Considering a career in bricklaying after finishing school? Bricklaying is not just about laying bricks; it's a craft that combines physical skill, precision, and creative problem-solving. In this blog, we'll explore how school leavers in Australia can embark on a fulfilling career path in bricklaying, develop diverse skills including carpentry and formwork, and learn about the opportunities available through TAFE courses.
1. Starting Your Journey: Vocational Training and Apprenticeships
The first step towards becoming a bricklayer is often through an apprenticeship, which you can pursue through various Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes across Australia. These programs blend practical on-site experience with theoretical learning, equipping you with the foundational skills of the trade.
2. Developing a Broad Skill Set: Beyond Bricklaying
As a bricklayer, you'll learn more than just how to lay bricks. The career encompasses acquiring intermediate carpentry skills to build jigs and templates for detailed brickwork. Additionally, you'll gain insights into basic formwork and concrete work, essential for constructing your own footings when necessary.
You should note:
Bricklaying can be a very demanding trade and work is weather permitted. of course here, through most areas of Australia we expect less snow, frost & rain days than the UK or Ireland have though working out in the sun long-term can be detrimental too, you have to to extra care protecting yourself from the sun and staying hydrated.
you will find stereotypically in Australia there are two types of bricklayers..
- Those who work to live: pack up as soon as they have made a satisfactory days wages.. some days 10:30am, some days 14:00 others (although not often) until 18:00
- Those who make hay while the sun is shining: Grinding out the long days, 06:00 - 18:00 and half shifts on Saturdays. These crews work real hard, to always have a pot for rainy days and a bid to retire early.
Its not uncommon for the latter type of bricklayer to be banking $1000 a day, but they work hard for it and alot would say its unsustainable pace.
3. Advanced Skills: Specializing in Your Craft
Experienced bricklayers have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as heritage restoration, architectural brickwork, or even stonemasonry. These specializations can lead to exciting and unique projects, setting your work apart in the construction industry.
4. Career Progression: Opportunities for Growth
Bricklayers can advance their careers in various ways. Many go on to become site supervisors, project managers, or even start their own bricklaying businesses.
The skills you learn in bricklaying are highly transferable and valued across the construction industry.
Conclusion
A career in bricklaying offers more than meets the eye. It's a path that provides diverse skills, steady demand, and the satisfaction of building structures that last a lifetime. Whether you start with a TAFE course or an apprenticeship, your journey in bricklaying is bound to be a rewarding one.
Interested in starting your bricklaying career? Check out our listings for >>BRICKLAYING JOBS<< or contact a career advisor to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in your area.
Work Smart, Work Safe.