It seems that bricklayers are a very competitive breed.  Take Ron Elliott – he’s about to compete for Best Bricklayer against the best in the USA - the 16 winners from regional bricklayer events that were held during 2011 throughout the US & Canada.  Together with just one other non US bricklayer, a Pom, each competitor has to lay as many bricks as he can in one hour, with deductions for inferior work.  Ron says "I'm not going there to muck around. I'm taking it very seriously," he said. "It's too far to fly not to win."

The event is the Spec Mix 500 World's Best Bricklayer competition, part of the World of Concrete Trade Show which takes place in Las Vegas on, of all days, Australia Day!  Ron’s workmate Mark Roese, 38, will compete in the best labourer section at the same Trade Show.

If you’d like to take in the action –coverage of the competitions is being streamed live from 5:00 AM Aussie time, January 26, 2012.  Full details are at the Spec Mix website.

Ron, who is site manager for The Country Group, has been a bricklayer for 27 years and believes he’s well prepared.  "I've been doing about two hours training every day for the last couple of months; building walls and corners and trying to get my speed up and make sure the walls are close to perfect," he said.

Ron’s boss, Brian Freeman has been attending the World of Concrete Trade Show for years and decided it was time!  "If it's going to be the world's best bricklayer surely an Australian can be in it" Mr Freeman said. "I think we've got a very good chance of winning. I'm very confident we can come back with a first place."

Mark Roese, Project Manager and Estimator, also with The Country Group, is equally confident.  He will have 20 minutes to set up his work area.  "I can't wait to go and show the Americans that we're good tradesmen," he said.

Good luck to the guys, we’ll be watching and waving our Aussie flags!

Tony Bishop, NSW Manager

It’s often said that excellence in hand-eye co-ordination makes a good bricklayer and a good sportsman and there’s no better example of this than Ben Hifenhaus!

Contributing in no small part to the Indian 3rd test loss in Perth last week, was the tenacious performance of in-form bowler Ben Hilfenhaus (Hilfy or Gentle Ben to his mates).

With shoulders the size of a small family car and accuracy of a scud missile, his form as a right hand fast-medium bowler has proved devastating this summer.

From all reports Ben is a non egotistical and uncomplicated sportsman, something of a rarity these days in sport at this level. Ben epitomises the type of bowler any cricket captain would yearn for with his head down arse up attitude!

What few people know however is that prior to entering the cricketing world stage he was a humble bricklayer, honing his trade in Ulverstone Tasmania.

These days instead of building walls he is smashing through the “Indian Wall”, taking 4 for 43 in 18 overs in the 1st innings and 4 for 54 in 18 overs in the second in the Perth test.

Bouncing back from an injury that almost finished his career last year, this gutsy Aussie bowler should be around long enough to help win back the ashes next year.

I cannot help thinking that his time as a bricklayer not only helped to condition Ben physically but also helped him to push through the pain barrier working in the hot Australian sun.  Apparently he is a tidy golfer as well boasting an eight handicap!

Ben has a real ‘can-do’ attitude that we see in bricklayers all over the country.  It’s great to see another past bricklayer do so well in Aussie sport!

Dean Pearson
WA State Manager, ABBTF

Australia Day marks the first European settlement in Australia with the arrival of The First Fleet  on 26 January 1788.  Aboard the flotilla was just one bricklayer amongst 700 convicts: James Bloodsworth.  The ships also carried provisions of just 5,000 bricks and 12 wooden moulds for making bricks in the new Colony.

“Picture sourced from the State Library of New South Wales.”

James Bloodsworth started brick making for the Colony in March 1788 at Cockle Bay, near Darling Harbour, where he located good quantities of clay.  Finding a good source of limestone for the making of mortar proved more difficult and for the first Government House the lime was made from oyster shells.  Some of these bricks still exist (at Sydney’s Mitchell Library) from that first building demolished 57 years later.  He was outstanding in his training of teams of convicts in the art of brick making, bricklaying and building and was responsible for building all of the early buildings of importance in Sydney. 

The oldest existing building in Australia is Elizabeth Farm at Parramatta, home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur.  Completed in 1794, this long, low brick building with a steeply pitched shingled roof is the archetypal Australian farmhouse.

James was a London bricklayer with knowledge of brickmaking.  He is reported to have been convicted of forgery.  He had completed three years of a seven year sentence before his journey on The First Fleet.

In recognition of his efforts and contribution towards establishing a settlement in Sydney, James was pardoned and given 50 acres of land.  Previously he was variously offered a return passage to England and offered senior roles in Port Phillip and Derwent but he loved Sydney and remained there til his death in 1804 from pneumonia. When he died at 45 years, he was given the equivalent of a State funeral with military honours and records show he was a highly respected person of the Colony, despite his status on arrival and his relatively short life in the Colonies - 16 years.  Interestingly, the Sydney Gazette, reporting his death at the time chose only to state of his English background that he ‘came to the Colony among its first inhabitants in 1788’.  Quite a success story!  Check out some more recent successes HERE. 

