Bricklayers required

[@bricklayersworldwithandy6277]

Volumetric builders don't give a fuck they just want them built, bricklayers wages now is a tiny % of what the house is worth so we are being robbed. As for profiles I have to disagree, I've worked in Holland and Australia which only use profiles but they have there reasons, in Ozz its difficult to build a corner as the muck is like piss because of the heat and in Holland you would never build a corner with there muck as the sand is just to gritty hence why they pick and dip. Myself in the UK 90% of the time I lay traditionally but its good to have other skills in the armoury like pick and dip and profiles.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

Great comment as always Andy 👍

[@bricklayersworldwithandy6277]

@@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119 👍👍

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

I wouldn’t wear shorts in iceland and I wouldn’t wear a fur coat in oz 🤷🏼‍♂️ horses for courses debate the facts in the video ..alot shying away from wat I’m saying I’m not personally digging at any1 just laying it down Hope your well andy ✌️ The young need to be taught and the trade needs to understand

[@bricklayersworldwithandy6277]

@@thetraditionalbricklayer9650 👍

[@kevinhalligan5283]

as a retired bricklayer i,m nearly in tears when i see some of the standards that are deemed acceptable ,,and as it turns out the nhbc standards themselves have dropped ,,i wouldn,t thank you for a new build,, your argument is bang on ,,as a young brickie i had to build freehand corners ,,wasn,t hard just take your time and i was always told speed comes naturally,,which it did ,,no such thing as a 3 or four year apprenticeship anymore ,,more like three or four months it,s all hse and not craftmanship on site these days keep on with your argument mate you,re bang on ..

[@jeztickles4361]

That pub was absolutely rammed before he started waffling 🧇

[@jackrussell9811]

how to clear a packed pub

[@damienrichardson5764]

I came off site 6 years ago , house bashing . The quality was shite the blokes I worked with all they wanted to do was more and more a day off the profile. Make as much a day as possible , 350 good bricks to me beats 1000 shit bricks layed I couldn’t stand back at the end of the week and say I was happy smashing them down. my standard slipped and I didn’t like the way I was going I am 37 now and I have bin working on building sites since I was 14 most of my family are bricklayers or labourers , my grandad would turn in his grave now at the rubbish that we build as a country . Box’s with windows , he severed 62 years as a bricklayer and nothing he didn’t know or couldn’t do with a trowel ,level, line and pins . He was a very skilled man my idol. He always told me your only as good as your last job and to build it as if it’s your own house your working on. Then your standards will stay above the rest. and you will never be out of work.

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

What an absolute pleasure to read some of the old school comments on here …this video has brought us together…a good thing to see the experienced coming on and agreeing and for once I’m not flooded with young egotistical bricklayers making ridiculous comments . Gentlemen what a pleasure to read such experiences God bless ✌️

[@walesdad]

As usual, a thought provoking video Dean and well worth a watch. I speak as a guy who is one year away from official retirement and who has been a bricky for nigh on fifty years. In my view, and it is as obvious to me as the nose on my face, the dropping of standards and skills came with price work. Don't blame anyone for working on that basis, done it for years myself when you had no choice, but as soon as a man is paid for basically his speed on the trowel as opposed to the quality of his work, then things are going to go pear shaped. We have all seen some real rubbish thrown up over the years, work that the guys who I learnt from would have put their boot through, but firms and the contractors they employ just want it all built as quickly and cheaply as possible, as we all know. It sickens me to to look at the business pages and the gigantic profits the major house builders make, virtually year on year, and at the rubbish housing they generally produce. Who among any one here would want to buy a new house? On the profiles debate, I know where you are coming from and to a certain degree I agree with you. They have definitely taken away some of the skill of corner building, and to see how some fellers use them, well it can look a bit ridiculous, but once again its about speed and getting your "..'ead down and your arse up". Regarding the future and the art/skill or whatever anyone wants to call it of brickwork, I think the future for it is bleak. I can see a day when construction is virtually all prefabricated and a groundworks gang will come onto a footing, build the thing to damp, the slab will be laid and then in come the factory formed sections to be bolted/glued/masking taped together in situ and that will be that. Anyway, thats my two penneth worth, keep those vids coming and good luck for the future.

