Skill Bridge Program

Skill Bridge Training Plan

One of the skills that will be learned or enhanced if participating in my program is reading construction prints and estimating construction jobs. Estimating can can be a very simple task or can become very difficult when dealing with larger projects that may include varying structures, sizes, shapes and configurations.

Some of the larger projects often require architectural plans or prints that are reviewed and approved by an engineer. These types of projects take more time to estimate, due to the complex layout and design detail.

Reviewing building plans, estimating jobs and calculating the cost of materials are necessary functions in the field of masonry.

Here is some information on our plan to provide the knowledge and skills in the Masonry field. In addition to the curriculum, there is opportunity to perform tasks to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Learning Objectives:Performance Tasks:
Recognize the basic safety precautions when working with masonry materials.
a.List basic safety practices.
b.Describe personal protective equipment used
in masonry (eye protection; respiratory protection)
Put on eye protection and respiratory protection when working with concrete
Properly mix mortar by hand. 
Properly spread mortar using a trowel.
Understand the process to mix mortar
Describe how to lay masonry units (blocks, bricks, etc)
Properly mix mortar by hand
Properly lay masonry units, spreading mortar appropriately
Identify hand tools used in masonry.
Describe how to use trowels.
Describe how to use hammers and chisels. 
Describe how to use jointers and brushes. 
Describe how to use other masonry tools.
Identify measures and measuring tools used in masonry.
Describe how to use levels.
Describe how to use chalk boxes, squares,
plumb bobs, and laser levels.
Describe how to use corner poles, lines, and
fasteners.
Identify mortar equipment used in masonry. a.Describe how to use mortar boxes. 
Describe how to use mixing accessories.
Pick out specific tools to assist in masonry work.
Demonstrate proper use of masonry tools:
-Basic brick trowel 
-Pointing trowel 
-Bucket trowel 
-Tile-setting trowel 
-Brick hammer
-Maul
-Rubber mallet
-Mason’s chisel
-Mason’s tool bag
-Level and laser level
Use tools and equipment safely.
Describe how to use hand tools safely.
Describe how to use saws safely.
Describe how to use mixers safely. 
Describe how to use grinders safely. 
Describe how to work safely around forklifts. 
Properly use the following personal protective equipment:  
-Face shield 
-Eye Protection, Protective lenses
-Respiratory protection when working around concrete dust

Property complete these tasks:
-Handle materials properly.
-Store and stockpile masonry materials
-Stack brick safely.
Recognize the mathematical concepts used in masonry.
Explain how to read  measuring devices.
Explain how to read mason’s rules. 
Explain how to determine areas and
circumferences.
Review and Identify the basic parts of a set of drawings and list the information found on each type. 
Recognize lines, symbols, and abbreviations
used on masonry drawings.
Identify scales and dimensions used on
drawings.
Locate information available on a construction drawing and identify specs to be used in masonry construction.
Use masonry measurement tools to measure a space, verify that it’s squared
Use specifications and codes provided in drawings to layout masonry work
Demonstrate ability to measure fractional dimensions based on drawing specs.
Name and describe the ingredients and types of mortar.
Describe the use of portland cement, hydrated lime, and sand.
Describe masonry cement.
Describe preblended mortars.
Describe the use of water and additives.
Describe different types of masonry mortar.
Explain how to properly set up, maintain, and dispose of mortar and use the mortar mixing area.
Describe how to set up the mortar mixing area. 
Describe how to maintain the mixing area. 
Describe how to mix mortar with a power
mixer.

Properly set up the mortar mixing area.
Properly mix mortar by hand.
Property mix mortar using a power mixer.
Describe how to install concrete masonry units.
Identify the characteristics of concrete
masonry units.
Explain how to set up, lay out, and bond
concrete masonry units.
Explain how to lay and tool concrete masonry units.
Explain how to clean concrete masonry units.

Describe how to install masonry reinforcement and accessories.
Describe how to install masonry reinforcements.
Describe how to install masonry accessories.
Layout construction area based on masonry drawing and project specs.

Accurately and safely cut block using the following tools:
-A masonry hammer 
-A brick set
-A power saw
-A splitter

Accurately and safely cut brick using the following tools:
-A masonry hammer A brick set
-A power saw
-A splitter

Lay block to the line in courses that are accurate for height, level, plumb, and range based on drawing specs.

Lay brick to the line in courses that are accurate for height, level, plumb, and range based on drawing specs.

Properly end construction at the end of the work day; clean and store tools appropriately.

SkillBridge is one Department of Defense effort to help service members more successfully transition from military life into the civilian workforce.
More information on the DOD Skill Bridge Program can be found here:
https://skillbridge.osd.mil