Geoff Noble

General Manager, ABBTF

Looking back on last year, 2011 has been a very successful year in terms of the number of Apprenticeships currently in place in bricklaying and blocklaying.   ABBTF continued its strong support for apprentice training and employment with more than 2,000 apprentices across the country attracting subsidies for their employers and gaining training and skills for their future freedom.

ABBTF is committed to continue the program to ensure the brick and block laying workforce has the skills to install clay bricks and concrete masonry to the highest standard.

From industry feedback, we know the support makes a difference and is often one of the reasons why apprentices are signed on and retained until the completion of their training.

The downturn in building and construction has made it tough for many contractors to secure future work and maintain their apprentices.  However, bricklayers who have fared better are those who have put the training into their apprentice to make them a productive member of their gang.

It’s not hard to see evidence of great examples of young apprentices gaining skills, growing in their role and showing the maturity and initiative to be fine examples of confident bricklayers for the industry.  Just look at examples in the State ‘Aussie Bricklaying Newsletter’ and other success stories at this website.  I’d love to hear your industry success story, or any feedback in comments to my blog.

We look forward to many more young people making their way in the building and construction industry through a Bricklaying Apprenticeship - with the support of their employers and ABBTF.

Geoff Noble

Head Office, ABBTF

I wrote a blog earlier this month (November 4) on what makes a Great Boss in Bricklaying?” and I mentioned the importance of an Apprentice getting trowel experience early in his Apprenticeship.  The point I was making was that he needs to start to ‘pay his way’ in terms of bricks laid each day.  As a result of reading this blog a second year Apprentice asked me to how many bricks it takes to cover his employer’s costs.  So, because it makes good business sense to know how important your productivity rate is for your employer, I’ve set out a Table below to explain.

Just to recap - bricklayers generally only get paid by the volume of bricks that they lay. They don’t get paid by how much mud they mix or any other menial task. The Table compares a typical current rate a bricklayer gets today with the better rates existing mid 2010 - it’s a fact of life that earning rates fluctuate in the construction industry, according to building demand.

Double Clay Brick Construction On Site in WA

Compared to the following hourly  apprentice costs (all inclusive of travel allowances, insurance, off site training costs, down time and incentives), we can make some projections on just how many bricks an apprentice bricklayer needs to lay to pay his or her way.

How Many Bricks an Apprentice Needs to Lay to “Pay his Way”

As you can see, the tighter the economy gets, the more important it is for you to become productive as soon as possible.  The rate the bricklayer receives has a direct impact on the level of productivity required from the Apprentice at all year levels to pay their way.  So once you’re started the apprenticeship, the aim is to be as productive as you can early on with a view to paying your way in about 6 months.  So take another look at those points on finding a Good Boss (my Nov 4 Blog) and don’t be shy in asking questions of your prospective employer.  Good hunting.

Dean Pearson, WA Manager

It’s often said in the bricklaying industry that an apprenticeship in bricklaying provides a ‘powerful foundation’ for further developing a career in building and construction in Australia. This was never as true as in Western Australia with our tradition of using double clay brick. The bricklayer here has the responsibility of ensuring that the building is strong enough to support the whole structure – which is critically important for all trades that follow working at the site.

The introduction of the 2cs step down slab following the Second World War, was highly suited for the Perth coastal sandy plain; it enabled builders to utilise clay bricks both externally and internally, a method tried and tested in Europe. Bricklayers soon became very important to the building process given that they became responsible for the set-out of the building.

In the 1970’s, brick companies further raised consumer interest in double clay brick by running television advertising campaigns highlighting the benefits. This further stimulated brick sales and double clay brick became common place.

Bricklayers require a sound knowledge of building concepts, plan-reading capability and the ability to identify and overcome issues relating to the set-out. For example:

• If a bricklayer is 10mm out on a window reveal, the window simply will not fit.
• If a bricklayer gets the brickwork out of plum the roof may not fit on properly which can be further complicated given fact that more consumers are opting for metal roof products.
• If a bricklayer's walls are crooked the plasterer will have to make costly corrections.
• He also sets-out, applies the damp proof, and installs windows, lintels, doors, tie down straps and wall ties.

Put simply the structural integrity of the building relies on the bricklayer to do his job properly and to ensure that it complies with national codes of construction and meets consumer satisfaction.

Given that bricklaying is an excellent foundation for general building knowledge it’s quite common to see qualified bricklayers move on to being a builder or other important roles within the construction industry.

Several well-known ex bricklayer builders that have stamped their presence in the West Australian housing market including Dale Alcock,  Gary Brown-Neaves and Craig Sheiles  just to name a few.

