I spent this afternoon catching up with one of FCTA – Building Careers recently completed apprentices, Jay Gerardis.   Jay is 21 and has just finished his bricklaying apprenticeship and completing the training required to apply for his builders licence. In Jays words, the best reasons to become a bricklayer are ‘being able to work the hours you want, be outside, not stuck in an office’ That’s when Jay looks at me in front of my computer and adds in ‘no offence’. 

Jay won the HIA Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year award in 2010, 2011 & 2012. This year he has been nominated in the SA Training Awards, for Apprentice of the Year. Jay got in to bricklaying after completing a week’s work experience. “You have to try it first, I was even thinking of doing tiling, but once I tried bricklaying I made my mind up. With the other trades you’re either stuck inside all day, or like carpenters, most the time people can’t see your work”. When I ask Jay about changes in the industry he talks about his concern about the possible price increases associated with the carbon tax and ‘green’ building, versus the benefits of building greener homes. “There’s definitely a move to these new 5 star energy efficient homes. I’ve worked on a few of them, and they are a bit more expensive but you have to think about all the money you’re going to save over the years, it’s worth it”.

The biggest shock for Jay once completing his apprenticeship was finding out about all the tax and financial issues during the training for his builders licence, “I was talking to this guy and saying, do you know you can claim all these things on your tax, and the guy had no idea, I just said, you’ve got to do the training!” Jay is currently working on a stone fronted house in the Adelaide Hills, “it’s a tough site, it’s like building on the side of a mountain, but it’s going to look great. You don’t mind the tougher sites when you work out how much you can earn by putting in the extra effort. I’ve built with Hebel, stone, block and brick, there’s lots of different ways to build. At the moment I’m working on a classic style house, there’s a trend getting back to that look, and red brick homes”. Jay is planning to hire his own apprentice once his business is up and running, “As an apprentice you think, how does the boss want it done, but then when you go to do it, you end up mixing what your boss has taught you with what you learn at trade school, that’s what’s best about it. I’m definitely hiring an apprentice, it was the best thing that happened to me”. 

Trisch Baff, Marketing & Project Manager,
FCTA – Building Careers

Tasmanian Brad Long is just 19 but in his short career he has already achieved his Bricklaying Apprenticeship, succeeded in running his own bricklaying business and in the last two years has also run the ‘Step out in Bricks’ program for the Education Department at Brooks and Winneleah High Schools.   With the current downturn in the building game he’s now commenced another apprenticeship, this time outside the building industry (in auto glazing), to further extend his armoury of skills.  Brads got the attitude that though he loves bricklaying, he wants to build a flexible future that allows him to take advantage of the prevailing market conditions and have another set of skills he can use when housing starts are in the doldrums.  He sees the future including travelling to other parts of Australia using his bricklaying qualification when things improve.

Brad’s big break in getting a bricklaying apprenticeship in Tasmania came when he was able to include his own experience as a student in the Step Out Program on the resume for his future employer, who then took him on as an apprentice.  He was able to demonstrate interest and knowledge that other candidates didn’t have.  He started his apprenticeship a week after his sixteenth birthday and  was confident about his choice of apprenticeship because of the Step Out program.  He knew he was suited to bricklaying and has gone on to enjoy the work, the outdoors and the pride in accomplishing good results and in being able to see the permanence of what you create.

The other lucky break in his short career to date came when a mate had to withdraw unexpectedly from running the Step Out program at selected schools, allowing him to fill the gap.  Not only has this provided a new work experience but it’s been a fantastic opportunity to share his own pathway with a group of students going through exactly what he did, just three years prior!  Brad describes it as a ‘proud moment’ when you can relate to students your own recent history, beginning in the same Step Out program.

It’s not hard to see he’s a good operator with lots of drive and optimism about his long term bricklaying future.  However Brad also gives credit to his family for their support, his old boss for contacts, his friends in the industry and other bricklayers for advice.  When starting his own business, he was able to lean on their experience and then apply his own judgement.  Utilising the quality tools he’d acquired through the apprenticeship incentives was also a help in getting started. Good luck Brad, we’ll see you back in the industry on the upturn!

