Bricklayers jobs in Australia

Working as an employee bricklayer for a licensed builder generally does not require an individual occupational licence in most jurisdictions. Contracting directly to a client is different and usually requires a trade contractor or builder licence, commonly once the work exceeds a set value threshold. Because thresholds and categories differ, confirm with your state or territory building regulator before contracting.

Bricklayers sit in ANZSCO unit group 3311 Bricklayers and Stonemasons, within minor group 331 Bricklayers, and Carpenters and Joiners. The unit group is classified at ANZSCO Skill Level 3, corresponding to an AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or an AQF Certificate IV.

ANZSCO groups them together in unit group 3311, but they are distinct trades in practice. Bricklayers work primarily with manufactured bricks and blocks laid in mortar to consistent gauges, while stonemasons cut, shape and set natural stone, often for heritage, monumental or feature work. Training pathways for the two streams are generally separate qualifications.

ANZSCO requires an AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or an AQF Certificate IV. Australian bricklaying apprenticeships are commonly nominally around three to four years, with competency-based progression allowing earlier completion where the apprentice demonstrates the required skills. Confirm the nominal term with your state training authority.

Yes. General construction induction training, commonly called a white card, is required to work on construction sites across Australia. It is a work health and safety requirement separate from any trade qualification or contractor licence. Cards are issued through registered training organisations and are recognised between jurisdictions.

Yes. Restoration and heritage brickwork, including repointing and matching historic mortars and bond patterns, is a recognised specialisation that commands distinct skills beyond new construction. It often involves working to heritage conservation requirements and sympathetic material selection. Additional short courses and on-the-job experience with heritage contractors are the usual pathway.