Bricklayer / Stonemason

A Bricklayer constructs and repairs walls, partitions, arches, and other structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials. They read and interpret plans, measure and lay out work, mix mortar, and ensure bricks are laid evenly and securely. Bricklayers work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, creating both structural and decorative features while maintaining safety and quality standards on site.

As a Stonemason, you cut and shape hard and soft stone blocks and masonry slabs to construct and renovate stone structures. You may fix old monuments and existing stonework.

Income Guide

$82,000

Desirable Skills

Physical tasks • Using tools • Working at heights • Attention to detail

A typical day may involve:

  • Studying plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
  • Erecting scaffolding
  • Sealing foundations with damp resistant materials and spreading layers of mortar to serve as base and binder for blocks, using trowels
  • Laying bricks in rows, designs and shapes, and spreading mortar between the joints
  • Embedding blocks in mortar
  • Checking vertical and horizontal alignment
  • Cutting, shaping, and polishing stones and bricks using machines and hand tools
  • Repairing bricks, cement blocks and related structures
  • Constructing walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks

Qualifications

  • Pre-qualification Cert II Construction
  • Cert III Stonemasonry
  • Cert III Brick & Blocklaying

What is involved in my Qualification

  • 4-Year Paid Apprenticeship
  • Trade School
  • On the job, hands-on experience on construction sites

Career Pathways

  • Builder
  • Site Supervisor
  • Project Manager
  • Building Inspector

Further Qualifications

  • Cert IV Building and Construction
  • Business Owner (Contractors Licence)
  • Builder (Builders Licence)
  • Trainer/Assessor (TAE Qualification)

“What I enjoy most as a bricklayer is the sense of achievement. You begin a project, and by the end, the finished wall speaks for itself.”

Antony Tedesco, Brickwork by Art

Ready to Build Your Masonry Career?

Join a traditional trade with modern opportunities in South Australia’s construction and heritage sectors.

Explore All Trades

Hands-on vocational pathways in construction, plumbing, carpentry and more.

Explore All Trades

Office and site-based roles in project management, estimating, design and beyond.