Unload tools, check blueprints, and map out the day's build.
Mix a batch — squeeze it, adjust water until the consistency is right.
Set rows of brick or block, troweling mortar and tapping each one level.
Catch a wall drifting out of plumb — fix it now before the mortar locks it.
Chisel and saw brick to fit corners and odd angles precisely.
Grind out crumbling joints on an old section and pack in fresh mortar.
Climb the scaffold and continue laying on the wall's upper section.
Clear debris, store tools, and inspect the day's work for defects.
- Lay bricks or stones in precise rows to build walls and structures.
- Mix and spread mortar to bond materials tightly together.
- Read blueprints and measure carefully before placing a single brick.
- Chisel and cut stone or brick to fit tight corners and odd shapes.
- Repoint crumbling mortar joints to restore old or damaged masonry.
- Is this mortar mix the right consistency, or do I need to adjust it?
- Does this wall look level and plumb, or do I fix it now before it sets?
- Should I match the original stone exactly, or will a close substitute hold up better?
- Is this crack just cosmetic, or is the whole structure compromised?
- Can I keep working in this weather, or will the cold ruin the mortar?
People usually reach this work through experience rather than a college program.
Explore more colleges →Fabricators are skilled tradespeople who create, assemble, and repair metal structures and products. They work with various materials including steel, aluminum, and other metals to build everything from architectural components to industrial machinery parts. Fabricators combine technical skills with hands-on craftsmanship to transform raw materials into finished products.
Welders use specialized equipment to join metal parts together through various welding processes. They work across multiple industries including construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, automotive, and aerospace. Welders combine technical skill with precision craftsmanship to create strong, durable joints that are essential to countless products and structures.
A Structural Engineer is a specialized civil engineer who designs, analyzes, and ensures the safety and durability of structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They focus on how structures withstand environmental forces, such as wind, earthquakes, and loads, ensuring stability and longevity.
