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Brickmasons and Blockmasons

SOC 47-2021.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers brick and block masonry competencies from entry-level site tasks through crew leadership and organizational oversight, anchored to residential, commercial, and institutional construction environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Plumb bobs and levels — identify and handle under direct supervision when marking reference points on a residential job site.
  2. Mortar mixing ratios — follow prescribed guidelines to prepare and apply basic mortar under journeyman oversight on entry-level masonry tasks.
  3. Brick-cutting tools including hammer and trowel edge — use to break bricks to approximate size under close direction on a supervised work crew.
  4. Basic guidelines and chalk lines — set up and follow to maintain course alignment when laying initial rows of brick under direct instruction.
  5. Blueprint diagrams — read with supervisor assistance to identify basic dimensions and material quantities for a small masonry project.
  6. Excess mortar — remove from joints using hand tools and trowels under direct guidance to maintain a clean work surface.
  7. Corner poles — assist in fastening and holding in position while a journeyman establishes plumb alignment on a construction site.
  8. Safety protocols for masonry work sites — observe and comply with under direct supervision to support a safe working environment.
  9. Hand trowels and jointing tools — practice smoothing and finishing mortar joints under step-by-step instruction on training projects.
  10. Material counts for brick and block — assist in tallying and organizing based on supervisor-provided specifications at a job site staging area.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Reference points and layout guidelines — measure and mark independently using plumb bobs and levels on routine residential or light commercial masonry jobs.
  2. Mortar and bonding mixtures — apply and smooth over work surfaces with consistent coverage on standard wall construction projects with minimal oversight.
  3. Bricks, tiles, and blocks — cut and shape to required dimensions using trowel, hammer, or power saw on familiar job types without close direction.
  4. Vertical and horizontal course alignment — calculate and verify using established angles and layout methods across routine masonry assignments.
  5. Corner pyramids and corner poles — construct and set in plumb position independently to establish accurate layout guides on standard building projects.
  6. Blueprint specifications — interpret without assistance to determine material requirements and course layouts for moderately complex masonry tasks.
  7. Mortar joints — finish with jointing tools to produce sealed, uniform appearance consistently across typical wall and paving installations.
  8. Wire clamps, anchor holes, and cement — use to fasten brick and block materials to existing structures in familiar construction environments.
  9. Time and task sequencing — manage daily work activities to meet project milestones on multi-phase masonry jobs with reduced supervisory input.
  10. Material usage and waste — monitor during construction to flag discrepancies and adjust quantities on active job sites.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex layout measurements — execute independently using plumb bobs, levels, and laser instruments to establish precise reference points on large-scale commercial masonry projects.
  2. Non-standard brick and block cuts — plan and execute using power saws and specialist tools to meet architectural specifications on intricate or curved wall designs.
  3. Multi-course corner construction — build accurate corner pyramids and set corner poles autonomously to ensure structural alignment on complex multi-story masonry installations.
  4. Blueprints and construction drawings — interpret across full project scope to calculate material orders, course sequences, and structural requirements without supervision.
  5. Mortar consistency and application — assess and adjust to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity to maintain bond quality on varied job sites.
  6. Quality control inspections — conduct on completed masonry sections, identifying and correcting deviations from specification before project handoff.
  7. Fastening methods including torch welding, anchor holes, and wire clamps — select and apply based on structural requirements for diverse wall and facade systems.
  8. Non-routine joint and surface finishing — troubleshoot and resolve aesthetic and structural defects on complex masonry work using advanced jointing and troweling techniques.
  9. Project material estimation — calculate brick, block, mortar, and accessory quantities independently for full-scope masonry projects using drawings and site measurements.
  10. Coordination with other trades — communicate technical masonry requirements clearly to carpenters, electricians, and site supervisors to maintain project schedule on active construction sites.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Masonry project plans and specifications — review and approve to ensure structural integrity and code compliance across large-scale commercial or institutional construction programs.
  2. Apprentice and journeyman masons — mentor and evaluate on layout, cutting, and mortar techniques to build crew competency across active job sites.
  3. Material procurement and cost estimation — lead the development of comprehensive bids using project drawings, historical data, and supplier negotiations for multi-contract masonry work.
  4. Workplace safety standards and quality protocols — establish and enforce across masonry crews to meet OSHA requirements and organizational quality benchmarks.
  5. CAD software and project management tools — direct their use for planning course layouts, tracking project milestones, and reporting progress to general contractors.
  6. Complex structural and decorative masonry challenges — diagnose and resolve at the organizational level, drawing on deep technical knowledge to protect project outcomes.
  7. Crew scheduling and resource allocation — oversee across concurrent masonry projects to optimize labor productivity and minimize downtime on multi-site construction programs.
  8. Industry standards and building codes — interpret and translate into site-level procedures, ensuring all masonry operations remain compliant with current regulatory requirements.
  9. Cross-functional project teams — lead by coordinating masonry scope with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to deliver integrated construction outcomes on time and within budget.
  10. Organizational masonry practices and training curricula — develop and continuously improve to raise craft standards, reduce rework, and support workforce advancement within the company.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Bricklayer (Brick and Block Mason) · Adobe Layer · Block Layer · Block Mason · Block Paver · Blockmason · Bottom Liner · Brick and Block Mason · Brick and Tile Bricklayer · Brick Chimney Builder · Brick Dropper · Brick Layer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0006 · Bricklayer (Brick and Block Mason)
O*NET skills
CoordinationCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoringOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisTime Management
Knowledge domains
Building and ConstructionMathematicsEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingDesignAdministration and ManagementMechanical
Abilities
Trunk StrengthExtent FlexibilityStatic StrengthNear VisionArm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityMultilimb CoordinationVisualizationDynamic StrengthInformation Ordering
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCautiousnessPerseveranceIntegrityAchievement Orientation
Technology
Analytical or scientific softwareProject management softwareAccounting softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareOperating system softwareComputer aided design CAD software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
  2. 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.
  3. Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
  4. Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
  5. Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
  6. Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
  7. Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
  8. Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.
CIP education codes
46.0101

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.