How to Be a Bricklayer in Texas
Bricklayers or brickmasons, along with blockmasons and stonemasons, form an integral part of the construction industry. These workers are responsible for building and repairing brick walls, floors, fireplaces, chimneys, and many other structures made from brick. This hands-on job requires a surprising amount of precision, but if you love to work with your hands, the career can be a rewarding one. To become a bricklayer in Texas, you'll need the same level of training as in any other area, but you will be eligible to join the local bricklayer's union and receive their benefits.
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Instructions
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Enroll in a training program, either through a vocational school, an apprenticeship, or industry training program. In Texas, the opportunities include the Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers Apprentice Training Program based in Lumberton, or the bricklaying course program offered by the Texas Education Agency in Austin. Entrance requirements and fees vary depending on the program or apprenticeship.
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Complete the necessary program requirements and demonstrate bricklaying skills. The most thorough apprenticeship programs require 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training, and at least 144 hours of classroom training in subjects such as reading blueprints, mathematics, layouts, sketching, and more. However, there is a trend toward practical training and demonstrating bricklaying skills, over classroom knowledge and time invested
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Apply for a bricklaying position with a Texas-based company. An apprenticeship program may give you a leg up on this step because you will already be working with laborers in the industry. In addition to bricklaying competence, you will need to demonstrate dependability and a strong work ethic.
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Join the local bricklayer's union for benefits such as health insurance and a fair wage. In Texas, this is the tri-state Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local Number 5, for Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
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- Photo Credit Brick image by Luke Haverkamp from Fotolia.com
