Why did I choose Bricklaying? I chose Bricklaying at RMCTC because I like working with my hands, as well as being creative.
Bricklaying does not require too much skill, so because of that, it’s very easy and fun. Instead of sitting in a chair doing office work all day, I’d rather be active. I like moving around. Bricklaying keeps me active. The heavy lifting and constant movement show me what I’m capable of. There are tons of different projects tied to bricklaying so there’s always something new to learn. I like the team we are building, and I enjoy the challenges. I also really enjoy being pushed to try new things. While injured, I was still included in projects, and I still got to perform tasks instead of having to just sit it out.
Bricklaying is something new and something different for me, I’m learning new skills and knowledge every day. I’ve learned how to install wall and floor tile, brickwork, blockwork, and even how to use most masonry power tools. With all these new projects that we are learning in class, we are kept very busy, and I like the way we always help each other. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to not be able to do things as long as you try first. There’s never a moment where I’m not trying something different. Bricklaying is mostly a male-dominated profession, and my class is mostly boys, but you should never let your gender stop you.
Jolene Bates
