Bricklayers are responsible for building and repairing masonry of all kinds, including walls, foundations, chimneys, arches and sewers. They prepare and lay bricks, blocks, pre-cut or field stone, cement, or structural tile. They can work for construction companies or be self-employed, and many choose a specialty.
Every project starts with an examination of the plans or technical specifications and a discussion with the architect or engineer in charge to see what has to be done. Then you select the materials, and prepare your work site. Larger jobs may require scaffolding and heavy equipment. If you're working for a large company, you work under a supervisor's instructions. On smaller projects, you may have a larger role in planning, especially if you are working directly with a client such as a homeowner. In such cases, part of your job is to give the client a realistic estimate of how much the work will cost.
You use many different tools including trowels to spread mortar, plumb lines and squares to check angles and alignment, and power saws, hammers and chisels to shape your materials. You may use specialized techniques to build residential chimneys and fireplaces or industrial smokestacks. You might also be employed in lining furnaces and boilers with acid-resistant brick or special concrete and plastics. Other possibilities include everything from installing prefabricated concrete masonry units to delicate decorative work involving arches, porticoes, and columns. This is one field where new shapes, new building designs and new materials keep the work varied and interesting.
Bricklaying is hard work and you must be physically fit to do it. Both your tools and materials you work with are heavy. And most of the time, you'll be working outdoors, often at great heights, standing for hours in all kinds of weather. Since the work requires speed and precision, you often work barehanded to handle your materials mor easily. Success depends as much on your physical stamina as on your technical skill.
The job demands a considerable amount of pre-planning and calculation. You must be able to read project plans and understand construction details. Apart from knowing where windows, doors, and arches are located, you will also need to understand the effects of air, moisture and pressure on a structure. You do not become an expert bricklayer overnight - it takes time to develop your skills.
Interpersonal contact is a big part of the job, especially if you are dealing directly with a client, such as a homeowner. On larger construction sites, you have to discuss building requirements with architects and engineers, as well as coordinate your activities with those of other tradespeople.
Apart from physical endurance, you should be comfortable working in small enclosed spaces, or at great heights. You must be a steady and dependable worker and you need the discipline to finish what you start. Once you begin a job, you must complete it since the rest of the project depends on it. Since you work according to a prearranged schedule, you must be fast, efficient and focused on the task at hand.
You have to be flexible enough to adapt your skills to new materials and techniques while working under a variety of conditions. You should also be able to work with minimal supervision and in cooperation with other tradespeople. Being motivated and taking the initiative to solve most problems is also very important.