http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzi3LNedz-M&feature=player_detailpage
Experienced Brick Masons needed …….that’s what the ad said yesterday morning and its the first time I’ve seen one like it…well, in years and the memory of a life long lifestyle came flooding back.
“One more time…just one more brick job” I thought though most would consider this to be folly with my hair color. But I’m quite able…..and I’m missing it, or missing the way it was.
I’m not sure I have the literary skills required to explain the simple concept of being a bricklayer. A mason in general, but here we’re discussing the word….bricklayer. A true apprenticed bricklayer reading this already understands what I’m about to attempt to explain.You can train a monkey…or a Mexican to stack one over two readily and in short order. But a man that can quickly and proficiently build you a brick wall that is flat, and perfect and able to withstand literally hundreds of years of inclement weather has spent many a hard year in the sun learning that craft. We’re not talking the art of arches, fire places, refractory work or fancy corbel work…..just a perfect flat wall. An apprenticeship is four years and with good reason and those who have accomplished it have learned secrets handed down over many generations….well,…… over 2000 years worth of generations. And always keeping those secrets closely guarded to be shared only with like minded brothers who might possess the pride to perform a task few others would be able..or willing to do.
Admittedly…..its no longer a “highly” needed skill and so its monetary value has diminished and inexpensive imported labor has cheapened it still more. So many new building methods have sprung forward that the art of true brick work is strictly aesthetic and not so common any more . But that wasn’t what was on my mind yesterday morning as I headed out to respond to the ad ….Experienced Bricklayers Needed…as I have literally 100+ times before. What was on my mind was excelling at something few are good at amidst the camaraderie of like minded men. Admittedly, course rough men, but masonry is a mans world and I enjoy their company, their stories and the laughter regardless of how tough a day it might be
I was feeling pretty confident as I handed in that app along with a copy of a resume that boasted all the campaign badges of accomplishment that not so long ago had tangible value
Apprenticeship
Osha Certified Competent Person
Osha safety Courses
Osha Scaffold Courses
Red Cross First Aide
Apprentice Instructor
Safety Coordinator / Instructor
” Wow….solid background Rich….start tomorrow. We have six months or more for you.” said the Man
The offering wage however was exactly what was offered me for a similar job in 1981…thats thirty years ago.
A recent President deemed my job…….” A job an American won’t do” and I took umbrage……but I guess he turned out correct after all and I shall continue to miss those days spent amidst rough men.