Geoff Noble. General Manager, ABBTF

I started my apprenticeship when I was 18. In hindsight a little later than I would’ve liked, but it probably worked out well, reinforcing that bricklaying was something I really wanted to do…and not just a cop out of school. Bricklaying wasn’t a desirable trade to the majority at the time, and that was something that appealed to me. People shied away from the “dirty, hard work” image the trade has, and would rather be a sparky or a chippy, and doing something different as well as something that people knew was tough going was rewarding. 

The first week was everything like everyone said, fast and hard. I can remember it being hot all week and my boss had a big crew, so I was thrown in the deep end straight away labouring for about 4-5 blokes. But after the first couple of weeks I got used to it and started enjoying it. Also with my boss having a large crew, it was difficult at first to get on the trowel, because there was simply not enough time.

But with the introduction of the first home buyers grant, the construction boom was an open invitation for most of the brickies in the crew to go out on their own and make some better money. This gave me the opportunity I needed to start learning how to lay bricks, and I can remember thinking how easy my bosses made it look. I was lucky that once I started on the trowel, I never really got off, and I think that is the key to good, fast learning. Not a day here or there. Everyday. 

I’m now a qualified bricklayer with my own business.  I have one apprentice at the moment, it took a few blokes to get the right one, but that’s part of the game. I love having an apprentice on board, it makes things easier on me and I can show him the things my bosses showed me and give him a career. I would love to take on more apprentices in the future, possibly even in the next couple of months. The ABBTF subsidies really come in handy when hiring an apprentice, because teaching them does cost time. It also compensates for the time they are at TAFE and not onsite, and all in all I think is a good concept and something that needs to be a permanent incentive for employers.

I wonder if other brickies have shared the same positive experience I had starting out, especially good time on the trowel.  I’d like to get your comments here.

Josh Steevens,

Bricklayer, Business Owner

Last week I had an apprentice in to discuss how to go about becoming a licensed builder. As a manager at FCTA, which is a Registered Training Organisation, I get questions like this a lot, because basically, it’s unnecessarily complicated to get information!

Each state handles the issuing of builders licences separately, with their own rules and regulations. As a result there are differences state by state, and no one website to visit. Instead each state has its own website and application procedure. In South Australia, it’s the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au. To mix things up a bit more, from July 2012, until sometime in 2013 a national system of licensing will be rolled out and the system for applying will change again.

Regardless of the complexity, it’s a step well worth taking! Fully qualified and licensed bricklayers can expect to earn more than they were as an apprentice and even have the ability to become their own boss. The process is the simplest for people who have finished their apprenticeship.

>The requirement in SA is that two additional units are completed, one in small business finance, the other in business and legal requirements. These units cover off issues such as how to set up your business finances and what legal issues you need to be aware of. Once that is done, it’s a matter of filling in the paperwork, supplying copies of your apprenticeship papers and proof of completion of the two additional units to the South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs. This department is in the process of developing an online application process, so keep checking back at http://ocba.sa.gov.au/licensing/olap.html

At this point, eyes start to glaze over and the idea of working as a subcontractor and being paid by ABN seems like a better option. While many people in the industry will tell you this is a good option, you need to be aware that if the majority of your income shows as being paid by the same employer this way, there will be issues. Generally, a worker is an employee and not a contractor if:

• You are paid for the time you work, as opposed to being paid for results
• You receive paid leave
• You are NOT responsible for providing the majority of materials or equipment to do a job and
• Your work hours are set by an award or agreement.

The implications of being paid under an ABN when you are working as employee can include, not having workcover support if you are injured at work, not having your superannuation contributions paid and for the employer, fines of up to $33,000 if they try to claim falsely they you are a contractor.

On top of this, employers can be made to pay superannuation and other benefits previously not paid under the shame contractor set up. For information on becoming a builder in other states you will need to contact your local licensing authority, training organisation, MBA or HIA.

