Bricklayer EFZ

What does a mason do? Tasks, education, pay and career opportunities

Bricklayers are the basis of every building project — they create what everything else stands for. Whether it's a residential building, an office complex or an infrastructure project: Without them, nothing works. They combine craftsmanship with technical understanding, work precisely in a team and create visible reality with every move. Anyone who likes to get involved, work outside and see what has been created at the end of the day will find a job with substance — and a future — in their job as a mason.

Responsibilities of a mason EFZ - What does a mason do?

The job is much more than “walls.” Bricklayers create structures that last for decades — with concrete, precision and experience. Their everyday life combines physical work with technical thinking, understanding of plans and teamwork on the construction site.

Key tasks include:

• Set foundations, build walls, ceilings and stairs
• Build formwork, insert reinforcements and concrete components
• Read construction plans, check dimensions, secure construction sites
• Mix mortar and concrete, operate construction equipment such as vibrators or saws
• Collaborate with other trades such as carpenters, electricians or plumbers
• Comply with safety, quality and environmental requirements

Building construction involves residential and office buildings, schools or hospitals; civil engineering involves foundations, pipeline construction or shafts. The job requires precision, team spirit and perseverance — and gives you the good feeling of creating something lasting.

Education: Bricklayer EFZ or construction practitioner EBA

Bricklayer is a classic teaching profession — down-to-earth, in demand and with a clear perspective. Teaching provides practice, expertise and technical understanding, combined with real construction site experience.

Bricklayer EFZ (3 years):

• Teaching practice (construction site processes, equipment, safety)
• Vocational school (building materials science, math/geometry, construction)
• ÜK: basic skills (formwork, concrete, measurement)

Construction practitioner EBA (2 years):

• Practice-oriented introduction, ideal for talented craftsmen
• Possibility to switch to EFZ if you perform well

Continuing education & career:

• Foreman, Polisher, Construction manager
• Specializations (exposed concrete, sealing, formwork systems)
• Higher technical school (HF construction planning), construction planning technician
• With experience, the path to construction management is realistic — if you stick with it, you build a stable career step by step.

Career change: Opportunities for newcomers and returners:

It is also possible to get started without traditional apprenticeship. Many specialists start out as construction assistants and grow into the role through experience and continuing education. Fitness, willingness to learn and reliability are important — the rest can be learned.

Popular ways to get started:

• Employment as a construction assistant with accompanying qualification
• EFZ catch-up education for adults
• Module courses on topics such as formwork, concrete or surveying

Companies appreciate motivated career changers
who impress with commitment and team spirit — especially when they can get down to business.

How much does a mason earn in Switzerland?

Masons earn stably and fairly — with clear CLA regulations and allowances,
that make the job financially attractive. Remuneration varies by canton,
Experience, specialization and project size.

Indicative values:

• Learners: staggered by apprenticeship year
• EFZ after completion of apprenticeship: approx. CHF 4'800 — 5'300/month
• With experience or specialization: approx. CHF 5'300 — 6'200/month
• Foreman or polisher: about this, depending on responsibility

In addition, there are often bad weather regulations, expenses and allowances.
In short: If you build with quality, you also build a solid income.

Benefits with BAUSCOUT for masons:

BAUSCOUT brings masons and construction companies directly together — digitally, fairly and quickly. No detours, no middlemen, no paperwork.

Benefits at a glance:

• Commission-free: No agency fees, no hidden costs.
• Direct contact: Communicate directly with companies — without agencies.
• Flexible: Temporary, project-related or permanent — full selection.
• Quick: Searched today, built tomorrow.

With BAUSCOUT Masons find jobs that really fit — transparent, simple and as mobile as everyday work itself.