Should I be a bricklayer?

So. You're about to graduate high school.

Ok, then! Are you ready...

...for another 2-4 years of being in a classroom all day?

...for sitting inside all day?

...to work a dead-end minimum wage job?

NO?

Then you should become a bricklayer!👇

In order to build or repair structures, floors, or walls made of brick, you'll:

• measure and plan the work area

• read blueprints and plans

• mix mortar by machine or hand

• use hand and power tools to lay the mortar and bricks

• check work for accuracy using measuring devices

• work as part of a construction team on a work site

The bennies!

• Can begin work quickly

• You get to work outside

• The pay is good

• You can start your own business

• You get to build things

• International mobility for work

• It's a recession-proof job

Keeping it real

• Requires apprenticing

• Working in hot and cold weather

• Physically demanding

• Requires continuous upskilling

• Low pay to start as a rookie brickie

• Some worksites can have risks

You might not make a lot of money to start with but your earning potential increases greatly with experience and skills.

Average Salary in Canada

C$ 60,000 per year

Hourly average C$ 35.00

Avg. Salary in the U.S.

US$ 47,710 per year

Hourly average US$ 22.94

If you ever want to start your own business, masonry is a good way to make that happen.

1. Graduate high school

2. Get an entry-level apprenticeship

3. Get any necessary trade licenses (required in some provinces and states)

4. Attend vocational school to increase your skills and prospects

So, you've decided you want to be a brickmason...