If you’ve ever marveled at the sturdy walls of a building or the intricate design of a brick pathway, you might be interested in the world of brick and block laying. In New Zealand, these skilled artisans play a crucial role in constructing and repairing buildings, walls, arches, chimneys, and paved areas.

Brick and Block Laying Compensation in New Zealand

The pay for brick and blocklayers in New Zealand is diverse and dependent on factors such as skills, experience, and employment status. Here’s a breakdown:

• Apprentice brick and blocklayers: Typically start at the minimum wage but earn more as they gain experience.
• Brick and block layers with over five years’ experience: Earn between $25 to $35 per hour.
• Qualified brick and blocklayers with over five years’ experience: Can command $40 to $60 per hour.
• Highly experienced brick and blocklayers managing job sites: May earn an impressive $60 to $80 per hour.

It’s important to note that many qualified brick and blocklayers are self-employed.

Roles and Responsibilities

Brick and blocklayers engage in a variety of tasks to construct and enhance structures. Their responsibilities include:

• Consulting with clients
• Designing and drawing bricklaying plans
• Reading and following construction plans
• Cutting and shaping bricks, blocks, and tiles
• Making and placing mortar
• Laying bricks, blocks, and tiles in rows or specific shapes
• Altering, repairing, and restoring brickwork.

Skills and Knowledge of Brick and Block Layers

To excel in this profession, brick and block layers need a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge, including:

• Proficiency in bricklaying methods, materials, and tools
• The ability to interpret building plans and drawings
• Skills in laying bricks, blocks, or tiles
• Basic carpentry and mathematics skills
• Knowledge of decorating styles
• Awareness of health and safety requirements.

Working Conditions

Brick and block layers navigate a unique set of working conditions, including:

• Long hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Working both outdoors on construction sites and indoors, in conditions that may be noisy and dirty
• Local travel to various building sites.

Entry Requirements

While there are no specific entry requirements, many employers prefer brick and blocklayers with or working towards a qualification. To become a qualified brick and blocklayer, one must complete an apprenticeship and obtain a New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades Brick and block Laying (Level 4) or a New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades Refractory Installation (Level 4). The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) oversees brick and blocklaying apprenticeships.

Education

Requirements are flexible, but subjects like English, mathematics, and construction and mechanical technologies to at least NCEA Level 2 are beneficial. Programs such as BConstructive, trades academies, STAR, and Gateway can provide valuable experience and skills.

Personal Attributes of a Brick Layer

Successful brick and blocklayers possess a range of personal attributes, including accuracy, motivation, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, comfort with working at heights and in confined spaces, and effective communication skills.

Useful Experience

Prior experience that can contribute to success in brick and block laying includes:

• Industrial, interior, or landscape design work
• Construction site laboring
• Any work in the building construction industry.

Physical Requirements

Brick and blocklayers need to be reasonably fit and healthy, with strong arms and a strong back to handle the physical demands of the job.

Job Opportunities

The prospects for brick and block layers in New Zealand are promising, driven by factors such as:

• Moderate growth in construction predicted until at least the end of 2023
• The Government’s KiwiBuild program, involving the construction of quality affordable homes over the next decade
• The need for building work to upgrade leaky homes and earthquake-prone buildings.

Shortage of Brick and Blocklayers

The role of a bricklayer is listed on Immigration New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure skills shortage list, reflecting a shortage of qualified professionals. The government actively encourages qualified bricklayers and bricklayers from overseas to contribute to New Zealand’s construction landscape.

How to Apply

NOTE: If you do not have a work visa permit for New Zealand, start here and check the New Zealand Visa Application Process for more information

Apply here