Bricklayer Helper Jobs in Canada
Sector: Construction & Trades · Typical locations: Ontario (Toronto / GTA), Alberta (Calgary / Edmonton), British Columbia (Vancouver) · Pay: gross (before deductions)
Role overview
A Bricklayer Helper supports masonry crews on active job sites: preparing materials, moving bricks/blocks, mixing mortar, setting up work areas, and keeping the site safe and organized. This role is common on residential builds, commercial projects, and renovation sites.
Where this role is most common
- New builds: houses, multi-unit developments, low-rise and mid-rise projects
- Commercial: site walls, facades, structural block, service buildings
- Renovation: repairs, repointing support, demolition assistance
This is an informational vacancy page for typical duties and requirements. Final conditions depend on the employer, union status, project type, and province.
Typical gross wages (CAD/hour)
Shown as Low / Median / High (gross)
The figures below reflect published wage ranges for construction labourer/helper work that commonly includes masonry support tasks. Actual offers vary by project, overtime, union rules, and verified experience.
| Province | Low | Median | High | What this means in practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario (Toronto / GTA) | 18.50 | 27.00 | 42.00 | Busy market; rates increase with pace, reliability, and site tickets. |
| Alberta (Calgary / Edmonton) | 19.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | Strong demand on projects; overtime can materially lift weekly gross pay. |
| British Columbia (Vancouver) | 20.00 | 25.00 | 38.50 | Higher living costs; dependable helpers with safety readiness are valued. |
Gross wages = before taxes and deductions. Employers may offer benefits, travel allowances, or overtime premiums depending on site policy.
Duties and day-to-day tasks
What employers typically expect on a masonry crew
Core responsibilities
- Move bricks, blocks, mortar, and tools to the work area (manual handling)
- Mix mortar and grout to crew specification; maintain consistency and cleanliness
- Set up and tidy the work zone (materials staging, protection, basic barricades)
- Assist with scaffolding / platform preparation as permitted by site rules
- Cut or prepare materials under supervision (where allowed and trained)
- Site cleanup: remove debris, keep walkways clear, support safe access
- Support quality: keep materials dry/covered, reduce waste, follow instructions precisely
Tools & materials you should recognize
- Wheelbarrow, mortar boards, buckets, mixing paddles
- Basic hand tools and measuring tools; safe lifting aids
- Bricks, concrete blocks, ties, lintels, insulation components (project-specific)
- PPE: hard hat, safety boots, high-vis, gloves, eye protection
Requirements (detailed)
Practical hiring criteria for Bricklayer Helper roles
Minimum requirements commonly used by employers
- Physical readiness: ability to lift, carry, and work on your feet for extended periods
- Safety mindset: follow instructions, respect exclusion zones, and report hazards immediately
- Reliability: punctuality, consistent attendance, and predictable performance
- Basic communication: functional English for site instructions and safety (level varies by employer)
- Construction awareness: understanding of basic site rules, tool handling, and housekeeping
Strong advantages (often deciding factors)
- Previous masonry support experience (brick/block, mortar handling, staging)
- Documented site training or safety orientation (employer/province specific)
- Experience working around scaffolds, lifts, or controlled access areas
- Comfort with outdoor work in changing weather
- References that confirm reliability and teamwork
Work format you should be ready for
- Full-time site schedule (often early morning starts)
- Overtime availability during peak project phases
- Strict PPE compliance and daily “toolbox talk” safety culture
- Different job sites within a metro area (project-based assignments)
Work authorization & documents (Canada)
General expectations for legal employment
To work legally in Canada, foreign nationals typically need a valid authorization that matches the employer and job conditions. The exact pathway depends on your nationality, the employer, and whether the job is tied to an employer-specific permit or a qualifying open permit.
Common document set (practical checklist)
- Passport valid for the planned period of employment
- Employment contract / job offer from the Canadian employer
- Work permit approval (type depends on your situation)
- Biometrics (required for many applicants, depending on nationality and application route)
- Medical exam if required for your situation (some jobs/periods require it)
- Police certificates if requested during processing
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) after arrival, before starting payroll (standard employment practice)
Short candidate portrait
Who succeeds fastest in Bricklayer Helper roles
- Work rhythm: you can keep pace without rushing unsafely
- Clean habits: you keep work areas organized and reduce wasted motion
- Coachability: you accept corrections calmly and apply them immediately
- Hands-on: you are comfortable with dust, outdoor work, and lifting
- Team-first: you anticipate what the crew needs next (materials, tools, staging)
Career progression (typical)
- Bricklayer Helper → Masonry Crew Helper (advanced) → Masonry Apprentice pathway (employer/province dependent)
- Skill gains: mortar consistency, staging efficiency, site logistics, basic layout awareness
How to apply (CV required)
Fast, structured applications get reviewed first
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add a clear skills block: masonry support, mortar handling, staging, tools, safety readiness
- List preferred provinces/cities (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia) and earliest start date
- Submit your application — shortlisted candidates are contacted
Tip: include 3–5 bullet achievements (e.g., “Supported masonry crew on residential builds; maintained mortar batches; reduced downtime by staging materials ahead of lifts”).
Related roles in Construction & Trades
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required to apply?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
What gross wages are typical for Bricklayer Helpers?
Typical gross hourly ranges depend on province and project. As a practical benchmark for helper/labourer work that includes masonry support tasks: Ontario 18.50–42.00, Alberta 19.00–35.00, British Columbia 20.00–38.50 CAD/hour (gross).
Do I need masonry certificates to start?
Not always for helper roles. Employers prioritize reliability, safe work habits, and physical readiness. Any documented site training or proven experience is an advantage.
What are the most important skills for this job?
Punctuality, safe lifting/handling, clear communication on site, keeping the area clean, and maintaining consistent mortar batches. Strong helpers reduce downtime for the bricklayers.
What documents are usually needed to work legally in Canada?
Common requirements include a valid passport, a contract/job offer, and a work authorization that matches the job conditions. Some applicants also need biometrics and (if required) a medical exam during processing.
How fast will I be contacted after applying?
Review speed depends on active demand and your CV quality. Clear trade keywords (masonry support, mortar handling, staging) and location availability help your application get shortlisted.