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Nice read that mate ..Tnks for taking the time to write that very informative. Such a shame just read some of these comments so much lack of knowledge but the front to come at me . A lot have missed the point in what I’m talking about in this video I’m trying to say at one point profiles wore a insult to man and not used and now if you build a corner it’s an insult . Just how society has gone

[@johnconaty7405]

Yeah lots of factory produced brickwork panels being used in london

[@eamonberesford5371]

I've been in the construction industry since 1976 I started off as tea boy. Aged 16... 7:30 am to 5:30 pm 6 days. the tea break was at 10 a.m. to 10:15 am. Lunch break 1 p.m. 1:30 pm. Unloading bricks and blocks by hand all day..... 16-year olds today would not be physically able to work like that... I got an apprenticeship as a bricklayer.. I was showing how to do all aspects of groundwork.. roof tiling. Which was all part of the. Apprenticeship. I now work in restoration of historic buildings and I can tell you.. the N.V.Q. translate to not very well qualified.. the modern bricklayers today. Back in my day would be labourers and not very good ones at that.

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Well said brother ..now this is why I do my videos to help the youngsters and the trade

[@dutchbricklayers]

We always work with profiles. Its how we think all bricklayers work in the Netherlands. We think you will get the best result with. Thanks for the video and we wish all bricklayers the best 🔥

[@tomthumb1769]

I’ve been bricklaying for 34 years when I did my apprenticeship there was no profiles everyone built corners. I now use profiles just because it’s easier! and why not make your life at work easier at work

[@tompetersphotography]

Same here, I use them when it suits me and when it makes sense with productivity in mind. It’s not the profiles that drags the quality down, i see plenty of terrible brickwork where profiles have been used. It’s the bloke with the trowel that has no pride that’s the problem

[@Scummerator]

I’m 64 in June .. been on the trowel right up until a few years ago.. now I just run things.. you are spot on mate, I know many ‘bricklayers’ who wouldn’t have a clue how to build a corner.. my old man used to say that he could get a corner up quicker than fucking about with a Blake’s profile.. and he could! ..game is just now full of line monkeys

[@chupapi3510]

Old changy given ya a good reality check hahahaha

[@basserphil]

Dean, i love your youtube channel, and my reply to your points are: construction companys have always hated bricklayers, we have been the hardest and slowest to de-skill. If we all slow down , they just pay less and get foreigners in . We are the city and guilds kids, many of us were indentured and also took advanced craft, now its 2 year nvq and a corner profile, we are the dinosaurs, but what would the Victorian bricklayers think of us? They were all craftsmen and built stunningly beautiful structures, something the nvq youngsters will never do or be able to do, they dont have the skills and the companys wont pay the money to teach them? And thats heartbreaking! Im sorry to say we are a dying proffesion, but we wont go quietly....keep on keeping on brother, big respect to you and your love for our job, been doing it 42 years and i still look forward to going to work every day( as long as its not raining, im made of sugar...lol)

[@jamescurtis6217]

Well said sir. Heart warming response in your last sentence, bravo from an 81 year old ex bricklayer😎

[@sonnysmith8338]

I been a bricky 20+ 0:19 years started with my old man building trial panels on his privates the old boy would kick um over say build it again then I went on site in my early 20s and in 20 years as a site bricky build boxes I hardly picked up the level let alone built a corner an I honestly fell out of love with laying nearly packed in in then I set up for myself and I promised myself I’d build everything properly by hand the way I was taught by the old boy god rest his soul now I love getting up and going to work I love the trade again (quality over quantity) really enjoyed this video really got my passions flowing well said👍

[@simplysimon9868]

Dean I've always said that schools should have not stopped teaching trades. Not everyone is academic. Tech schools would be the way for kids to learn a skill. Quality in most trades gone out the window. I'm not a bricky but learnt to lay bricks with older mates. Now do traditional everything from carpentry to plumbing and everything pretty much. Proud of my work or couldn't sleep at night. I can see for house bashing, profiles just good for speed but totally agree the traditional way needs to be kept. Sadly someone will invent something and guys jump on it because they feel it saves time. Last two years been using lime mortar on restoration work and love it. All Robs fault with his great work. Good video mush!!

[@rabahazie2530]

New York Bricklayer here, our Union prohibits using profiles. Although here we call them speed sticks. Everything is level work, corners and leads, you have to work fast or you’ll get your check. Same issue with detail work in the US as well though, lots of buildings going up with brick panels made in a factory. Not sure how this can be prevented, it’s always about “saving”money

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Those missing the point Chippies using nail guns ..ask them what’s better quality the hammered nail …the better timber hand cut timber truss or pre ordered truss ?? Plumbers as a good plumber wat he thinks of quick fix A knowledgeable man will know It just backs up what I’m saying I’m not digging I’m simply highlighting the facts of our game 👊

[@mb-em5lj]