A little work now to get your builders license will save some major headaches later on!

Trisch Baff, Marketing & Project Manager,

FCTA – Building Careers

Concerns have emerged that recent falls in Apprenticeship commencements across Australia will lead to a shortage of qualified bricklayers, in three to four years. The Industry has responded quickly with a “Brickstart Bonus’ incentive to encourage bricklayers to put on bricklaying apprentices in the immediate future.  $1000 is being offered to each employer who takes on a new apprentice between 2 January and 30 April this year to help encourage sign-ups.  So far, interest has been very encouraging with many enquiries on the offer.

Above: “Michael D’Agostino from ABBTF on site making bricklayers aware of the new Brickstart Bonus.”

Bricklaying Apprenticeship commencements fell dramatically in the last 12 months - by more than 30%, on average.  The reason for the drop has been the reduced level of building activity and the consequential discouragement amongst bricklaying contractors about ongoing work opportunities.  However, there is a very concerning direct relationship between apprenticeship starts and the supply of qualified bricklayers 3 to 4 years out.  The issue is heightened in the bricklaying industry where even when housing demand is steady, qualified bricklayers are often in under supply.  In three or four years’ time construction activity is likely to be very busy, creating a skill shortage at the top of the cycle unless new apprenticeships increase significantly.

The payment will be made to employers after the completion of the apprentice’s first year. The highest attrition rate from all apprenticeships occurs in the first year of training and making the payment at this time encourages the employer to do all he can to ensure his apprentice continues into his or her second year.  Bricklayers already receive other generous subsidies to encourage them to train apprentices:  these are the current ABBTF subsidy of $4,000 ($3,000 in South Australia), the Federal Government’s $4,000 and incentives from State based construction industry training funds. Further information on all incentives can be found at this website and the ABBTF website.

ABBTF’s Brickstart Bonus is a great additional initiative but only goes part of the way to encourage new apprentice sign-ups. Governments need to do more to assist, such as matching our offer.  Lower interest rates to encourage better housing starts would also give the industry the confidence to improve its training commitments.

Geoff Noble, General Manager, ABBTF

As Membership Chair of QLD National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and General Manager of a residential building company I’m an avid promoter of bringing new blood into the construction trade.  With the downturn of the industry last year and the slow climb out, it’s not surprising young people are concerned about a future in the trades.   It’s hard to convince high school students to get into a trade apprenticeship because we can’t promise there’s a job out there for them at the end of their training.  I am currently helping two girls - one on the Sunshine Coast and one on the Gold Coast who have their heart set on being a carpenter (I told them bricklaying is better!).   Luckily as all our homes are built on the Gold Coast my carpenters have taken on one of the girls. However, Sunshine Coast is proving a lot harder with the lack of work currently in the area.  

Now, during the downturn, is actually the perfect time to take on apprentices – the time is there to concentrate on giving them quality training time and preparing them for the next boom.   It makes good business sense.

However, the last eight months I have had countless calls from experienced tradies looking for work. The calls haven’t seemed to have slowed down – I’ve had five bricklayers ring me in the last 4 days, (mid March).  Many callers are subcontractors who have apprentices working for them and want work to keep the apprentices going.  Their focus is rightly placed on retaining the apprentices they have. 

 As an industry during these times I believe we need to do what sub-contractors are doing – focus on retaining the apprentices in the system already.  We have a precious resource in the apprentice, especially as experienced bricklayers start to retire.  Until the residential industry ramps up again we need to focus on keeping our apprentices going so we don’t lose them forever. Whilst I know some construction companies are seriously impacted by the downturn I believe that we will feel it more if we don’t do something now to retain our apprentices. 

With all of my staff over the years in the office, as part of their training they had to spend time out on site with the Senior Supervisors. This helped them gain a better understanding of what they do in the office and how it can affect those out on site. This is something we should be getting our apprentices to do... get them into the construction offices during the downturn to learn how the office runs and the amount of hard work that goes on within. By doing so it also opens up the idea of future career options for the apprentices – check out the success stories of bricklayers and what they have gone on to achieve in the Become a Bricklayer - About Bricklaying tab. 

