How do bricklayers know where everything goes on a house build?

I have always been curious about this as a 48 year old non trades person. When bricklayers complete the base layer and more intricate work starts, such as windows and the layout of rooms, how do they know where to start?

Do site foremen draw something on the foundation bricks, or do you need to be able to read house plans?

I have been seriously thinking about a night course in brick laying to get a skill but is it to late at my age to think about it.