Deano love your videos, the passion shines right through! Worked in manufacturing engineering for 7 year before before making the switch to bricklaying 2 year ago. Shockingly the two trades are not too dissimilar! I mean this in terms of mass production and quantity over quality. From my experiences Its all manger/site forum inflicted, although it may be driven down from the hierarchy the mangers/site forums are the go to man on the shop floor/ building sites or at least should be. The number of headaches I've seen bricklayers give site managers over poor workmanship but still get let off the hook because they show up everyday and lay 1500+ bricks is frightening! This knocks the lads producing the quality work ends in and creates a FUCK IT they are getting away with it attitude! Me and my squad personally use profiles for site work but take care in our work and enjoy what we do, rather than just be there to take the pay packet lashing bricks down. We always use levels in footings, internal brick work returns and block work to keep our hand in the traditional way. Moving forward to keep the skill in the trade I think we need to accept profiles is going to be apart and of the trade as times are moving on but strongly believe that traditional decorative details need to be implemented, For example decorative panels, proper chimney stacks, brick detailing on gable/peaks, traditional arches etc. Just like you have on your self build!! Stepping back and looking and stretcher bond and soldier courses just doesn’t have the same satisfaction as the old school details! Keep doing your thing deano look forward to your next video!

[@nmitchell4]

I completely agree with nearly everything you’ve said only problem I see is if quality trowels stick together and try and force out the unskilled surly they will just undercut the quality tradesmen. And developers only care about one thing and that’s making money. They couldn’t care less if someone builds freehand or with profiles. I appreciate your thoughts on this, keep up the good fight

[@paulyarlett1238]

But think of the skills lost ,,,,its a shame and a waste .

[@bikerjoe545]

I have to agree with you the lack of skill is showing, I'm 23 and been laying a little while now but even in the slightly older brickies the 30 to 40 year olds most of them are just a number putting down numbers if that makes sense, i build new houses and the only detail is soldier courses, our gang only typically build corners if were going 15 course or lower, i can build corners correct and true and probably not as fast as i should but im only a youngen who is still very green in my career, you made some really good points that i understand the underlying meaning of that apparently some don't!

[@darrenwilding8988]

I remember when I started every house had some feature work at the front arches or corrbling and plinths work. Now it's gone. Great video and love all the work you do

[@kraftwerkdj9190]

Made me laugh when you said a brick and a half pier in a garage with 2 profiles set up..unbelievable. Real talk and an insightful video.

[@sentbob4154]

Everything you have said is so spot on dean . I’m 63 and been doing this for 45 years, some of the people I’ve come across wouldn’t of lasted years ago. As say no bengal lancers

[@nscbuilders6439]

Use to Built corners on site all the time , way before profiles came out, use profiles all the time nowadays, cuz they just make it easier , if something out their on the market that makes your life easier , use it, But love your blogs and passion for the trade

[@seanhutchinson5331]

I’ve been bricklaying for 38 years and now have my own building company mainly doing high spec new builds! I am still on the trowel because I love doing it and I too served my time with the true old school bricklayers. You speak sense and you could work for me any time my son!

[@richiethebricky8768]

Totally agree the site I’m currently working on the so called bricklayers can’t even build right with the profiles, tradesmen are far and few between and anybody disagreeing with your perspective I would assume is in the unskilled bracket. I consider myself a true tradesman but I tend to let my peers make that judgment!

[@hannon45]

I totally understand what you was saying in that video dean. Am a union man from the railway and I got your point and what you was trying to say. I know you wasn’t insulting anyone but trying to educate the rest. Brilliant video. Such a shame people took it personal and not subjective.

[@davidoliver3205]

Awesome content! I love freehand brickwork and will do so whenever I can. Trouble these days on site is the site agents program its push push push so everyone uses profiles. I’ve only seen two apprentices in the last 10 years and they look petrified when I ask them to build a corner? What are they being taught in college? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@dread4836]

60 yr old retired brickie, never could lay more than 400 a day anyway, build small 4 or 6 course at most hen run in, add in all the tea breaks and chit chats that was my average day, i never used profiles

[@samuelmoore657]

We live in a world hell bent on efficiency, you’re right, render and prefab will take over.

[@billywilliams8833]

This is the reason I Love this Channel, Dean is a proper old school Bricklayer with Real Skills, most of the other channels are just Boring Brick after Brick with Profiles. Stu Crompton is another good Brickie on KZbin, he has skills and takes pride in what he does, and that is what's lacking in all trades nowadays, Pride!!

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Tnks Billy good health to u sir

[@robincoleman6098]

I am not a bricklayer myself by trade but I do dabble in a bit of diy for myself and I agree with your statements as I like to keep traditional crafts alive as too many old skills are lost to profit making entites.

[@ronaldfinch7420]

Great video, really got me thinking. Got some new straight edges in the van still in the plastic. Might send them back haha. A saying I heard many years ago that I like is. “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

[@mrmrb5411]

Great video, agree with basically all of it. The only time I build corners now is on privates because as you said the foreman won't allow it. last site I was on the most intricate detail work was soldiers but only on the front. I look around where I live at all the historic building and wish I was given a chance to build any of it. Very frustrating, when like you I see bricklaying as an art.

