Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) – Your pathway to a rewarding career and permanent residency
- Fast Track: Complete in just 52 weeks
- Long Track: Comprehensive 104-week program
- Earn $70,000–$97,000+ as a qualified bricklayer
- #1 Most Acute Trade Shortage in Australia
* PR outcomes depend on individual eligibility and current migration policy
52 Weeks
Fast Track
104 Weeks
Long Track
$130/hr
Top Contractor Rates
MLTSSL
Listed Occupation
#1
Most Acute Shortage
What is Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying?
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) is Australia’s nationally recognized trade qualification for bricklayers. This comprehensive course trains you to lay bricks and blocks to construct walls, arches, chimneys, decorative features, and structural masonry in residential and commercial projects.
As a qualified bricklayer, you’ll work across diverse projects including house construction, commercial buildings, feature walls, retaining walls, curved structures, and heritage restoration. Bricklayers hold the #1 most acute shortage position among all Australian construction trades with a HIA shortage index of -1.09, meaning Australia needs significantly more bricklayers than are currently available.
Key Course Details:
- Qualification: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)
- ANZSCO Code: 331111 (Bricklayer)
- Fast Track: 52 weeks (1 year accelerated)
- Long Track: 104 weeks (2 years comprehensive)
- Delivery: Practical training + classroom learning
- Nationally Recognized: Across All Australian States
Nationally Recognized
Across All Australian States
Choose Your Bricklaying Course Track
We offer two flexible pathways to suit your timeline, budget, and career goals:
Fast Track Course
Complete in 52 Weeks (1 Year)
52
Weeks Duration
Ideal For:
- Students wanting faster qualification
- Those with limited visa time remaining
- Career changers seeking quick entry
- Students with prior construction experience
Course Features:
- Intensive practical training schedule
- Accelerated theory modules
- Same nationally recognized qualification
- Full PR pathway eligibility
- High employer demand upon completion
Long Track Course
Complete in 104 Weeks (2 Years)
104
Weeks Duration
Ideal For:
- Students preferring a relaxed study pace
- Those wanting extended visa stay in Australia
- Students balancing work and study
- Complete beginners to masonry work
Course Features:
- More time for hands-on skill development
- Extended workshop practice hours
- Same nationally recognized qualification
- Full PR pathway eligibility
- Flexible scheduling options
Is Your Current Pathway Leading to PR?
Many international students struggle with expensive courses that don’t guarantee employment or permanent residency. A bricklaying qualification solves these common challenges:
Struggling to Find Sponsored Work?
Bricklayers are Australia's #1 most acutely shortage trade with a shortage index of -1.09. Employers desperately seek qualified bricklayers for sponsorship opportunities on 482 and 186 visas, especially in regional areas.
Running Out of Visa Time?
A bricklaying course extends your stay through 1-2 year study period, followed by 485 Graduate visa. Earn $25,000-$50,000 during training while building skills that qualify for multiple PR pathways including 189 and 190 visas.
University Degree Not Working?
Bricklaying qualifications cost less than university degrees and offer immediate employment outcomes. Qualified bricklayers earning $70,000-$97,000+ with excellent subcontracting opportunities ($1.10-$4.00 per brick) often exceeding $120,000/year.
Why Choose a Bricklaying Course in Australia?
Bricklaying offers unmatched advantages for international students seeking permanent residency:
#1 Most Acute Trade Shortage
Bricklayer holds the most acute shortage position with HIA index of -1.09. Australia needs 83,000 additional residential construction workers—a 30% boost on current employment levels.
MLTSSL Listed Occupation
Bricklayer (331111) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, giving you access to 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186 visa pathways.
Excellent Subcontracting Income
Qualified bricklayers command $1.10-$4.00 per brick, $500-$2,840 per 1,000 bricks, or $50-$130/hour as subcontractors. Many earn $120,000-$150,000+ annually.
Regional Opportunities
Regional Queensland shows shortage index of -0.92 versus Brisbane at -0.48. Regional bricklayers eligible for 491 visas with 15 additional points and easier PR conversion.
Employer Sponsorship
Critical shortage means employers actively seek to sponsor qualified bricklayers on 482 TSS and 186 ENS visas leading directly to permanent residency.
Skills Assessment Ready
Certificate III + work experience qualifies you for TRA skills assessment, a key requirement for skilled migration applications with paper-based assessment only.
Immediate Job Placement
Australia's housing shortage creates immediate employment upon qualification. Many students receive job offers before completing their course.
Weather-Independent Training
While bricklaying work is weather-dependent, training occurs year-round in covered workshop facilities ensuring consistent skill development.
