Australia's construction industry is booming, creating a high demand for skilled tradespeople, especially bricklayers. If you enjoy hands-on work and take pride in your craft, studying bricklaying in Australia could be an excellent foundation for your future hands-on work, taking pride in your craft and contributing to building the structures that shape our world.

Is Australia in Need of More Bricklayers? 

Yes! Australia needs more bricklayers. With ongoing infrastructure projects, housing developments, and construction growth, there's a constant demand for skilled bricklayers to help meet the needs of the construction industry. Reference: Government of Western Australia

The Relevance of Bricklaying & Blocklaying in Australia

Bricklaying & Blocklaying is a vital trade in Australia for several reasons:

• Constructing Homes and Buildings: Bricklayers build walls, fences, and structures for homes and public spaces.
• Infrastructure Development: Their skills are essential for projects like roads, bridges, and tunnels that enhance community connectivity and economic growth.
• Preserving Heritage: Bricklayers help restore and maintain historical buildings, protecting Australia's architectural heritage for future generations.

Reasons to Consider Bricklaying & Blocklaying Courses

Learning bricklaying & blocklaying skills in your course has several significant benefits. 

• Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in bricklaying, from laying bricks to constructing walls and arches. 
• Job Satisfaction: See the results of your work in lasting homes and structures. 
• Creativity and Precision: Combine creativity with precision to enhance your design and craftsmanship skills. 
• Problem-Solving: Learn to address challenges for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with other tradespeople, developing teamwork and communication skills.

Course Package and Fees to Take in Becoming a Passionate Bricklayer

What Qualifications Should You Study?

The Bricklaying & Blocklaying Program consists of three nationally recognised qualifications that must be completed over a three-year period of study.

• Certificate III in Bricklaying & Blocklaying
• Diploma in Building and Construction
  

The qualifications that should be included in the package are listed below:

Certificate III in Bricklaying & Blocklaying - Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocking qualifies individuals for residential and commercial construction. It includes core skills for the construction industry and two specialized areas.

• Duration: 1.8 years

Diploma in Building and Construction—This course focuses on building professionals who utilize structural principles, risk management, financial oversight, and contract administration knowledge to select contractors, manage quality, and oversee residential and commercial construction projects within specified limitations.

• Duration: 1 year

View our course page: Bricklaying & Blocklaying

How Much Does it Cost to Study Bricklaying in Australia?

The cost of these two qualifications can differ based on the type of qualification, the training provider, and where you study in Australia. Studying in major cities usually costs more than in smaller cities or regional areas. As a rough estimate, these qualifications range from $24,000 to $35,000.

View our course page: Bricklaying & Blocklaying

Entry Requirements for International Students Studying Bricklaying Course in Australia

Entry into the bricklaying & blocklaying package is relatively low, as the initial course is a Certificate III and accessible to most people. Entry requirements are listed below. However, opportunities for those with relevant work experience also exist.

1. Course Requirements (refer to the course package above)

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Secondary School Year 11 (pass) transcripts
• English Language Proficiency - IELTS (5.5 to 6.0), TOEFL, PTE Academic

2. Student Visa (subclass 500)Visa Requirements

• Provide evidence of enrollment in an RTO offering the required course packaged for Bricklaying & Blocklaying.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Evidence of financial capacity to support your stay in Australia (tuition, living expenses).
• You must not have a history of visa refusals or overstays in Australia or other countries.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students.
• You must meet Australia’s character requirements, which could include a police clearance from your home country

Bricklaying Job Prospects

Graduates can find employment as:

Bricklayers - Working on residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.

• With an average annual salary of $65,000 to $85,000

Stonemason - Cut and shape stone and masonry to create structures and monuments.

• With an average annual salary of $75,000 to $80,000

These salary ranges are approximations based on current data and can fluctuate depending on factors like experience, qualifications, and specific locations in Australia.

