Brick and Block
Brick and Block Laying and Refractory Installation
Becoming a qualified brickie/blockie leads to an exciting, rewarding and varied career where opportunities are unlimited. You could work on anything from small to large commercial sites or on residential projects. You might specialise in brick-laying or block-laying or even get the opportunity to concentrate on refractory installation.
National Certificate in Brick and Block Laying (Level 4)
What skills will I gain?
While working on site you will be involved in creating all kinds of brick and block structures including:
- veneers
- load-bearing and non load-bearing walls
- straight and curved walls
- return corners
- openings
- decorative features
You will get to work with a variety of different products and materials including:
- bricks
- blocks
- grout
- mortar
- reinforcing
- concrete
Once I am qualified and have been working for a while what else can I do?
Becoming a qualified brickie/blockie opens a range of career paths. You may find that one particular aspect of the trade interests you, or that you would like to own your own business!
There is also the opportunity to become a Licensed Building Practitioner once you are able to demonstrate sufficient experience in the trade, which your qualification will help you to do.
How long does it take?
On average it takes at least three years to become fully qualified. If you’ve been working for a while, your experience could help you complete your qualification sooner.
National Certificate in Refractory Installation (Level 3)
What skills will I gain?
While working on site you will be involved in creating and repairing brick refractory structures such as furnaces, ovens and high temperature boilers. This type of work is undertaken by very few tradesmen and generally becomes an area of specialty for some. Most refractory brickies tend to first complete the National Certificate in Brick and Block Laying before branching out into this area.
How long does it take?
Once you have completed the National Certificate in Brick and Block Laying, it typically takes an extra 18 months to complete the refractory qualification. Without the National Certificate in Brick and Block Laying, it takes about three to four years to become fully qualified. If you’ve been working for a while, your experience could help you complete your qualification sooner.
