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Program Overview
Work Description
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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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
First SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterFourth SemesterFifth SemesterSixth Semester -
Admission
How to Apply to Bricklaying Apprenticeship
You must apply directly to the Madison Bricklayer's Joint Apprenticeship Committee (the application does not go through Madison College).
Follow the application procedure for union bricklaying apprenticeship from the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin. You may also contact:
Madison Bricklayers Joint Apprenticeship Committee
1602 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715
608.259.1151All apprenticeships require an employer sponsor. After meeting the application requirements, you will be responsible for finding an employer to sponsor you as an apprentice before you may begin the program.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, or 16 or 17 with parental/guardian consent
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
- Physically able to perform trade
- Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation
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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
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 2 5 6 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
2022 2023 2024 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
2022 2023 2024 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
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 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)
2022 2023 2024 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 2022 2023 2024 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