Career Progression Opportunities

1. Construction Manager - They are involved in all aspects of a building site’s operations and must thoroughly understand the building and construction industry.
2. Building Surveyors - Ensure buildings are constructed safely and meet legislative requirements.

Challenges and Rewards Points of Studying Bricklaying/Blockalying in Australia

Studying Bricklaying & Blocklaying in Australia offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. Here's a breakdown of the firm and weak points to help you make an informed decision:

Rewards

1. Job Satisfaction: Seeing the results of your work and contributing to building essential structures.
2. Creativity: Expressing your skills and craftsmanship in creating aesthetically pleasing brickwork.
3. High Demand: Excellent job prospects and career stability due to the ongoing skills shortage.
4. Good Earning Potential: Skilled bricklayers can earn a comfortable living.

Challenges

1. Physical Demands: Bricklaying is physically demanding, requiring strength, stamina, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
2. Early Starts: Construction work often involves early morning starts.
3. Safety Hazards: Working with heavy materials and at heights requires strict adherence to safety procedures.

Post-Study Visas for Bricklaying/Blockaying Graduates

There have always been stable pathways for Bricklayer graduates to stay in Australia. However, you must work as a “Bricklayers and Stonemason” and undergo a skills assessment to possess adequate skills and knowledge of the following:

• studying plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
• erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding
• sealing foundations with damp-resistant materials and spreading layers of mortar to serve as base and binder for blocks using trowels
• laying bricks in rows, designs and shapes, and spreading mortar between joints
• embedding blocks in mortar and removing excess mortar
• checking vertical and horizontal alignment
• cutting, shaping and polishing stones and bricks using machines and hand tools, and shaping bricks to fit irregular spaces
• repairing and maintaining bricks, cement blocks and related structures
• designing and cutting monumental masonry and lettering
• constructing walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks

Trades Recognition Authority is the skills assessment body that verifies the standing of those skills for all visa purposes

Here are the common visa pathways that Bricklayer graduates can pursue.

1. Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)

• Stay in Australia for 18 months.
• Travel, work or study during your stay in Australia
• Include members of your family
• Become eligible for skilled visas and pathways to permanent residency

To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:

• be 35 years of age or under when you apply. *Exceptions apply
• be in Australia when you apply for this visa
• hold an eligible visa or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
• qualify relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
• have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
• provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when you apply
• provide evidence you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check when you apply.
• provide evidence of the required level of English with your application.
  

2. Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills Stream

The visa includes the Core Skills Stream, Specialist Skill Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream. With this visa, you can:

• work in Australia for up to 4 years 
• travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
• if eligible, apply for permanent residency

To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:

• be nominated to work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• have at least 1 year of relevant work (full-time or 2 years part-time) experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• have a relevant skills assessment 
• work only for your sponsor or associated entity 
• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

Those who successfully acquire further stay visas can be eligible for Skilled Migration. This allows for Permanent Stay in Australia through the following visas:

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) 

• workers with skills can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia
• You don’t need sponsors or nominators
• MUST be invited to apply
• MUST be under 45 years of age

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)

• You must be nominated by the state or territory
• Must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years
• Study, work, and stay in Australia permanently
• enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
• sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
• travel to and from Australia for 5 years
• if eligible, become an Australian citizen

Check specific requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. This page provides the latest details and eligibility criteria for all relevant visas.

Studyaway is your partner throughout your stay in Australia, and we will guide you every step of the way, from student visas to graduate, work, and permanent residency, through our team of experts.

Start Your Bricklaying & Blocklaying Journey with Studyaway!

Studying Bricklaying & Blocklaying in Australia offers strong job prospects and the opportunity to make a real difference. 

At Studyaway, we provide expert support to help you choose the right course, manage visa options, and navigate your career path. With our affordable packages, we can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality. 

Here is some further reading to support you

• Choosing the Right Course to Study in Australia: A Guide for International Students
• Navigate to our course page, Bricklaying & Blocklaying
• Top Course to Study in Australia 
• Student Visa Requirements