SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Block Layer
  • Block Mason
  • Blockmason
  • Brick and Block Mason
  • Brick Mason
  • Bricklayer
  • Mason
  • Masonry Installer
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What do Brickmasons and Blockmasons do?

Brickmasons and blockmasons are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the construction and repair of structures made from bricks, blocks, and other types of masonry materials. They work on a variety of projects, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure. These professionals use their expertise to lay bricks and blocks in specific patterns, ensuring that walls, pavements, and other surfaces are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. Their work involves interpreting blueprints and building plans, mixing mortar, and applying it to create strong bonds between bricks and blocks. In addition to construction, brickmasons and blockmasons may also be involved in restoration projects, repairing and preserving existing masonry structures. This career requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of engineering principles related to stability and load-bearing. The work can be done indoors or outdoors, often requiring adjustments to weather conditions and construction schedules.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

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).

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.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Getting Information
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Project management software CPR Visual Estimator · Daystar iStructural.com · Estimating software · Tradesman's Software Master Estimator
  • Accounting software Intuit QuickBooks
  • Office suite software Microsoft Office software
  • Operating system software Microsoft Windows

Tools

  • Trowels Adhesive trowels · Pointing trowels · Power trowels
  • Hammers Bush hammers · Carpenters' hammers · Striking tools
  • Cold chisels Brick bolsters · Brick sets · Pitching chisels
  • Manlift or personnel lift Bosun chairs · Swing stages · Work cages
  • Levels Laser levels · Masonry levels · Water levels

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Brickmasons and Blockmasons earn in South Africa?

Brickmasons and Blockmasons salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Brickmasons and Blockmasons do?

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 and Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.