The recent Australian Government decision to reinstate bricklaying onto the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) from July 1, 2014 will enable international skilled bricklayers to apply for permanent visas to reside and work in Australia.
The decision recognises the growing skill shortage in bricklaying brought on by the increased level of construction activity, particularly in housing and the ongoing ageing of the bricklayer workforce.
Bricklayers should be aware that the decision is unrelated to Temporary Visas (457) which have always been available to sponsoring employers taking on less skilled workers for short durations. In fact, the 457 Visa number may reduce now that skilled bricklayers can apply for permanent visas, either via the independent (subclass 189) or sponsored (subclass 190) categories.
These visas are points tested and applicants need to satisfy a skills assessment equivalent to the full bricklaying qualification, Certificate III.
ABBTF welcomes this decision to add skilled bricklayers to the workforce at a time when apprentice numbers in training are the lowest for more than ten years.
The decision came as a result of a recommendation from Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) who analyse the labour market and training to identify skill shortages. ABBTF made a strong case for bricklaying to be added back to the SOL in a submission to AWPA earlier this year which was supported by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Australia (MBA).
Geoff Noble
ABBTF CEO
I’m a time served bricklayer looking for work in Oz.
Hi Adrian,
Have a look at our website migration page at this link https://www.abbtf.com.au/migration/ and email abbtf@abbtf.com.au with your details and we can give you contact info for a migration agent.
I am a professional bricklayer can you assist me or link me to a company in Australia…..Thank you
Hello, There are options for qualified bricklayers to migrate to Australia on a temporary or permanent basis. You will need to have your skills assessed by VETASSESS https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration, also check our website for visas https://www.abbtf.com.au/migration/ which also includes a link to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for further information. You may also contact AJ Harris & Associates in Sydney 02 9484 6839 they are migration agents and can advise on the likelihood of a successful application.
I need bricklayer job can you assist me or
link me to a company in Australia. Am not currently in Australia.
Hi Victor, please email your enquiry to abbtf@abbtf.com.au include the information on your current location, bricklaying qualifications and experience and we will see if we can assist you.
Dear Sir:
would you have training courses for overseas people to sudy and get the bricklaying qualification, Certificate ? How long and how much to pay? I am 42 years old and with a architechure bechelor degree. I am not living in australia now.
Hello,
If you are not qualified, You must be an Australian resident to commence an apprenticeship in bricklaying. An apprenticeship takes three to four years to complete, depending on which state you are working in.
Alternatively you can study bricklaying as an international student. This is a fulltime course and is only offered in a couple of states – in Victoria via Holmesglen Institute https://www.becomeabricklayer.com.au/victoria/training/locality-map/
And in Western Australia via Polytechnic West https://www.becomeabricklayer.com.au/western-australia/training/locality-map/
The course fees for international students are expensive upwards of $10,000 per year (excluding living expenses) for two years.
Hope this helps.
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Hi, i am a italian bricklayer and i come in ours state for work. I miss a sponsor. Thank’s.
Hi Vincenzo,
We have just emailed you some information.
Hello sir
Please am blocklayer ,i have work as masonry since 2002 to 2015 . Am Ghanaian nationality, but now resident in UAE for 4 years now . I was working with building maintenance company for 2 years i UAE .
From 2013 to 2015 ,now working as waterblasting operator for metal pipe cleaning. Please can help me find job in Australia as blocklayer.
Thanks you
I’m from united states . Jones boro Arkansas to be exact. I am 40 yrs. Old. Have 20yrs. Experience. I currently work for R&G masonry. I can lay brick , block, rock, stone, precast, anything. Wanting job in Australia help me please
Please sir I want to know if I can come to Australia for training as an apprentice in bricklaying and also the qualification, cost and number of years to spend.
Thanks.I’m a Nigerian
I have been a union bricklayer over 20 years and a foreman for about 6 years. I’m very interested in coming to Sydney to work as a bricklayer. What direction do i go?
Hi Jake, I have emailed you. Please contact us again via reply email and I can pass on information for you. Sue
Hi there. I’m 18 years old and finishing my 3 year apprenticeship in bricklayer in the UK. I am keen to take a new adventure when I complete my apprenticeship! I would like to find out more information about bricklaying in Sydney AUS. And possible job opportunities in the future! Thanks for any information assisting with my question! Joe.
Hi Joe,
There are many employment opportunities in Sydney at the moment. We have emailed you separately regarding this. Thanks.
Glad that I came across this article it was very useful for me.