Examples

• Level 1 may read change orders issued by general contractors.
• Level 2 read manufacturers' brochures and flyers from suppliers regarding masonry materials.
• Level 2 read building code requirements and job specifications relating to materials, types of ties, bonding requirements, mortar strength and floating.
• Level 2 may read correspondence and faxes from suppliers or contractors.
• Level 2 read Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) materials and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to understand the chemical composition of products and possible hazards.
• Level 2 read directions on cement bags for mixing mortar and read step by step directions for the application of chemicals.
• Level 2 may read policy statements from a company, setting out the company's rules and expectations.
• Level 2 read precautions about the use of power tools and safety directions that are issued with equipment such as harnesses and swing stages.
• Level 2 may read minutes of safety meetings.
• Level 3 may read city bylaws relating to fireplaces and clearances for combustibles.
• Level 3 read information in manuals concerning such matters as the proper use of personal protective clothing and the safe installation of a wood stove.

Examples

• Level 1 may read lists which provide dispatch information.
• Level 1 complete checklists, such as a hazard assessment sheet or a work site inspection sheet.
• Level 1 read Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) symbols to understand hazards associated with products.
• Level 2 read schedules, such as schedules of mill shutdowns in order to understand when refractory work is required.
• Level 2 read tables which appear on product labels.
• Level 2 fill in forms such as estimate forms, time sheets and materials sheets.
• Level 2 refer to bar graphs showing time frames and critical path charts showing due dates for various parts of a project.
• Level 3 interpret blueprints to establish the height and length of walls, the thickness required and the materials to be used.
• Level 3 read assembly drawings for arches and fireplaces, showing a numbered display of all the parts and how they are to be put together.

Examples

• Level 1 write reminder notes to themselves and co-workers regarding supplies or work to be done.
• Level 1 fill in time sheets and mileage forms.
• Level 1 write lists of materials.
• Level 2 may revise work orders.
• Level 2 may write estimate sheets to provide details on cost of materials and labour required to complete a job.
• Level 2 may write incident reports.

Examples

• Level 1 may take money and provide change.
• Level 1 measure the length, height and width of walls, fireplaces or other structures to be built.
• Level 1 may weigh epoxies and materials for refractory work.
• Level 1 estimate the amount of water that might already be in sand on a wet day, in order to add a correspondingly less amount of water when preparing mortar.
• Level 2 calculate the cost of jobs and prepare invoices, including GST and other applicable taxes.
• Level 2 calculate the average time spent on various types of jobs.
• Level 2 estimate the length of time it will take to complete a job.
• Level 2 estimate the amount of mortar required to complete a job, such as a brick wall.
• Level 3 calculate the angles of arches to construct doorways or window openings.

Examples

• Level 1 talk to suppliers and delivery personnel regarding the placement of materials and telephone suppliers to place orders for a quick supply of materials which have run out.
• Level 2 communicate with co-workers to discuss procedures and deadlines.
• Level 2 give directions to apprentices and helpers on such matters as how to set up rigging, providing them with the rationale for why work is to be done a certain way.
• Level 2 liaise with foremen to discuss the needs of the customer or to discuss problems, such as a backup wall which is out of plumb.
• Level 2 may talk to superintendents about changes in layout.
• Level 2 co-ordinate activities with other trades on site by communicating with foremen and leadhands.
• Level 2 may negotiate price with customers.
• Level 2 may participate in safety meetings with co-workers and supervisors. At such meetings they bring their safety concerns to the group. They would point out problems, such as holes that need to be covered, debris which should be removed or short planking on a swing stage.

Examples

• Level 1 may find that weather conditions deteriorate while carrying out a project, threatening to damage the part of the work already completed. They quickly build sheltering materials to keep the brick dry.
• Level 2 may find that design changes have been made on a job which are not reflected on the prints and specifications. They must adapt to the situation by making adjustments to the amount of material required and changing the length of time specified in the contract to complete the job.
• Level 2 may find that an electrician's rerouting of piping must go through the brick work completed. They demolish part of the existing work in order to accommodate the piping.
• Level 2 may find that materials have not arrived for a specific job. They either reschedule the job or speak to the foreman or customer about the possibility of substituting other available materials.
• Level 2 may find, when working with a partner, that a "hog in the wall" appears (one tier higher than the other). They check measurements to see where the problem occurred and determine who has to rip out his work.
• Level 3 may receive an architectural layout for an arch that they know from experience will not work well. They seek permission to improvise based on past successes or write a formal request for a change order outlining the modification which will lead to a more effectively executed arch.

Examples

• Level 2 decide which types of materials to use for a specific job.
• Level 2 decide what mixing needs to be done to obtain a particular shade of mortar to match heritage brickwork.
• Level 2 decide whether to go ahead with a modification suggested by a customer or whether to clear it with the foreman first. They assess the cost implications when making this decision.
• Level 2 decide whether to use a chipped brick or mortar which is a slightly different colour than the last batch.

Examples

• remember details of building codes and regulations.
• remember the necessary clearances for combustible materials.
• remember measurements relating to current jobs.
• remember the number of bricks laid in the day so that they can establish if their production level meets expectations.
• may remember formulae used in preparing estimates.

Examples

• Level 1 call suppliers or hardware stores to find where they can locate tools such as slickers and flat joiners.
• Level 2 obtain building code updates and fire code regulations from government regulatory agencies or building trade offices.
• Level 2 seek advice on restoration jobs from stone masons.
• Level 2 may find information on job tendering on the Internet.
• Level 3 refer to manuals and texts to get information on the construction of various types of arches.

Examples

• Level 2 may use word processing, for example, they may type an estimate.
• Level 2 may use a database, for example, they may refer to customer information on a database. They may also check engineer changes on CAD drawings on the on-site computer of the general contractor.
• Level 2 may use communications software, for example, they may use the Internet to find tendering information.

Physical Aspects

Attitudes

The bricklayers interviewed felt that bricklayers should be patient, adaptable and precise. They should be able to function in a team environment so that their work will mesh smoothly with the work of the other trades. Bricklayers should enjoy working outside and should be comfortable with working at considerable heights on swing stages or ladders. They should be in good physical condition and should be able to work well without close supervision. They should display dexterity and have excellent eye-hand coordination. Bricklayers should be attentive to style and have a sense of artistry and creativity. They should have pride in their work.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

As new chemical products appear on the market, bricklayers will have a greater need for keeping up to date in their field. There will therefore be a heightened requirement for reading textual materials relating to new products and the safety implications of their use. The trade may become more diversified, with heritage restoration work creating new challenges. Bricklayers may need to learn just as much about old methods as about the new methods which they need to apply in cutting-edge applications of their craft. This will lead to the need for continuous learning and adaptability. The resurgence of customer interest in arches and fireplaces will lead to new training needs as they seek to use a variety of designs.