[@IzzytheBricky]

Great video mate and very good points made. Being brought up on profiles for the first 3 years of my time as a "Bricklayer" I knew myself It massively hindered my corner building and basic skills, however I noticed this and activity tried to work in my weaknesses. Hope all is well 🤜🤛

[@paultubby9908]

I'm 60 years old and time served. No longer on the tools but miss it. I listened to your post and I agree 100% with you. We always built corners back in the day and on house building where the site manager (agent) didn't approve of toothings we used to knock up a 10 course corner just racked back and extend it with the line each side so you top it with another 10/11 course corner. We used to build them quickly and to quality. Often if you had a dead start in terms of bricks loaded out it was good for the hod carrier for you to be in one place for a while. I support and agree with you mate there people who are training bricklayers the wrong way. Mind you I blame the CITB because there are very few proper trainers out there. Brickies of mature years should be offered teaching jobs to protect the future of the trade.

[@danjacobs1896]

Contradicting yourself ur saying build corners 400/500 bricks a day get the money up but if we carry on profiles it won’t because we are laying double the amount realistically most bricklayers I know can build a corner just easier and quicker why would we slow ourselves down and our earn selves less money?

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

To earn more ..Jesus Christ man get with wat I’m saying …if production is slowed quality will increase ,the skill will come bk in the trade and wen 1 wants to accelerate the project money will go up 👌

[@jacobfletcher3682]

Very true deano, if you can’t build a quoin you shouldn’t be allowed to build on the line. Simple as that, quality over quantity, I’m a general builder so not a brickie, but I’ve never seen anyone use profiles where we are keep up the good work.

[@michaelroche5588]

Trouble is it’s never going to change. Speed over quality now days. But even with profiles the chancers or knocking out burglar bond up the flanks which is mind boggling. It’s a real shame because our trade is one that that tech and prefab couldn’t take over. But in reality if the skill and detail isn’t produced or wanted then we shall soon be taking over by it.

[@scoyle1750]

Started my apprenticeship in the early 1990 taught only to build corners never seen a profile till I went to work in south east of England late 2008 started using profiles then,now wouldn't be without them as quicker and more accurate when set up correctly but can build a corner freehand as efficient and accurate as anyone just find profiles are more efficient than freehand👍

[@Jim_Newlands]

Up here in the Highlands I've been Bricklaying since 1984 and I can't recall ever seeing a profile on any site! It would probably take me longer to fuck about with profiles than it would to bang up a small corner.

[@shanesloan3859]

Profile and 2clamps takes a few minutes the Blake’s are a wee bit trickier to put up

[@craigread5603]

Even Blake's only takes a few minutes

[@stevekeith8261]

Not worked on site for years as find enough private stuff. Was told the other day that on site standards have dropped. Apparently they have to be reminded to put damp and wall ties in.

[@maxi7423]

I've been a bricky for 10 years and learnt with an old school firm with old timers as my foreman. I can build corners well and have done many times. However, setting up an internal profile with a Blakes on the corner is faster. Mark your lintel heights and finished heights and gauge down. It takes out all human error (which is common), i.e., getting slightly high or your wall being hard. Ultimately, the finish is the same if not cleaner with profiles. I do agree that it's taking the craftsmanship away in a sense, and I also agree the details are becoming less and less. A happy medium is the best way in my opinion. Cheers Dean 🍻

[@davebro9107]

Agree with everything you say but I have seen people fuck up with profiles 🤣 🤠

[@Beekind799]

you are wrong lad,freehand and train the eye,never use profiles,i have the corner built by the time you spend arsing about with profiles,you have to train the eye and the hand ,freehand is the only way

[@ryc650]

Great vid Top respect to you I think it’s brave as you no what all these mouthy bricklayers can be like . My Forman sets up all profiles and gages them up, all your bats are pre cut. I think it’s very efficient. Admittedly mind numbing but as a reward for laying atleast 500bricks we will get a bonus and average 260 a day that’s the incentive anyway . I’d love to do more feature work and take more time doing skill full work but unfortunately on big sites you rarely get it. I don’t think it’s our fault the way it’s going it’s society . Also bricklaying is tough the conditions can be grim, modern people are more techy and want to be on a computer. ✌️

[@Chobbly635]

I'm an apprentice in Canada so it might be different here but we have to go do three 2-3 month long terms of schooling over the course of 4-5 years during our apprenticeship and everything we learn is traditional. No profiles, no laser levels etc. We learn to build corners, arches, chimneys, fireplaces, etc all the traditional way and its required to know how to pass although not as quickly as a full time tradesman. Problem is the demand outside of school is more for things like restoration/ mechanical/precast/refractory/high volume production if youre union and the residential non union contractors simply care about the profit/speed above all else. There is just not the opportunity for apprentices to really hone their traditional skills and as time goes on the quality and the skill is dropping of even the older skilled masons as it falls out of practice. Ultimately if the economy and low wages continue the way it is I think the trade will eventually become completely saturated with unskilled workers even more than it is now.

