Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Working Life

Brick and stonelaying involves constructing all types of walls, from plain walls to more detailed work.  
 
Brick and stonelaying is an essential part of many structures and a brick and stonelayer has to make sure that the structure is accurate and meets design requirements. Many sises and colours of building material are used and considerable skill is needed to combine these into bonds to meet requirements. Bricklayers need to be able to read plans and drawings to find out how the structure is to be built and take account of where corners need to be or where openings must be left for doors and windows.  
 
A brick/stonelayer may work on new buildings, extensions or the restoration of existing buildings. A variety of tools are used, for example, laying trowel for spreading mortar, pointing trowel, for pointing, spirit level for plumbing and levelling the wall, club hammers and brick hammers, a bolster and a variety of cold chisels for cutting and trimming brick stone and blocks, lines and line pines and corner blocks, for lining in walls etc.  

Power tools may be also used from time-to-time. The work is mainly outdoors and conditions can be dirty and dusty as well as cold, damp and muddy.  

These craftspersons are generally employed in the building industry or they may be engaged on maintenance work in large industrial undertakings. 

Health and safety is an important aspect of the job, so a brick and stonelayer needs to wear protective footwear, a safety helmet and, occasionally, safety glasses and hand protection.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• 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 horisontal alignment of courses.
• Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to sise, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
• Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
• Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
• Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.
• Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.
• Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.

Further Information

• Bricklayer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

To become an apprentice, you must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. The employer must be approved to train apprentices. The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment. In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Entry Requirements

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. The minimum educational requirements are:

1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent

2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course or

3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Art, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Technology, Construction Studies and Mathematics.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: construction.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: construction, ECO built environment.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Bricklayer.

Search for Apprenticeships

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €54k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, shift pattern, and experience

Data Source(s):
Payscale / Jobted / Eirieri / Indeed/ Glassdoor/ CIF Rates- WRC

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Bricklayers; Stone Masons; Plasterers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was below average for this occupation with little growth in recent years and a decline in levels between 2021 and 2022. Census 2022 data shows that employment was relatively evenly split between bricklayers/masons and plasterers. There were almost 200 employment permits issued in 2022 for bricklayers, stonemasons, and plasterers (including specialist clay plasterers).

There was also a relatively high volume of vacancies notified through the DSP across similar roles to that of the employment permits (there may be some overlap as a labour market test is required for employment permit applications for these roles which includes advertising the positions on DSP Jobs Ireland). The 2022 DFHERIS report suggests that demand for plasterers will be strong in the short-term when retrofitting activity increases. However, the report also indicates that demand for both bricklayers and plasterers for housing will decline in the coming years; apartments account for an increasing share of housing stock and have fewer requirements for bricklayers due to the use of pre-cast concrete. and modern methods of construction where much of this work is carried out off-site. Although demand is evident at present, the data does not point to shortages.

• SOLAS

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