The percentage of 25 to 35-year-old bricklayers in Australia has increased since 2001. Positively, the age profile continues to show a larger cohort in the under 35 years old, which reverses the trend seen in previous data where the largest group was heading towards retirement.
We now have a high percentage of younger bricklayers in Australia. Having younger bricklayers in the workforce can help ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for the future and can facilitate succession planning for aging workers.
Brick and Block Careers is attracting younger candidates to start an apprenticeship and as a result, the average age of bricklayers has decreased.
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in demand for bricklayers in Australia, particularly in the residential construction sector where there has been a large rise in the building of new homes.
A change in Brick and Block Careers strategy has captured these incentives and we have been able to capitalise on the situation. “BRICKLAYING AS A CAREER OF CHOICE” concentrate on targeting schools and career teachers at the levels for Years 9-12, along with developing target marketing and educational material to promote the benefits of brick and blocklaying as a career path.
As a result, bricklaying has grown in popularity in Australia, where it provides qualified employees with promising career prospects and competitive pay scales. It is worth noting that the construction industry has been a major contributor to the Australian economy and has seen growth in recent years.
Our history!
Victorian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd (VBBTF) was established in June 2003 following a request from the Clay Brick & Paver Association of Victoria, representing brick and block manufacturers, for a levy funded scheme to be put in place to address the shortage of competent bricklayers in Victoria.
In January 2006, the name was changed to Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd (ABBTF). A new Board was appointed, and the Victorian business model was rolled out to all States as ABBTF, starting with the consolidation of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. In 2007 Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania were added to the group and operations commenced nationally.
In April 2022, the company adopted a new trading name – Brick and Block Careers.
By providing support in key areas, including apprentice retention and mentoring support for both the employer and the apprentice, Brick and Block Careers continues to assist the industry in preparing for current and future demand for quality bricklaying tradesmen and women.