Tasmanian Brad Long is just 19 but in his short career he has already achieved his Bricklaying Apprenticeship, succeeded in running his own bricklaying business and in the last two years has also run the ‘Step out in Bricks’ program for the Education Department at Brooks and Winneleah High Schools.   With the current downturn in the building game he’s now commenced another apprenticeship, this time outside the building industry (in auto glazing), to further extend his armoury of skills.  Brads got the attitude that though he loves bricklaying, he wants to build a flexible future that allows him to take advantage of the prevailing market conditions and have another set of skills he can use when housing starts are in the doldrums.  He sees the future including travelling to other parts of Australia using his bricklaying qualification when things improve.

Brad’s big break in getting a bricklaying apprenticeship in Tasmania came when he was able to include his own experience as a student in the Step Out Program on the resume for his future employer, who then took him on as an apprentice.  He was able to demonstrate interest and knowledge that other candidates didn’t have.  He started his apprenticeship a week after his sixteenth birthday and  was confident about his choice of apprenticeship because of the Step Out program.  He knew he was suited to bricklaying and has gone on to enjoy the work, the outdoors and the pride in accomplishing good results and in being able to see the permanence of what you create.

The other lucky break in his short career to date came when a mate had to withdraw unexpectedly from running the Step Out program at selected schools, allowing him to fill the gap.  Not only has this provided a new work experience but it’s been a fantastic opportunity to share his own pathway with a group of students going through exactly what he did, just three years prior!  Brad describes it as a ‘proud moment’ when you can relate to students your own recent history, beginning in the same Step Out program.

It’s not hard to see he’s a good operator with lots of drive and optimism about his long term bricklaying future.  However Brad also gives credit to his family for their support, his old boss for contacts, his friends in the industry and other bricklayers for advice.  When starting his own business, he was able to lean on their experience and then apply his own judgement.  Utilising the quality tools he’d acquired through the apprenticeship incentives was also a help in getting started. Good luck Brad, we’ll see you back in the industry on the upturn!

Geoff Noble. General Manager, ABBTF

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

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.

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

Definitely not recommended doing, but recommended viewing!

Step out of the way in bare feet if you drop one!

I visited Queensland’s new ‘state-of-the-art’ SkillsTech Trade Training Centre recently at Arcadia Ridge in Brisbane with Tony Bishop, ABBTF’s Queensland State Manager.

Tony took the opportunity to show the Become a Bricklayer DVD to a group of Stage 2 apprentices who were in for their bricklayer training.  The apprentices said the DVD was spot on and they could see themselves being part of the industry and feeling pretty good about becoming a bricklayer.   Check it out Here if you haven’t seen it.   This is a  great endorsement for ABBTF as we aim to not only present the advantages of a bricklaying apprenticeship but also try to balance this with the realities of work life –  showing that dedication, consistency and a strong work ethic pay off bigtime!                                                   

Tony also talked to students about the ABBTF’s online $3,000 Store Card Competition, running till January for young people looking at, or in trade apprenticeships.  He hadn’t finished explaining it before a number of apprentices jumped online to enter the competition through ABBTF’s Facebook page or through this website.  If you haven’t entered…do it now! 

As Manager at ABBTF it is so gratifying to hear them say: “There’s a lot to like about bricklaying”.  I wonder if others have had the same sort of feedback from bricklaying apprentices.  Let me know. 

Geoff Noble, 

Head Office, ABBTF

Had a call from Debbie Barratt in Hobart this week.  She’s justifiably proud of her sons’ Luke and Matt and the apprentices working for their family bricklaying company, who were competing in the Tasmanian Regional World Skills

Bricklaying Competition.  The Barratt boys and apprentices made up seven out of the eight competitors!

The competition was full-on and the winner is yet to be confirmed, but Paul Mackay from the bricklaying department at Skills Tasmania commented on the extremely high standard of bricklaying by all the competitors.

Rumour has it that the comp should be renamed the “Barratt Family Bricklaying Competition”!  Colin Barratt has been a great mentor and teacher to his three sons and apprentices.

View more images > TASSIE'S BRICKLAYING BARRATTS

Colin and Debbie’s oldest son, Ben, won a silver medal in last year’s WorldSkills National Competition in Brisbane in a very tightly contested event.  Obviously, quality bricklaying is in the family.

I’m always amazed at how well young apprentice bricklayers can perform under the extreme pressure of competition.  We get to see a lot of outstanding apprentice bricklayers in these events.  There is certainly an emerging group of quality people starting in the trade.

We wish them well for a rewarding future.

Geoff Noble, 

Head Office, ABBTF