Bricklayers and Stonemasons (ANZSCO 3311) are skilled professionals who play a crucial role in the construction and renovation of various structures in Australia. They are responsible for laying bricks, pre-cut stones, and other building blocks in mortar to create walls, partitions, arches, and segmental paving. Additionally, they cut and shape hard and soft stone blocks and masonry slabs to construct stone structures and monumental masonry.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in the Bricklayers and Stonemasons unit group require a certain level of skill, which can be acquired through qualifications and experience. In Australia, individuals can achieve a skill level commensurate with this occupation by obtaining an AQF Certificate III, which includes at least two years of on-the-job training, or an AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In New Zealand, a NZQF Level 4 qualification is necessary (ANZSCO Skill Level 3).

It is worth noting that relevant experience, amounting to at least three years, may substitute for the formal qualifications mentioned above. In some cases, additional on-the-job training and/or experience may be required alongside the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may also be necessary for practicing as a Bricklayer or Stonemason.

Tasks Include:

• Studying plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions, and installation procedures
• Erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding
• Sealing foundations with damp-resistant materials and spreading layers of mortar using trowels
• Laying bricks in rows, designs, and shapes, and filling joints with mortar
• Embedding blocks in mortar and removing excess mortar
• Checking alignment, both vertical and horizontal
• Cutting, shaping, and polishing stones and bricks using machinery and hand tools
• Repairing and maintaining bricks, cement blocks, and related structures
• Designing and cutting monumental masonry and lettering
• Constructing walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks
• Cutting, polishing, joining, and installing stone kitchen benchtops
• Preparing base and bedding courses and laying segmental paving (if required)

Occupations:

• 331111 Bricklayer
• 331112 Stonemason

331111 Bricklayer

Alternative Title: Blocklayer

A Bricklayer (or Blocklayer) specializes in laying bricks, pre-cut stones, and various types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, partitions, arches, segmental paving, and other structures. This occupation may require registration or licensing.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

• Brick Paver
• Refractory Bricklayer

331112 Stonemason

A Stonemason is responsible for cutting and shaping hard and soft stone blocks, as well as masonry slabs, to construct and renovate stone structures, kitchen benchtops, and monumental masonry. This occupation may require registration or licensing.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

• Monumental Stonemason