Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Also called : Block Layer, Block Mason, Blockmason, Brick and Block Mason, Brick Mason, Bricklayer, Concrete Finisher, Mason, Masonry Installer, Tender

What they do

Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.

On the job, one would

Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.

Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.

Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.

Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.

Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.

KNOWLEDGE

Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

SKILLS

Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

ABILITIES

Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Related Occupations

Insulation Workers, Mechanical

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

Carpenters

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

TECHNOLOGY

Accounting software

Analytical or scientific software

Computer aided design CAD software

Office suite software

Operating system software

Project management software

Spreadsheet software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Some Preparation Needed
Education
High school diploma.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.