoretical education is structured across three periods, each lasting eight weeks per year, focusing progressively on different aspects of bricklaying from basic skills and materials to more complex masonry assemblies and restoration techniques. Apprentices must pass each course with a minimum grade and meet specific exam criteria to progress and eventually qualify for the Red Seal Exam, enhancing their credentials and mobility in the trade.
Construction Bricklayer Jobs Calgary
A lot of construction sites need these men to help them make bricks or blocks in the construction of buildings or structures. The bricklayers are trained, licensed and certified to work in different regions in the country. A bricklayer can earn an average of C$26.07 per hour.
Traditionally, men are bricklayers. A construction bricklayer makes it easier for those at construction sites. There are unions that are in charge of bricklayers in Canada. It may be difficult for a bricklayer from another region to work somewhere that he does not have certification to work. This is the reason why every region that is guarded by a union to ensure that it is only those who are certified that can work within that vicinity.
There are good prospects for bricklayers in Canada with a growing number of construction jobs. It is a career that a lot of men are joining because it is easier to learn and understand with the apprenticeship program.