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Bricklaying/Masonry Apprenticeship
Program Number: 504081
Your Degree: Apprenticeship
Estimated Time to Complete: 12.25 Credits | Finish paid training and class time in 3 years
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Estimated Program Cost: $2,012.79
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Program Overview
Bricklayers build walls and structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and mortar. The work varies in complexity, from laying a simple masonry walkway to installing an ornate exterior on a high-rise building.
Trade tasks include laying of bricks; pointing, cleaning, waterproofing and cutting of brick walls; fireproofing; construction of arches; setting of stone trimmings; cutting, laying and pointing of ashlar, rubble, etc; laying of artificial stone, glass blocks, terracotta and insolations; cutting, laying and pointing of cement blocks and glazed tiles; and erection of precast panels.
Working Conditions
The outdoor work requires prolonged standing, kneeling, squatting, bending and lifting heavy materials weighing 60 to 65 pounds. Physical ability is a very serious consideration, since this is a daily requirement of the job until retirement. Proper safety practices are followed to prevent common hazards with injuries from tools, improper lifting and falls from scaffolds.
Training
- 3-year training program
- 4,680 hours of on-the-job training
- 400 hours of paid related instruction
- Apprentice must satisfactorily complete Red Cross First Aid and OSHA Safety Training Courses
- Apprentice must in his/her final year satisfactorily complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course
Classroom training includes blueprint reading, mathematics, layout work and sketching.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Program Details
Bricklaying/Masonry Apprenticeship classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Commercial Avenue
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester50-408-710Bricklaying Basics 1st Year
This course introduces the masonry apprentice to the tools of the trade. Care and proper use of tools is emphasized. Mixing mortar, as well as the types of mortars, their strengths, properties, and uses are also stressed. The various types of masonry materials are covered, including how they are manufactured. Techniques covering workmanship and trade practices play a key role in this course, as well as an introduction to technical aspects of the masonry trade.1.5 credits50-408-713Safety Tools and Equipment
This course will introduce the learner to OSHA safety standards as it relates to the masonry trade. Emphasis will be placed on scaffolding regulations and guidelines. Interpreting Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS) for pertinent information on materials used on the jobsite will also be addressed. The learner will also be introduced to safety and maintenance of hand and power tools, in addition to personal protective equipment. Overall jobsite safety is stressed.0.5 creditsSecond Semester50-408-714Practical Math for Bricklayers
This course will introduce the learner to mathematical formulas and equations that are essential and specific to the masonry trade. This course provides the learner with practical mathematical and technical aspects necessary to meet and accept the responsibility of being a mason.1.25 credit50-408-721Quantity Survey for Bricklayers
This course introduces students to basic methods of estimating building materials and develops a system for doing quantity surveys. Estimates commonly used in mathematics and masonry are emphasized.1 creditThird Semester50-408-711Bricklaying Intermediate 2nd Year
This course continues skills in care and proper use of tools is emphasized. Mixing mortar, as well as the types of mortars, their strengths, properties, and uses are also stressed. The various types of masonry materials are covered, including how they are manufactured. Techniques covering workmanship and trade practices play a key role in this course, as well as an introduction to technical aspects of the masonry trade.1 credit50-408-715Blueprint Reading for Bricklayers
This course provides instruction in print reading as applied to the masonry trade. Students are introduced to working drawings and their development. Focus is placed on line and symbol identification, dimensions and scale, abbreviations, and specifications. Emphasis is placed on the different types of drawings in a set of blueprints, and the information contained in them. Successful completion of this course will provide the student with a solid understanding of blueprints and specifications relating to the masonry trade.1 creditFourth Semester50-408-718Basic Shop Sketching for Bricklayers
This course provides the learner with instruction in basic shop sketching and drawing. The different types of drawings used in prints are emphasized. The learner will through instruction and practice, be able to make consistent line quality with a pencil, as well as draw basic isometric, oblique, orthographic, and perspective sketches.0.5 credits50-408-719Job Planning and Layout for Bricklayers
This course will introduce the learner to identify the differences in labor versus material costs as it relates to planning a construction job. Emphasis will also be placed on job practices that will increase a bricklayers productivity. Bench marks, batter boards, transit set up and use will also be addressed in this course as it relates to building layout. Methods for establishing corners, heights, and laying out bond for walls will also be highlighted. Primary emphasis of this course will focus on the masonry trade.1 credit50-408-720State and Local Codes for Bricklaying
This course will instruct the learner on the use of the Wisconsin Administrative Code book, as well as local codes and ordinances. Emphasis will be placed on locating and applying State Codes to the construction process.0.5 creditsFifth Semester50-408-712Bricklaying Advanced 3rd Year
This course continues skills in care and proper use of tools is emphasized. Mixing mortar, as well as the types of mortars, their strengths, properties, and uses are also stressed. The various types of masonry materials are covered, including how they are manufactured. Techniques covering workmanship and trade practices play a key role in this course, as well as an introduction to technical aspects of the masonry trade.1 credit50-408-716Advanced Blueprint Reading for Bricklayers
This course is intended for use by advanced apprentices or journey-level workers to hone their skills in blueprint reading. The training materials consist of blueprints and specifications for typical commercial buildings that have been built in the state of Wisconsin. Emphasis is placed on locating key information relating to the masonry construction of a given building using the actual blueprints and specifications.1 creditSixth Semester50-408-717Materials of Construction for Bricklayers
This course introduces the learner to a variety of construction methods using various building materials. The learner will receive instruction that will enable them to interpret a "Master Format", as well as analyze different foundation types. Emphasis is placed on the primary differences in construction methods that exist involving different building materials.1 credit50-408-722Computer Basics for Bricklayers
This course will instruct the learner in basic computer use. Emphasis will be paced on using the computer to access information, produce expense reports, create a document, and organize files and folders.0.5 credits50-408-723Economic Relations for Bricklayers
This course will instruct the learner to analyze their financial situation, and deliver information that will assist them in setting personal financial goals and budgets. The learner will also receive instruction on obtaining personal credit, and analyzing investment strategies. The pros and cons of starting a business will also be addressed.0.5 credits -
How to Apply
1. Apply through the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen (BAC) Apprenticeship Committee.
Get started by submitting the BAC Apprenticeship Application.
2. Secure an Apprenticeship Position
Once the committee approves you, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly to employers who are hiring apprentices.
3. Apply to Madison College
After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Interested in starting this spring? Get in touch. Find our contact information below.
Fall 2027
- Fall 2027 Application Open
- The application deadline is August 31, 2027
4. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract
Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.
5. Get Ready to Start Classes
Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps.
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Career Outcomes
Madison College Bricklaying Apprenticeship graduates are prepared to:
- Properly use hand and power tools
- Lay up plain brickwork, straight wall work and veneers
- Build arches, piers, columns, corners and quoins
- Lay up cement block units to include plain/decorative, regular or lightweight in all positions
- Spread mortar on all positions and in all units, butter, bond, type, anchor and reinforce
- Lay out all types of block walls: veneer, curtain and load-bearing foundations
- Read blueprints and specifications
- Fireproof, including laying up party walls and firewalls, and plugging wall penetrations
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 5 6 3 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 0 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 0 0 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 0 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 0 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 0 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 0 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change 0 0 0 Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest Other 0 0 0 Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 0 0 Before Enrollment 0 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 0 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 0 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 0 0 In College District 0 0 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week