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Overview
Learn to prepare and lay brick and other masonry units to construct and repair structures such as walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces and chimneys.
You will work with masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile and precast panels. You'll also lay or install fire brick or castable materials in commercial and industrial vessels, as well as acid tile and acid brick.
As a bricklayer, you will often:
- 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, chisel, or masonry saw to cut bricks to fit, as required.
At the end of the training, you will know the properties of various mortars and other bonding materials and how to handle different masonry units.
Bricklayers are skilled tradespeople with a knack for creativity, are highly motivated, and enjoy working collaboratively. They take pleasure in assisting and communicating with others.
This profession is best suited for those who enjoy solving problems and possess a natural ability to bring a concept to life from beginning to end.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- possess creativity and an interest in design
- have the ability to use proper lifting techniques to work with heavy tools and materials weighing more than 25 kilograms
- possess manual dexterity and a good sense of balance
- be a team player
- be customer-oriented
- have an eye for colour, line, and proportion
- demonstrate dedication to health and safety in the workplace.
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded a diploma in addition to journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Bricklayer is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72014, 72320, 73100, 73101, 73102.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for a bricklayer is three years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1600 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction at SAIT each year.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning occupational skills, tools and equipment. You will then learn masonry materials, layout, procedures and masonry assembly.
Training length: 8 weeks
Year 2 | Period 2
You will then learn occupational skills, wall system design, concrete block construction, above-grade masonry and masonry assemblies.
Training length: 8 weeks
Year 3 | Period 3
You will then learn occupational skills, masonry assemblies, restoration and repair, chimneys and fireplaces.
Training length: 8 weeks
Apprenticeship education performance
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each section in a course is 70%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
OR
- A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests.
OR
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerAvailable intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
It's recommended you don't purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned to the Bookstore.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services