What You'll Learn in Certificate III in Bricklaying & Blocklaying
This comprehensive course covers all aspects of residential and commercial bricklaying:
Face Brickwork
Construct face brickwork including masonry veneer, cavity brick walls, and decorative bond patterns meeting AS 3700 masonry standards
Specialized Features
Construct arches, curved walls, chimneys, barbecues, and decorative masonry features requiring advanced techniques
Structural Masonry
Build structural brick and blockwork, including retaining walls, piers, columns, and load-bearing walls with reinforcement
Site Preparation & Finishing
Set out work, construct scaffolding, prepare mortar mixes, and apply various finishing techniques including rendering and pointing
Entry Requirements for Bricklaying Course
Requirements for onshore international students seeking to enrol in Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying:
Academic Requirements
- Year 10 or equivalent completed
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Physical fitness for manual labor
- No prior bricklaying experience required
English Requirements
- IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent)
- PTE Academic 42+ overall
- Cambridge English FCE
- TOEFL iBT 46+ overall
Visa & Other Requirements
- Valid Australian visa with work rights
- Physical fitness for heavy lifting, kneeling, bending
- White Card (Construction Induction) - required
- Ability to work in outdoor conditions
Bricklaying PR Pathway Options
Multiple visa pathways available for qualified bricklayers in Australia
- Most Popular
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
- No sponsorship required
- Points-based selection (65+ points minimum, competitive at 85+)
- Direct permanent residency
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Most Popular
Subclass 190
State Nominated Visa
- State/territory nomination required
- 60+ points (plus 5 nomination bonus)
- Direct permanent residency
- 2-year commitment to nominating state
- Most Popular
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional
- Regional sponsorship
- 50+ points (plus 15 bonus)
- 5-year provisional visa
- Pathway to 191 PR after 3 years
- High demand in regional
Subclass 482
Employer Sponsored TSS
- Employer sponsorship required
- No points test
- 2-4 year visa
- Pathway to 186 PR visa after 2-3 years
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
- Direct employer nomination
- Direct permanent residency
- No points test required
- 3+ years experience or transition from 482
Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate Visa
- For recent graduates
- 18 months for trade qualifications
- Full work rights
- Gain Australian work experience for TRA assessment
How The Migration Helps You Succeed
Our comprehensive support from course enrolment to PR application:
1
Free Assessment
We evaluate your background, visa status, and goals to recommend the best bricklaying pathway (Fast Track vs Long Track)
2
Course Enrolment
We connect you with reputable RTOs offering bricklaying courses and assist with enrolment including ACMI Perth, Apsley NSW, Academia Melbourne
3
Visa Support
Student visa, extensions, 485 Graduate visa, and employer sponsorship applications handled professionally throughout your journey
4
PR Application
Student visa, extensions, 485 Graduate visa, and employer sponsorship applications handled professionally throughout your journey
Student Success Stories
“I came from retail background with no construction experience. The 104-week Long Track at Academia gave me time to master the skills. After getting my TRA assessment, I started subcontracting earning $2.50 per brick. I now make $125,000/year and have my 190 visa through Queensland.”
Arjun P.
Retail Worker → Bricklaying Subcontractor
“The Fast Track 52-week program was intense but perfect. I completed my course, got my 485 visa, and immediately found work in regional NSW earning $95,000. The severe shortage meant employers were competing for me. I received my 491 visa within 8 months.”
David M.
Fast Track Student → Regional Bricklayer
“I was struggling to find sponsorship with my business degree. The Migration team recommended bricklaying based on the critical shortage. Best advice ever. After 2 years training and 1 year work, I have my PR and earn $110,000 as a site supervisor.”
Li W.
Business Graduate → Bricklaying Supervisor
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying and PR pathways:
What is Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)?
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) is Australia’s nationally recognized trade qualification for bricklayers. It trains you to lay bricks and blocks to construct walls, arches, and structures in residential and commercial settings. We offer both 52-week Fast Track and 104-week Long Track programs for international students.
What is the difference between the 52-week and 104-week bricklaying course?
The 52-week Fast Track offers accelerated delivery ideal for students wanting faster completion. The 104-week Long Track provides more time for skill mastery, better for complete beginners and those wanting extended Australian stay. Both result in the same nationally recognized Certificate III qualification eligible for PR pathways.
Why is bricklaying the #1 most acute shortage trade?
Bricklaying holds a HIA shortage index of -1.09 (most acute among all trades). Australia’s housing shortage requires 83,000 additional construction workers. Combined with aging workforce and low apprenticeship completion rates, demand far exceeds supply, creating excellent immigration opportunities.
Is bricklayer on the skilled occupation list for Australian PR?
Yes, Bricklayer – ANZSCO 331111 – is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), making it eligible for all skilled visa categories including 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186 visas. Multiple states actively nominate bricklayers for 190 and 491 visas.
How much do bricklayers earn in Australia?
Employed bricklayers earn $70,000-$80,000/year average (SEEK data). Experienced bricklayers with 10-19 years earn $40+/hour ($83,000+). The real earning potential is subcontracting: $1.10-$4.00 per brick, $500-$2,840 per 1,000 bricks, or $50-$130/hour. Top subcontractors in NSW and Queensland earn $120,000-$150,000+ annually.
What are the physical requirements for bricklaying?
Bricklaying requires good physical fitness including ability to lift 2-4kg bricks repeatedly, extended periods of kneeling and bending, working at heights on scaffolding, and outdoor work in various weather conditions. Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail are essential.
What's the difference between bricklaying and blocklaying?
Bricklaying uses clay bricks for decorative and structural work requiring precise bond patterns and pointing. Blocklaying uses concrete blocks primarily for structural walls, often rendered/painted. Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying covers both skillsets, making you versatile for all masonry work.