[@mikeyformby]

It's just trades moving with the times mate. It's like an old school chippie complaining about a nail gun. I get your point, it takes less skill but nobody cares how it's built if it's correct.

[@bettingpete8775]

It's like the old-school plumbers moaning about plastic push fit. Does the same job but takes half the time.

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

I had all my timber hammered..better quality nails ..all trusses hand cut better timber then the pre made truss research it ….as for plumbing ask plumbers wat they think about quick fix ?? Each tobtjere own I suppose

[@andrewmorrissey8478]

Your bang on, paslode nails are should be scrapped ​@@thetraditionalbricklayer9650

[@aaronbrown3573]

Dean. I love what your saying , but ones who hold the money dont care about tradition. They care about money. The don't care about great quality , they care about minimum quality standards and speed. It's just the way the world is. It's all greed , I love your ideas about coming together and but I don't think the money goes up , I think the profile guys start pumping out 1500 bricks a day., Again builders want speed , low cost. Period. The profile using brickie is the same as the illegal immigrant border jumper in the USA. They work for cheap and drive the price down for the skilled. I agree with you dean. But in my opinion your not gonna beat the establishment /. But that's the attitude that leads to eventually tyranny , " if you don't exercise your freedom your freedom will be taken away "so I respect your idea. If nothing else you can help create the niche market for building the traditional way on the residential side. I don't see commercial going back to traditions. . What you are saying is possible , it takes the majority of the men to unite. It's not impossible. It has been done in the states many times. It was the origins of the unions. Men united , shut down job sites / owners tried to find new unskilled workers to take their place / bloody streets was the result. But in the end the unions were formed. Now the unions provide their own set of problems. You got more balls than anyone on KZbin. God bless.

[@RobertDavis-to7nv]

Well said Buddy,been on trowel since 97,learned from some old guys who worked all over and they taught me exactly like your talking about and I’m still doing it today and never not worked and still with the same hoddy aswell 25years service 😂,got a apprentice now just coming to end of his 3rd year and he’s not allowed profiles with me and he’s the best in his college as well ,takes after me 👊

[@JasonMcgrath-s4p]

What you say is the truth.most are line monkeys now.great to hear a skilled tradesmen speak.and your works quality.if your good you’ll earn a decent living.cheers dean.

[@chrise4410]

I get what your saying and your right. Using profiles all the time does take the skill out of it. Problem being that with how strick the nhbc are now and the amount of time spent taping ties and cleaning every bit of dust out of damp trays, you do have to rattle your lifts in. Be lovely if everyone banded together but ultimately someone will always undercut you. 👊

[@ianhoward4246]

Good comment,NHBC are going way OTT where we are, I say, take us on direct,a fair wage and we'll do a high standard job 👍👍

[@mikejames663]

Oh Dean, a fly in the ointment, a spoke in the wheel, boy that will get them thinking, I'm a seventy four year old retired bricky, started my apprenticeship 1963, not long before that time, bricklayers were overseen on their first morning, observed by the foreman, if he gave them the nod, they carried on, if not, they collected their tools and were away. Been through them all, six month'ers, YOP's; TOP's, government operative schemes, construction training schemes, NVQ's. Mostly designed and introduced due to a lack of quality tradesmen/craftsmen and to pay less, flooding the market, so to speak. I agree with you totally, but I must say, there are some good guys too, on the profile scene. You sir, are one of the good guy's' laying bricks as they should be laid.

[@davidcoldicott8424]

Absolutely spot on sir 👍

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Thank you for your service sir and thank you for sharing your experience and thank you for the compliment means a lot sir

[@LeonardoPustahija]

I so agree old school skills can't be beat

[@joncooper1077]

Love the videos dean learnt bricklaying in college a good few years ago now watching you ive proper wanted to pick a trowel up again just Dont have the confidence for it

[@chrismellish2591]

Love it Dean. My old man is a brick layer, I’m now a spark. I remember when I was labouring for him when I was a nipper, and his governor gave him a set of profiles for the first time. Must of been back in 2006-ish, I remember he gave him that look you mention 😂 they went in the garage never to be seen again. He’s never been short of work so profiles couldn’t of made that much difference! Even as a spark I can see the massive difference in quality across the board not just bricklaying, it’s getting harder to find skilled tradespeople. Keep up the great work 💪

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Say Allo to your old man for me 👊he’s a good man

[@hedley6253]

I've been off the trowel for 20 years, although I've since built a few extensions where I've lived. Trained to build corners and have no idea how to use profiles or lasers. City & Guilds qualified and have kept up with my CSCS card. Actually thinking of going back to it, but not knowing how to use a profile will be an embarrassment. The only profiles I used were for door or window openings but even that was considered to be a no no!

