Bricklayers build the walls of Australia — homes, retaining walls, feature façades, commercial buildings and everything in between. It's a hands-on trade with a real end product you can point to and be proud of. If you enjoy physical work, being outdoors and seeing something take shape brick by brick, a bricklaying apprenticeship is a solid, well-respected path.
This guide covers what a bricklaying apprenticeship involves in Australia — the work, the training, the pay, how long it takes and how to get started.
What the work involves
Bricklaying (also called blocklaying) is about laying bricks, blocks and other masonry to build structures that are straight, level and strong. It's precise work that also demands stamina.
Day to day you'll be:
- Setting out and laying bricks and blocks to plans
- Mixing and applying mortar
- Using levels, lines and gauges to keep everything true
- Building walls, piers, arches, retaining walls and feature work
- Cutting bricks and blocks to fit
- Reading plans and working to specifications
- Cleaning up and preparing sites
You'll spend most of your time outdoors on residential and commercial construction sites, in all kinds of weather. It's physically demanding — you're lifting, bending and repeating movements all day — so fitness and good technique matter.
Qualification and training
Most bricklaying apprentices complete the Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020 or its current equivalent).
Training happens two ways:
- On the job: most of your learning is hands-on with a qualified bricklayer.
- Off the job: you attend TAFE or an RTO — usually in blocks or one day a week — for theory and formal assessment.
Because it's construction work, you'll need a White Card before you can start on site. A driver's licence is often expected too, and you may pick up other useful tickets over time — see Which Tickets Actually Get You Hired.
How long it takes
A bricklaying apprenticeship usually runs around three to four years full-time. It's set up under a training contract registered with your state or territory training authority and is increasingly competency-based, so strong progress can mean finishing sooner.
There's a probation period at the start — read Apprenticeship Contracts and Probation Explained to understand it.
What you'll get paid
Bricklaying apprentice wages are generally set by the Building and Construction General On-site Award. Your pay is a percentage of the qualified rate and increases each year of your apprenticeship.
You may also be entitled to:
- A tool allowance
- Travel and fares allowances for getting to sites — see Travel and Fares Allowances on Site
- Overtime and penalty rates
- Superannuation paid on top of your wage
Bricklayers are often paid partly on productivity once qualified, but as an apprentice you're on award wages. Rates change regularly, so use the Wage Calculator for an estimate and check the Apprentice Pay Guide. The Fair Work Ombudsman is the official source for your entitlements.
How to get started
You don't need strong academic results — employers care most about fitness, work ethic and reliability. The practical path:
- Step 1: Finish school (Year 10 minimum). Being physically fit is a real plus.
- Step 2: Consider a pre-apprenticeship or construction VET course to learn the basics and show you're keen — see Pre-Apprenticeship Courses: Are They Worth It?.
- Step 3: Get your White Card and, if you can, a driver's licence.
- Step 4: Apply for vacancies. Browse apprenticeship jobs and create a free profile so employers can find you.
- Step 5: Prepare for interviews with our interview tips.
A group training organisation is another route — they employ you and place you with host builders. See How Group Training Organisations Work.
Skills and traits that help
Good bricklaying apprentices tend to be:
- Physically fit and happy working outdoors in all weather
- Patient and precise — a straight, level wall takes care
- Reliable and hardworking — see Reliability Beats Talent
- Good team players, since sites are busy shared spaces — see Working Safely Around Other Trades
If you're deciding between trades, How to Choose the Right Trade can help.
Where it can lead
Once qualified, you'll have a trade that's always needed while Australia keeps building. Options include:
- Specialising in feature or heritage masonry
- Taking on bigger commercial and civil projects
- Becoming a leading hand or supervisor — see Becoming a Leading Hand
- Getting your contractor licence and starting your own bricklaying business
Because it can wear on the body over time, plenty of experienced bricklayers move into supervision, estimating or running their own crews.
Key takeaways
- Bricklaying is precise, physical outdoor work building walls and structures from bricks and blocks
- You'll complete a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (around three to four years) split between site work and TAFE/RTO study
- A White Card is required before you start on site
- Pay is set by the Building and Construction Award, rises each year and includes allowances — check the Wage Calculator
- Get started by finishing school, staying fit, getting your White Card and applying for jobs
- It's a respected, in-demand trade with clear paths to supervision or running your own business