As this website says ‘having an apprentice makes good sense’ both now and in our future.

Stacey Rimene
General Manager
BBC Homes

Within the Education & Mentoring Committee of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) we are focusing on high school students in their early years of high school – sowing the seed of interest in trades, for when they leave school.

Last week in Queensland, I was honoured to be a guest on the Women in Industry panel at the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre and Office for Women Try a Trade Day.  The “Girls in Hard Hats - Try a Trade Day” was a great success apart from the deluge of rainfall! 

Girls came to the workshop in Caloundra from various high schools in the area. They rotated in groups around Bricklaying, Cabinet making, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing and Tiling. 

Whilst I flitted from one trade to another, being the ex-brickie I kept going back and watching the girls at the ABBTF Become a Bricklayer area.  It was great to see them giving it a go and the feedback was extremely positive.  Several schools that attended have already booked in for next year which is great!  

Check out all the photos from the day in the Flicker folder  ‘Girls in Hard Hats’.  (load photos and attach a link)   I take my ‘hard hat’ off to Tracie and all involved in making the day such a success.

Stacey Rimene
General Manager
BBC Homes

We are getting feedback from industry on the benefits of training off the job.

We have seen a more flexible approach to training in recent years with a better blend of on-site and off-site training and assessment.  This has been welcomed as skills gained in a building and construction environment can be recognised by assessors on-site and therefore reduce the time an apprentice spends off the job.

We have also seen that attendance at an off-site training facility provides other valuable aspects of training.  Apprentices have access to a number of skilled and qualified bricklayer trainers.  They also benefit from learning in a team and can relate to other apprentices in their year level or higher.

Off-site training also has the advantage of protection from the weather so there are never disruptions or delays to the training.  In many cases there is also flexibility in providing training for apprentices during inclement weather.

Training facilities at TAFE or other Registered Training Organisations also provide extensive equipment, floor space and a range of concrete masonry and clay products to improve skills on more complex projects required as part of decorative face brickwork.  If you’re not familiar with the names and locations of TAFE’s and RTO’s, check Locations in Your State Directory here at the website.

In many training centres, state of the art class rooms make it easier for apprentices to gain the necessary knowledge on bricklaying.  This is the best learning environment for the theory content of the course.  To compliment this, some RTO’s now also offer online training and assessment systems.

Employers appreciate that off-site training shares the load of training their apprentices, giving them more productive time on the job, a more well-grounded apprentice and therefore, financially a better outcome than achieved using onsite assessment.

If you have a query on this or other aspects of how an apprenticeship in bricklaying works, reply to this blog by clicking ‘Comment’ just under the title of this blog.  Cheers.

Geoff Noble
General Manager, ABBTF
16 March 2012

I’ve been watching the discussion on the challenge faced by the bricklaying industry in keeping apprentices  committed to completing their apprenticeship,  I’ve had many roles in the industry over the years but what struck me in my early days was the need for positive support from my parents, peers, lecturers, supervisors, trainers, employers and industry bodies.  This got me through, and I think we need more of this today.

I’d like to see ABBTF (link to website) focus on supporting and encouraging the apprentice employee’s we have in the system rather than focus on getting new recruits.  Let’s take a look from a different angle to see what I mean.

A car is an effective form of transport, however it is only effective if all its components work and are properly maintained. It will not get to the end of its journey if something does not work properly.     

One example is the vehicles battery:  it has a +Positive and -Negative side to it, which are both important in its ongoing productivity.  Let’s say we ignore the battery in everyday running; somewhere along the line the battery will fail, either because of lack of distilled water, abuse or alternator failure, resulting in the vehicle coming to a stop.  Without positive charge it will not be able to complete its journey to the chosen destination.  So we need a certain amount of negative, but the main reason is for a positive result!