[@stevefowler2453]

I agree with most of what you say dean.. Iv just started my son with me and dumped the labourer so we can work together and teach him.. we use both corners and profiles.. they do help out at times. But the standards around us are shocking.. I it can rub off

[@kevoloan7708]

Absolutely right keep old school your right the young guns just want to get things up forgetting about quality come from a family of brickes love your content

[@casabrickwork]

Personally I think that to make sure that the next generation are quality bricklayers, more attention needs to be paid to apprentices. Too many apprentices these days get taken on for cheap labour and are never given trowel time. Our apprentice is on the trowel 80% of the day everyday. It’s me and him, a 1/1 gang. He’s flying after 6 months. They need to enjoy their job not see it as something they hate.

[@diybathroom5123]

Old is gold this man is 💯 accurate

[@nickdean3152]

Saw the same in my game,welding.apprentice in the eighties and the old hands were amazing .now it’s all about speed and not quality.there’s no shortcut to experience.great channel ✌️

[@Bigdogstusks]

This guy talks absolutely spot on. All these kids these days want is £500/day slashing bricks. No quality there at all no features to any of the houses. That’s why he’s right about prefabs making there way into the housing market. They’ll get rid of all the skilled trades and everything will be bolted together in a factory. When the skill comes back and quality comes back will be better for the industry as a whole.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

There’s a skill it’s called speed anyone can lay a brick !! Who lays the fastest earns the most it’s all about the dosh mush !!! Quality don’t pay bills or keep ya family if I can earn £450 a day on the line why wouldn’t I 😎😎

[@Bigdogstusks]

@@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119 that’s what he’s saying you’re missing the big picture. Thinking short term slashing the bricks down is taking the skill out of it so they can reduce the money. Before long they’ll just replace you with a machine that can slash straight lines or take the bricks out of it all together and be bolting prefab houses together with a spanner.

[@liampreston-qq7gj]

i served my time 18 years ago and wouldn’t know any other way, good old-school brickes that prided themselves on their skills .like yourself Dean i’ve had several years out of the trade and it’s upset me what’s happening

[@wisewisey142]

Get what you’re saying, trades evolve and use different techniques. There’s much more skill in building a corner than using a profile. Just like it’s more skilled to use a scutch over a disc cutter, lasers instead of cowleys. We’re in a debt society, blokes need more money now than they ever have so it’s about quantity over quality on the price gangs. Let’s also not pretend every bricklayer back in the day was an elite tradesman. Every generation has good and shit trowels

[@Rotciv1929]

Would you have a white collar boxing match against Collison for charity?

[@stonesmasher8369]

You can't save the brickies from the world but you can tell the world about the brickies 😃🙏🧱

[@bradleymcdermid3744]

Dean I've just watched about 2 minutes of this video blimey mate you're so right. I'm 60 now my job as a young bricklayer was corner man get them up plumb and gauge then run in I see blokes now got to do 5 or 6 courses and there putting profiles up does my head in. anyway back to the rest of the video mate you take care mate

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Tnks for your comment and experience sir

[@tomhumphrey1211]

I’m 22, started my apprenticeship at 16. Currently working as a 1 and 1. Sometimes I build corners other situations I’ll stick profiles up, and I genuinely don’t know which is quicker/better for me! I’d be all for a world without profiles tho! My only concern is no matter how many people are for it, they’ll still be new gangs who just want the money and come around smashing the work up which will keep developers from relying on the skilled workers as you say they would!

[@brendanrobinson6606]

I like what you are trying to achieve for, I have been a bricklayer for nearly 40 year's now I was taught by old school tradesmen my father and uncle mainly. The skill has been taken away because building companies do not want to employ trades people they want you to be a subby so it's cheaper for them no investment in skilled people. They intern get a main contractor to supply trade who may not even be from a bricklaying background,there only interested in profit your just a number it stands to reason that things will decline. I really respect what you are trying to do and I agree with a lot of what you say but unless we can get building firms and subcontractors to respect and invest in the people they employ then profiles will always be needed they are a symptom of the illness and not the cure. Brendan

[@davidfox7983]

