Frequently Asked Questions

Apprentice FAQ's

What are the wages and conditions like?

Please check the this link
How much does a Bricklaying Apprenticeship cost?

Some States fully fund Apprenticeship training in Bricklaying. If you are required to pay a training fee, this is required to be reimbursed within 6 months. Training fees varies from State to State please contact us for further info.
How do I get started in a Bricklaying Apprenticeship

Learning bricklaying as a profession in Australia is done through an apprenticeship which leads to a trade qualification, a Certificate III in
Bricklaying / Blocklaying. More information about the trade qualification is available here. For a hands-on experience in Bricklaying Contact Us.
Where is Bricklaying training delivered?

Bricklaying is taught at TAFE and Registered Training Organisations (RTO). You can also try your hand at it during a Try-a-Trade or a Work Ready Program run by ABBTF. Visit our RTO and TAFE Locator tool to find an RTO near you.
What does Bricklaying involve?

In addition to laying bricks, blocks and mortar, a standard day for a bricklayer includes working brick cutting machines, reading plans and specifications, sealing foundations, building arches and even repairing bricks and structures. Further, many experienced bricklayers move on to project management as builders later in their career. Read more about what’s involved in bricklaying.
How hard is Bricklaying?

Bricklaying requires lots of physical work outdoors and should come naturally to anyone who enjoys staying fit and working with their hands. It is certainly a skill that requires professional teaching and experience, and it’s most certainly rewarding once you get the grasp of it. Learn about what makes a good bricklayer to see if bricklaying is right for you.
What is a Bricklaying Apprenticeship?

To become a qualified bricklayer in Australia, you must complete an apprenticeship. Bricklaying apprenticeships include two parts: on-site paid training from a qualified bricklayer, plus offsite training from a TAFE or RTO. These typically take three to four years. Learn more about Australian apprenticeships, including bricklaying apprenticeships.
Apprentice Bricklayer Wages and Conditions

Fair Work Australia’s quiz explains everyday workplace issues – situations you might find yourself in. Learn more about Apprenticeship Bricklayer wages.
Should I consider a career in Bricklaying?

Bricklaying allows you to work outdoors and with your hands, pretty much anywhere in the country, or the world. If you like staying fit, feeling a sense of pride in your finished work, or want to pursue stable work with plenty of future career opportunities (such as a builder or project manager), bricklaying might be the perfect job for you.
I’m a bricklayer looking to move to Australia

Qualified bricklayers from overseas have their ticket to a visa and secure work in Australia. See more information about migration to Australia.
I’m a bricklayer looking to be part of a team

We keep an up-to-date list for apprentices and qualified bricklayers with job offerings for from employers all across Australia, available here.
What is a Bricklayer salary?

The final salary for a qualified bricklayer depends on a number of factors, including experience and market demand for bricklaying. Fortunately, there’s plenty of surplus demand in Australia and full-time qualified bricklayers can earn between $50,000 to $100,000+.
Is a bricklayer a builder?

Qualified bricklayers aren’t automatically builders, however many do go on to become project managers and builders later in their career. Bricklaying provides you with good foundational knowledge on the structural underpinnings of buildings, as well as how to read from plans. See an example of how many bricklayers become builders.
Bricklayer course near me

Our handy TAFE / RTO locator tool can help you find a bricklayer course near you, plus there’s Try-a-Trade experiences and the Work Ready Program for a hands-on experience to see if bricklaying is the right career for you.
Bricklayer apprenticeship training near me

We periodically update our site with paid apprenticeship opportunities. In addition to looking on job sites like SEEK, you can give the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation a call on 1300 664 496 for info and assistance in finding an apprenticeship near you.
What is a Work-Ready Program (WRP)

ABBTF’s Work-Ready Program (WRP) is a free introductory look at the trade of bricklaying. It allows you to evaluate bricklaying in an intensive one week workshop, funded and organised by ABBTF.

WRP is conducted in a TAFE or similar learning centre and is generally repeated on a regular basis in both metropolitan and regional centres, according to local demand for apprentices.

This program does not deliver any competencies against the Bricklaying/Blocklaying Certificate III qualification. It is designed to help make you ‘Work-Ready’ and better informed for your first weeks in the trade. Complete the Enquiry Form here.

The Work-Ready Program helps you choose

There are many advantages to WRP. It puts the bricklaying trade in perspective: you learn about what happens on site, how a day is structured, how the team interrelates, how you will learn on site and you’ll get to try out some basic tool skills. You’ll use a mixer, have a go at basic bricklaying, make mortar batches and learn what the tools are. You’ll also learn about site safety and, importantly, have the chance to demonstrate your communication skills.

Having completed WRP, you’ll have a much clearer picture about the role of an apprentice bricklayer, the responsibilities of a job and about the opportunities available to you upon completion of the apprenticeship.

If you’re interested in learning more about a Bricklaying Apprenticeship call us on 1300 66 44 96.

Job Seekers FAQ's

Can I apply for a job even if I don’t have any experience?

Yes, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t have any experience in Bricklaying. ABBTF runs a Free Work Ready Program (WRP) – the program will help you learn about what happens on site, how a day is structured, how the team interrelates, how you will learn on site and you’ll get to try out some basic tool skills.
Can I get hands-on introduction?

Yes, ABBTF also offers a hands-on introduction 5 day Work Ready Program (please note it is not an accredited course). Candidates are taught employ-ability skills to make them work ready for an employer and basic labouring skills needed at the beginning of a bricklaying apprenticeship.
How long should I wait before following up after applying?

Please allow 3 – 5 business days for us to respond to the job application.
Do I need my own transportation (Driver’s License or White Card)?

To have your own transportation will surely be a bonus and also a basic requirement for most of the jobs; although not essential.
Once I have applied for a job, when will I be contacted?

We will contact you within 3 – 5 days for initial phone screening interview.
What is the basic qualification, do I need to have completed Year 12?

Year 10 with a written permission from the school principal (and/or) the TAFE Institute if required.
How long is the apprenticeship term for?

The Bricklaying Apprenticeship is a nominal three year or four year on-site training.
Do I need to re-apply for jobs?

No, once you’ve applied for a role you should receive an automated response confirming that we have received your application and your details will be saved in our system. We will then contact you once we find the right employer for you.

Employers FAQ's