Growth in building work means good opportunities for brick and blocklayers
Chances of getting a job as a brick and blocklayer are good due to:
- moderate growth in construction predicted to extend until at least the end of 2023, meaning more building work
- the Government’s KiwiBuild programme, involving the building of quality affordable homes over the next decade
- building work needed to upgrade leaky homes and earthquake-prone buildings.
The Christchurch post-earthquake rebuild is ongoing but most of the remaining work is in the non-residential (commercial) sector.
Shortage of brick and blocklayers
Bricklayer appears on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled brick and blocklayers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
However, like many building jobs, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in the economy can lower demand for brick and blocklayers.
According to the Census, 1,791 brick and blocklayers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Decreasing number of brick and blocklayer apprentices but strong demand
There has been a decreasing supply of new brick and blocklayers over the last few years. There are not enough qualified brick and blocklayers to meet demand.
You can increase your chances of getting a brick and blocklaying apprenticeship if you have:
- a good attitude to work, good time management skills, and are willing to learn
- completed a Gateway or pre-trade programme
- experience in brick and blocklaying
- a tertiary qualification but want to retrain in brick and blocklaying.
Self-employment common among brick and blocklayers
More than half (60%) of brick and blocklayers are self-employed. Most of the remaining 40% work for building subcontractors.