The brickies aren't to blame It's just about getting them in Even if you are building a corner it's probably just on some square box not like it's back in Victorian times I never used a profile in my life In Ireland we never used them when I was training But the pressure comes from the top not from the bottom Architects don't put them in because buildings now adays are mostly uniform and generic It's all about time and money It's a pity yeah the trade is being weakened but that horse has bolted I served my time with a guy who hardly ever touched the level It's all in the bed

[@ryantaylor463]

I like your videos, very interesting to listen to but my opinion is we go to work for one thing and that is money. No matter how fast someone is at building corners it will never be as fast as building with profiles, a lot more efficient. Work smarter not harder. Great videos though agree with a lot of things you say. 👍

[@ryantaylor463]

Can still stand back and look on at your work with pride if you have built with profiles. We throw houses up at some speed but still haven’t met many people neater than us. It doesn’t take the skill out of the trade it adds speed. And not all fast bricklayers are rough. I like to think I’m quite clued up about the game, the old man is a bricklayer, grandfather was a bricklayer and great grandfather was a master mason. And all of them highly respected in the trade.

[@ibelieve1468]

Totally agree from an older bricklayer.

[@glentrask1347]

50 years ago, started a 5 year apprenticeship, learnt a lot. (No profiles then) how long is a apprenticeship today, two and half years!!!

[@DanDan-hj2pp]

It's heartbreaking but true

[@simon-martinanthony2123]

profiles and building corners have there merits

[@chortlemk1]

Dean and Rob Songer are my faves to watch. Love Deans down to earth philosophy and common sense practical approach and the real love he has for his craft.

[@bricky1000]

I don’t think the skill shortage is as bad as you think dean I know a lot of good bricklayers that can build everything I was taught old school off my old man can do bullseyes all detail work arches etc, the problem is mainly on new build sites but that has always been where most of the poor bricklayers are hence why the standard is so bad. I say leave them to it and that gives the good bricklayers the chance to charge a premium on private work and nice quality builds that’s what I find anyway, the big house builders are all about profit and keeping shareholders busy and that will never change it will just get worse bit when times become hard and the work slows down the good lads will still be working

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Well said brother

[@eddiekelly8124]

100% bang on Dean, you take an apprentice, give him a dog shit apprenticeship, then once he finishes his ( time ) stick him on a site and tell him to go as fast as fuck, WTF are you expecting. You can do the job ( any job ) two ways, you can do it quick or you can do it properly, very very few can do both. Keep the Vids coming Deano, Top man

[@MrDavelyth123]

Mate they will just bring pre fab buildings in sooner, even materials are not as good as in the early days, the world as changed and not for the better. Your right in what your saying deano but this world is going worse everyday 😢

[@Billy-dl7yg]

Listen pal I respect what ya saying, I'm a plasterer, learnt from old school, not just how to skim like these na, learnt the whole trade. Games fucked na, great video pal!

[@kieranflynn1385]

My old man reckons profiles are no faster , he was laying bricks in Germany in the 80’s/90’s so old school he prefers building corners

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Ummm I think building a corner or using proper profiles, timber or a vertical string line as long as you understand them and there best case uses then it’s fine. I work with a mixture of ages of Masons some older 60 odd and I’m 42 and also younger ages, they all understand the (tools) and when to use them and when not too, basically use what makes your days easier and more efficient. Most my work is stone work on old buildings so is sort of different mix up of old and new styles to get stuff done, I like that. Footings are not dug by hand now are they we have machines, I totally understand your thoughts and skills definitely should not be lost that is for sure, if you are the type too want too build quality work then that will happen and will always take more time. Hope this makes sense, nice going go steady 👍🏼 Sam

[@davidcoldicott8424]

Not many coming in to the trade care Deano that’s the problem it’s all about speed!! Like you say( line monkeys) , I don’t know what they will do if they come across a problem it takes a lot of years to become a tradesmen!!

[@weemanthespam]

Hardly any detail on plots anymore isn’t because there’s no skilled trades. It’s because of cost.

[@weemanthespam]

Also all the preformed chimneys and arches are to do with cost. Maybe a little bit to do with crap bricklayers too 😂

[@rickstarcampbell2771]

The Going Rate in Melbourne Australia is $45 HR . for a good Bricklayer

[@italian0stalion0]

in Quebec we build corners. no profiles

[@tonyjones7372]

I agree to a point, I had similar experience, worked as B/L in the 80's, then got into management and worked in Middle East for 20 years, came back and just could not believe how standards had fallen. Working as a Client's agent, , I looked at some work that I had to accept, and just thought to myself, "If i had done that 20 years ago, it would have just been kicked down". Doing a bit of bwk for myself, I thought, "go on, lets get myself a set of profiles", but i just never bothered putting them up, it was easier to leave them in the van and just build the corner. All that said, as Cnut found out, you just cannot turn the tide back. the working classes have always been hampered when trying to unite to bring about the changes of which you talk, and with the huge influx of foreign workers, it would be harder than ever. And as a footnote, I also did a stint in Germany "on the lump" and did I put as much care into my work when building on a foreign land?

