The strong foundation people always talk about? You can build it with bricks and mortar. Hands on, as an apprentice.
Bricklaying Image of Apprentice
Bricklaying/Masonry Apprenticeship
Program Number: 504081
Your Degree:
Apprenticeship
Area of Study:
Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
12.25 Credits | Finish paid training and class time in 3 years
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$1,862.01
  • Program Overview

    Work Description

    Two bricklaying apprenticeship students working on a project.

    Bricklayers build walls and structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and mortar. The work varies in complexity, from laying a simple masonry walkway to installing an ornate exterior on a high-rise building.

    Trade tasks include laying of bricks; pointing, cleaning, waterproofing and cutting of brick walls; fireproofing; construction of arches; setting of stone trimmings; cutting, laying and pointing of ashlar, rubble, etc; laying of artificial stone, glass blocks, terracotta and insolations; cutting, laying and pointing of cement blocks and glazed tiles; and erection of precast panels.

    Working Conditions

    The outdoor work requires prolonged standing, kneeling, squatting, bending and lifting heavy materials weighing 60 to 65 pounds. Physical ability is a very serious consideration, since this is a daily requirement of the job until retirement. Proper safety practices are followed to prevent common hazards with injuries from tools, improper lifting and falls from scaffolds.

    Training

    • 3-year training program
    • 4,680 hours of on-the-job training
    • 400 hours of paid related instruction
    • Apprentice must satisfactorily complete Red Cross First Aid and OSHA Safety Training Courses
    • Apprentice must in his/her final year satisfactorily complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course

    Classroom training includes blueprint reading, mathematics, layout work and sketching.

    Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

    Program Details

    Bricklaying/Masonry Apprenticeship classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

    • Madison - Commercial Avenue
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    50-408-710
    1.5 credits
    50-408-713
    0.5 credits
    Second Semester
    50-408-714
    1.25 credit
    50-408-721
    1 credit
    Third Semester
    Fourth Semester
    Fifth Semester
    Sixth Semester
  • Admission

    How to Apply to Bricklaying Apprenticeship

    You must apply directly to the Madison Bricklayer's Joint Apprenticeship Committee (the application does not go through Madison College).

    Follow the application procedure for union bricklaying apprenticeship from the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin. You may also contact:

    Madison Bricklayers Joint Apprenticeship Committee
    1602 S. Park Street
    Madison, WI 53715
    608.259.1151

    All apprenticeships require an employer sponsor. After meeting the application requirements, you will be responsible for finding an employer to sponsor you as an apprentice before you may begin the program.

    Application Requirements

    • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, or 16 or 17 with parental/guardian consent
    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
    • Physically able to perform trade
    • Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation
  • Career Outcomes

    Madison College Bricklaying Apprenticeship graduates are prepared to:  

    • Properly use hand and power tools
    • Lay up plain brickwork, straight wall work and veneers
    • Build arches, piers, columns, corners and quoins
    • Lay up cement block units to include plain/decorative, regular or lightweight in all positions
    • Spread mortar on all positions and in all units, butter, bond, type, anchor and reinforce
    • Lay out all types of block walls: veneer, curtain and load-bearing foundations
    • Read blueprints and specifications
    • Fireproof, including laying up party walls and firewalls, and plugging wall penetrations
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates625
      Number of Surveys Sent
      Number of Surveys Returned
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment000
      Percent Available for Employment
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed000
      Percent of Graduates Employed
      Employed in Related Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)000
      Number of Satisfaction Responses000
      Very Satisfied (4)000
      Percent Very Satisfied
      Satisfied (3)000
      Percent Satisfied
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses000
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses000
      Before Enrollment000
      Percent Before Enrollment
      While Attending the College000
      Percent While Attending the College
      After Training at the College000
      Percent After Training at the College
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses000
      In College District000
      Percent In College District
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count
      Average Monthly Wage
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)