Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Veneer • Expansion Joint • Spalling

Course

Term from Masonry industry explained for recruiters

A course is a horizontal layer or row of bricks, stones, or other masonry materials in a wall or structure. When someone mentions "course" in masonry, they're talking about how the building blocks are arranged in level lines. Think of it like layers in a cake – each layer of bricks or stones is called a course. This term is important because it shows up frequently in construction documents and job descriptions, indicating that a mason understands proper wall-building techniques. You might also see it referred to as a "masonry course" or "brick course."

Examples in Resumes

Laid 20 courses of brick per day meeting project specifications

Supervised installation of stone courses on heritage building restoration

Expertly aligned courses of blocks for commercial building foundation

Typical job title: "Masons"

Also try searching for:

Bricklayer Stone Mason Block Mason Masonry Worker Construction Mason Brick Mason Commercial Mason

Where to Find Masons

Professional Organizations

• Mason Contractors Association of America
• The Masonry Society
• Masonry Institute of America

Job Boards

Training Resources

• Masonry Apprenticeships
• Local Union Training Centers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure proper alignment of courses on a large commercial project?

Expected Answer: A senior mason should discuss using level lines, story poles, laser levels, and explain how they coordinate with other trades while maintaining consistent course heights across large wall sections.

Q: How do you handle course layout on a building with multiple corners and openings?

Expected Answer: They should explain planning the layout from corners, accounting for window and door openings, and ensuring courses line up properly around the entire structure.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for starting the first course of a wall?

Expected Answer: Should explain checking for level foundation, using proper bed joint thickness, and establishing reference points for subsequent courses.

Q: How do you adjust course heights when working with different size materials?

Expected Answer: Should discuss calculating proper course heights, using adjustment units, and maintaining consistent mortar joints.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the standard height of a brick course with mortar?

Expected Answer: Should know that a standard brick course is typically 2-5/8 inches for a standard brick plus 3/8 inch mortar joint, totaling 3 inches.

Q: How do you ensure each course is level?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain using basic masonry tools like levels, string lines, and corner blocks to maintain straight and level courses.