Bricklaying/Masonry Apprentice

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Transfer
• Outcomes

Overview

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 insulations; 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 Air 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

Explore financial aid eligibility for Bricklaying/Masonry Apprenticeship.

Admission

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) 259-1151

All 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

Curriculum

Curriculum

Transfer

Transfer Partnerships

There are currently no Transfer Partnerships for this program. Review our Transfer Opportunities page for information on all Madison College transfer options.

Outcomes

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