This goes for a person taking on an apprenticeship.  Unless they receive positive support and maintenance throughout their journey towards becoming a qualified tradesperson, there will be a big risk of them not reaching their chosen destination. 

Yes, the industry is slow at the moment, but rather than tell the apprentice or potential apprentice that things are really bad,  we should encourage them by letting them know that demand fluctuations are a normal part of the industry, have been and always will be.  Like anything in life, there is rough and smooth along the way.

If all parties in the chain of support to the apprentice take a positive outlook, rather than a negative outlook, they can complete the journey.  Taking time to put the apprentice with someone who will nurture them along the way, will more often be the answer.  This model applies to all areas of the apprenticeship from sign up, indenture, employer, trainer, RTO, field officers and supervisors etc.

Quality rather than quantity is what the industry wants, and needs, so should we look at supporting employers and groups who have shown positive apprenticeship training results in the past?

We generally buy a vehicle for a long period, not to just do a short trip so let’s be positive and build an Apprentice with a 3 year warranty and maintenance period!

Ian Fitzgerald, Field Representative, ABBTF WA Office

It’s not as strange as it might at first seem – there are successful Australian women in bricklaying. Sure, there’s a view in our society about it being a man’s role; there’s family pressure against women doing such roles and there’s the misconception that you need to have brute strength to be able to the job. Well, I’m here to put to rest the idea that women who want to go into Bricklaying have rocks in their heads. I did it and loved it.

I admit that growing up I never thought of being a tradesperson. I was brought up in the era when women did typing and boys did woodwork. End of story. I completed school and started working – trying my hand in different jobs, looking for the one I loved. Whilst I liked lots of the job’s I tried, my heart wasn’t in them. In my 20’s I relocated to Perth and found myself questioning what I was going to do with my life. The opportunity arose to be a labourer for a bricklaying team. I had my doubts whether I could do it or not, especially coming from a totally different field - not to mention being a female! The first week I must admit just about killed me. I was very unfit and came from an air-conditioned laboratory.

But I had found a job I loved and wanted to do. As days turned into weeks I became fit and toned. So much better than going to a gym! After 6 months of labouring I had the guys teach me how to lay bricks – first window sills, then internal walls then finally face bricks. The feeling of achievement learning new skills and seeing at the end of the day what you have done is an unbelievable feeling that never goes away.

Yes, I hear you say what about all the negative flack on site? There were a few negative comments – the most popular being that I couldn’t do everything a bricklayer needs to do because I wasn’t strong like a man. If the day came when I couldn’t do a part of my job that the others in my team could, then that was the day to give it up. I wasn’t on site to be ‘girly’ and expect the guys to do something for me. I was there to do a job. And do it better to prove to myself and others I could do the job. I’ve known a few men who couldn’t do the hard yards and went to find something ‘easier’. Regardless of gender, all people have limits and knowing what your limits are depends on what you can do in any job you do. As I have a strong work ethic and didn’t expect or want to be treated differently, I had the respect and backing from my team. We were a family.

Towards the end of my time on site I began to see a couple of women plasterers and painters. Wives would labour for their brickie husbands. Seven years later there are more women working on site and the support of women in construction is there from many different organisations. The National Association of Women in Construction is one such organisation www.nawic.com.au I am a Queensland Council member, Co-Chair of Memberships and committee member of Education & Mentoring and active in promoting women into trade based roles. The association promotes education and encourages women to pursue and establish careers in construction. With the high number of members you have the support of other women in your field.

If your interests lie in bricklaying then GO FOR IT ! Don’t give up your dreams based on other people’s opinions. I loved bricklaying and I wish the option was presented to me when I was at school. Being outdoors in the fresh air, getting toned and fit, the personal fulfilment at the end of the day are only a few of the great aspects of bricklaying. There are other career options that flow from a bricklaying apprenticeship, like Project Management. Check out what Gemma has to say on the ‘Top 10 Reasons’ video here at this website.

Stacey Rimene, General Manager, BBC Homes