Laying Foundations of Success as a Bricklayer

If you’re considering getting into the building and construction trades, bricklaying might just be for you.

In this article, we introduce you to the job of the bricklayer and how you can become one.

 We also show you some ways to lay the foundations of a long and successful career in construction, going further than bricklaying to run your own business.

Read on to learn more about the bricklayer role and what it can lead to.

What does a bricklayer do?

A bricklayer works with clay and concrete bricks and other materials that can be laid using mortar.

Bricklayers construct and repair anything made out of brick including building veneers, partitions, arches and other structures.

Bricklayers do tasks such as:

•  work off plans and drawings
•  seal building foundations with damp resistant materials
•  use mortar between layers of bricks and spread mortar between joints
• use brick cutting machines
• creating scaffolds to construct brick structures

How to become a bricklayer 

Bricklaying is a skilled trade just like carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, therefore it requires similar work and study steps.

Unlike some other trades, you don’t need any formal qualifications to become a bricklayer.

That said, some people like to complete their Certificate 3 in Bricklaying/Blocklaying while doing an apprenticeship with a fully qualified bricklayer. 

With a qualification in bricklaying under your belt, you will be in a better position moving forward for getting jobs.

Pay

Aussie bricklayers earn an average income of $2070 per week or $107, 640 per year.  

According to job Outlook Australia, this is well above the average income.

These averages can give you a rough idea of what you could earn when you become a bricklayer. 

But keep in mind that you could earn less or more depending on your skills and experience.

Go further with bricklaying

 A bricklayer’s job can be very rewarding with everyday bringing a new challenge but once you’ve had some experience you might want to get “off the tools”.

In other words, after you’ve been working as a bricklayer for a few years, you might want to move away from the physical work and more into supervising or managing. 

You might like to start your own business, become a registered builder or move into site supervisor or construction manager jobs.

By getting off the tools and moving into higher level work, you can earn even more money in construction.

Here are some common construction certificates and diplomas that can help you upskill and earn more money.

Getting “off the tools”

CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)

Go from bricklayer to registered builder by doing this Certificate 4 in Building and Construction.

The certificate IV is specially designed to give you the skills and knowledge to work as a supervisor, manager or business owner.

The Certificate 4 we offer at BAA is truly one of the best in the country because it gives you a free Builders Registration Mentorship with an industry expert who can help you get your builders registration with the Victorian Building Authority. 

CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

The diploma of building and construction is similar to the certificate 4, except it gives you the skills and knowledge for bigger projects.

After taking this course, graduating successfully and getting your license, you’ll be qualified to work on residential, commercial or industrial buildings up to three storeys high. 

Flexible learning

Because the Cert IV and Diploma courses are popular with working tradies, they are designed so you can continue in your day job while studying after hours.

When you study with Builders Academy Australia, you get the choice to study in three different ways:

•  In-person
  Attend classes two to three nights per week at your nearest school. BAA has centres right across Melbourne and regional Victoria. 
• Virtual classroom
  Attend classes two to three nights per week from the comfort of your of your own home. 
  This mode is great if you live in our remote community or just want to save time on travelling. 
• Self-Paced Study
  Watch pre recorded classes and complete assessments in your own time whenever it suits you. 
  This is the most flexible study option and is ideal for people who are good at managing their own time and don’t mind studying remotely.

The course is very interactive and engaging, and is nothing like reading a textbook on a screen. 

Even though it is in online mode, you will still get heaps of support from our trainers and be able to chat to them on the phone.  

From Bricklayer to Building Legend

Becoming a bricklayer can be a great career with high earning potential. 

After working on the tools for a few years, you’ll be able to take the next steps in your career by moving up to supervisor or manager roles or starting your own business.

At Builders Academy Australia, we’ve helped hundreds of tradies advance their careers in building and construction.

Choose us as your building school and you can join the ranks as a construction legend.

Want to up your game as a bricklayer by completing a Certificate IV or Diploma in Building and Construction? Speak to one of our course advisors today on 1300 LEGEND or send us a message and we’ll get back to you soon.