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Good read that Tnks for sharing your experience 👌

[@JoeGraham-ip7ob]

Worked doing extensions 12 years ago, not as brickie tho, worked for old school chap like yourself never seen profiles on site once, well said a bricklayer is a skill and should be treated like that 👍

[@liamwalters5029]

The great profile debate of 2023 , will be remembered for years this.

[@kevinstewart301]

Just subscribed enjoyed your video their and 100% agree the skill is not their anymore and the quality sure isn’t keep the good fight going behind you 100% 60 year old bricklayer from Scotland

[@benjamindoody3462]

Profile setting is a different skill set in my eyes i see it as a natural evolution of the trade

[@willfowler6276]

Good points tbf the more skilled brickies will get more money than the line monkeys which is fair but tbf profiles are more efficient & more bricks get laid in most cases (does make ur job easier)

[@johnwatson9803]

My old man used to say no such thing as good and bad bricklayers,some are just a little better than others.

[@mrhotdropper]

You’re awesome geezer.

[@alanwarren4587]

Great video but sad fact is bricklayers don’t stick together anymore

[@lewisjp8685]

I’m a bricklayer 23 years old been doing it since I was 16, I was privileged to be taught by proper old school bricklayers coming to the end of there journey on the trowel. I’ve been taught the proper way, if I was doing something wrong they wouldn’t pussy foot about they would tell me straight to pick up my game or jog on. Now that they have retired I’ve come across a lot of foreman’s who as you said stick up profiles here and There and have no trust in there bricklayers (line monkeys) When I got into the trade I was passionate, I wanted to know everything and wanted to build everything, the more detail the better. Your right with what you say if this continues any Tom Dick and Harry will be laying. Straight down B&Q to get the cheapest trowel and cheapest level because that’s all you will need soon. It’s unfair because the skilled bricklayers soon won’t be able to show no skill as it’s all line work. Then even the worst bricklayers will be on the same money because no one will be able to express themselves and earn trust. Keep up the videos Deano Wish I could learn of you in person

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

You won’t get a shortage of good trowels mush and the rough ones one last they soon get sniffed out trust 😎 profiles the quickest easiest way to line ya pockets with cash that all ya need to worry about providing for the family

[@dmccombe9]

Bla bla bla. Every older guy always worked with some "serious men"... give your arse a rest.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

Kenneth noye good friend if my uncle now that’s a serious man never cross the line if you did you left this world 👍

[@thetraditionalbricklayer9650]

Clearly idiot stick user ✌️

[@liamwalters5029]

@@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119 use to Live across the road from him would say hi every morning when I was doing my paper round as a kid.

[@BattleOf45]

Spread here deano, ur work is 💯 me my self I learned from an old head what a spread he was amazing, if u don't mind me asking who did u play for my pal👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@jamesosborne2396]

The problem with this trade is we don't stick together we all slag each other of. electricians and plumbers stick together and they all charge the same money.

[@Parmajohn123]

No they dont its the same in every trade everyones under cutting everyone and out for themselves, can you really blame them though? The problem is people charging top dollar for shit work whilst skilled folk are getting the same wage as the con artists

[@jamesosborne2396]

@@Parmajohn123 same round here no one does apprenticeships anymore, they think there to good to do all the shit jobs we all started doing. Also thay take on jobs and just get trades in to do the proper work then skim of the top of them. I'm talking about the small extension market. Just from my experience pricing against them

[@Parmajohn123]

@@jamesosborne2396 things will only get worse mate

[@englished2304]

Thats why i fu*ked it off it was all about how many brick u could lay instead of quality control

[@James-tk9to]

Very well said Dean It has become a race to the bottom! The Profiles were brought into the market from Eastern Europe. Hence, you are right that the change has been Unskilled labour becoming Brickies. Its the race to the bottom.

[@billyBob-yi4km]

Well said i couldnt agree more ,glad ur voicing this keep up the good work...i was bricky for 12 year my back gave in unfortunately...i dont do any construction work anymore...i changed career im glad to.find something else to do and also take pride in my work

[@joshtibbetts1518]

As a younger lad I do prefer profiles, that being said the Brickie I did with my apprenticeship taught me corner building and how to do feature work. Current site I’m on has no preform features so it requires that added skill not just on a line all day. Think theirs a time and place for both freehand and profile work but aspire to be quality at every aspect not just smashing the line all day