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What are the career options for Bricklaying trades?

I want to explore the different career options/fields upon leaving the Bricklaying trades and entering the Union.

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Anuj’s Answer

Entering the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) opens up an incredible amount of leverage. You transition from just manual labor to highly regulated, high-paying career specialized pipelines.Here are your core options when moving from basic bricklaying into the Union:1. In-Union Trade SpecializationsThe union covers more than standard walls. You can cross-train or specialize in:PCC (Pointer, Cleaner, Caulker): Focuses heavily on building restoration, waterproofing, and weatherproofing historic structures. It is high-demand and highly technical. Refractory Bricklayer: Working in heavy industrial sites (refineries, steel mills) installing specialty heat-resistant brick for kilns and furnaces. This is a top-tier earner track. 2. On-Site LeadershipYour structural knowledge easily translates into union leadership roles:Union Job Steward: Protecting worker rights and ensuring safety rules (like OSHA standards) are strictly followed on-site.Foreperson / Site Superintendent: Leading multi-trade coordination, ordering major materials, and running massive commercial sites. 3. Management & EstimatingProject Estimator: Calculating material and labor costs for major union project bids.Union Instructor: Transitioning to teaching the next generation at a regional JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) facility.
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TRAVIS’s Answer

Bricklaying union offers scale and levels of mastery. Once you become a journeyman, then the next level is master. At that point you can exit the union and become a contractor or continue your education. You may want to become an instructor or superintendent. Keep learning and gaining experience and you will have more opportunities become available to you.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Antwon
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Suzanne’s Answer

Antwon, according to the job corps website most bricklaying job corps graduates find careers as brick masons, cement masons, terrazzo workers, plasterers and stucco masons. You can also do training in advanced cement masonry. Good luck to you!

Suzanne recommends the following next steps:

Check out the Job Corps website: https://www.jobcorps.gov/jobs/bricklaying
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Suzanne for the advice. Antwon
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Lin Yu’s Answer

It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your career and exploring opportunities beyond bricklaying. Planning for the future is smart, especially when transitioning to union work.
Some career options include:
Advanced masonry or specialized bricklaying
Construction foreman or supervisor roles
Restoration work for historic buildings
Concrete or stonework specialist
Project management, estimating, or construction consulting
Teaching or training apprentices
Skilled labor union coordination or administration
Construction materials sales or technical advising
Additional skills that help: project management or safety certifications, and business management skills if you want to start a contracting business.
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