Brick Work

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Brick work is a part of the construction industry. It refers to the manufacturing and usage of bricks for construction purpose. Brick work is highly responsible and creative piece of work. If you are intrigued by the profile of a brick work technician, then here is a brief job description of the same for your reference.

Brick Work Profile

Brick work, in totality, includes manual work. Brick work is strenuous and creative as well. Brick work is performed using instruments like trowel, tuck pointers, square, levels, etc. Brick workers are expected to have artistic vision and hand dexterity to make sure the building work meets the determined designing standards. It includes none of the typical office duties or dependence on computers. Brick mason do not perform any planning, managerial functions either.

Job Scope

Brick mason works in capacity of a brick mason alone. Hence, this profile offers limited job scope. However one can specialize in particular functions of mortar mixing, laying bricks, spreading mortar, inspecting brick alignment, etc. Secondly, there are some masons who specialize in bricks, blocks, stones, granites, etc. These are the few opportunities offered by brick masonry.

Responsibilities

The key responsibilities handled by brick workers are:

• Carry construction material to desired place
• Lay bricks in desired position and align them
• Mix concrete, mortar in right proportions
• Spread mortar over the bricks and ensure they bind bricks together
• Clean the excess mortar and distorted stone pieces

Qualifications

Most of the brick workers acquire on job training. They start handling petty jobs and later begin with prominent tasks of laying, aligning and joining bricks. Besides, there are certain technical schools that provide vocational training on masonry work. Formal education is not a mandatory requirement. However, high school diploma is preferred by the employers. Contractors prefer candidates with basic knowledge in measurement, volume, mixing proportions, geometry, mechanical drawing and blueprint reading.

Skills

Enlisted below are certain skills prominently sought after in brick work industry:

• Manual Dexterity
• Precision in work
• Observational and analytical skills
• Ability to calculate and measure

Work Environment

The work environment for brick work is prone to risks and health hazards:

• Brick work is always performed on-site and under natural conditions. Hence, varying weather conditions make an impact on the masonry work. They may have to work under scorching sun or endure strong colds to complete construction projects.
• Brick masons are expected to carry weights; stand, walk or climb for long hours and perform other strenuous tasks. Hence, strong physique, stamina and endurance are a must.
• Constructions are incomplete and weak. Hence, they pose danger to the life of the worker. Furthermore, the edges of the building floors are not fenced that impose the risk of falling down.
• Brick work involves handling bricks, asbestos, concrete, etc. The small particles from these mixtures, when released in air can cause respiratory disorders among brick masons

Career Prospects

The career prospects of brick workers are dependent upon the performance and conditions of the construction industry. Often during the recession period, the real estate prices fall down and construction activities are constrained. This creates unemployment for the masonry workers. Also, the masonry workers are left without jobs, once the project gets completed. Thus, though brick jobs are available, masons need to search for opportunities constantly.

Recent Trends

Green construction is the latest trend in the brick work. Masonry workers must have the knowledge of equipping the structure with modern methods of heating and cooling the building. Those workers who have knowledge in green construction receive an edge in brick work.

Career Advancement

Most masonry workers begin their careers working as laborers. Their key responsibilities include carrying and assembling materials and mixing mortars. After some experience they undertake brick laying functions that include aligning bricks, spreading mortars, fusing joints, etc. Also, they may take up specialized tasks of cutting bricks of right sizes using hammer, chisel or saw with due experience.

Follow the brick work description and prepare yourself for a successful career in brick industry.