Dean Pearson, WA Manager, ABBTF.

When you first start work, one of the best things that can happen is to find you have a really great boss. Now sometimes, there’s little chance to evaluate who you’ll be working for, but with a bricklaying apprenticeship, you might be able to get useful background through a few direct questions to your possible employer, plus, some subtle enquiries to others. I’ve compiled a ‘wish list’ of things that are good to know about your prospective employer,
because in my role in WA I help hook-up a lot of new bricklaying apprentices with employers. Here’s the list – see what you can suss out in discussions, when the opportunity arises:

Does your prospective employer:

1. Give clear instructions?….because you want to get things right the 1st time
2. Assist apprentices to get on the trowel early?…good for your learning and his business
3. Understand the training requirements?….keep your skills level growing
4. Know when an apprentice is due for TAFE/RTO training?….so you’re both prepared for change
5. Develop a relationship with the TAFE/RTO?….provide and obtain feedback
6. Assist apprentices with travel should they require it?….it’s harder to get a licence these days
7. Comply with the award? ….as a minimum!
8. Act as a role model and a leader?….important for your development
9. Encourage apprenticeship completion?….take pride in what you are achieving
10. Make contact with the appropriate authorities and ABBTF if you have problems? ...there is a solution to every problem!
11. Maintain a strong focus on Occupational Health & Safety standards…..this is essential for a good business and your personal care.

There are lots of things you can ask about depending on what matters most to you. But it’s fair to say that most of us want the following from a job: to have positive relationships with work mates, interesting work and continuous opportunities for learning. On this website you’ll read a lot more about bricklaying which may suggest other questions to ask.

It’s also important you understand that bricklayers generally only get paid by the volume of bricks they lay. They don’t get paid by how much mud they mix or any other task. So as an apprentice you need to understand that ‘no productivity’ means ‘no payment’. It’s in your interest to learn quickly and get on the trowel as early as possible, to be a real contributor to the business. Good luck with the discussions – send me a comment by reply to this blog and let me know what you think of this list, you might have additions to give me.

Had a chance to see some top quality blocklaying at Newcastle last month.  Twelve teams comprising two apprentices and their teacher from around the country battled it out to compete for the national Golden Trowel Award.  The teams had some initial setting out help from their TAFE teachers, and then it was up to them to complete the project in a day and a half.

The project was designed to fully test the skills of the apprentices as they raced against the clock to finish, at the same time striving to achieve the perfect job.

Congratulations go to the well-deserved winners - apprentices Dwayne Potter and Ian Cutmore from TAFE NSW North Coast Institute at Coffs Harbour.  Their teacher Paul Venn was also a key member of the team.

ABBTF was the major sponsor and the Golden Trowel DVD will soon be up on our website.  I’m looking forward to seeing this great event again in two years time.

The Golden Trowel attracts the best talent - I know past competitors have gone on to great careers in the industry.  This event was for them, the start of it all.  Would be good to hear from some previous winners!

Geoff Noble, Head Office, ABBTF

One of the toughest challenges for young apprentices is when they see unqualified labourers on job sites being paid more than apprentices.  This is because the lower wages paid to an apprentice are supposed to compensate for the cost of their training and education.

When times are good, it becomes even more frustrating for apprentices as many unqualified workers enter the market.  BUT when the industry slows down, those with qualifications and skills training are better prepared to weather the storm.  

Recently an unqualified builder in South Australia was found guilty of operating without a license or qualifications. He was fined $8000 for trading unlicensed, and was ordered to pay $6020 in compensation. My advice to apprentices is to stick at your apprenticeship.  In the long run you’ll have many more options than unqualified labourer’s.  Plus, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed builder.

Lorraine Baff
Director
FCTA SA

We’re a trades training organisation that is constantly being asked about the best way to find out about becoming a bricklayer and we believe we have the answer.

We always recommend a 10-12 week pre-apprenticeship course.  It gives you a great idea as to what to expect in the trade. Our focus at Holden Hill’s SA FCTA- Building Careers,  is on developing practical skills.  Some students who come to us are seriously worried about being placed in a classroom most the day – instead of outside, really doing things.  Well, that’s not a problem here!  Right from day 1 you’re learning to lay bricks. We’re 2 days into our latest pre-apprenticeship course, and as you can see, the students are already being shown the basics and getting their hands dirty!

View Gallery Images

There are similar pre-apprenticeship courses around Australia, and the Become a Bricklayer website will explain this.  Here in SA, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funds this course, with a view to having students better prepared and ready to start laying bricks as soon as they secure an apprenticeship. This gives them a real edge over others who haven’t had this early experience.

FCTA is a training organisation (it stands for Flexible Construction & Training Assessment) and it’s called ‘flexible’ because we have a very flexible attitude to training for both students and employers!  Check us out.

Lorraine Baff
Director
FCTA SA