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A career in brick and block laying

More brick and block layers are needed in the construction industry. This skilled trade is a mix of practical and artistic skills, where you’ll create lasting structures such as retaining walls, brick cladding, and decorative features such as fireplaces, archways or paved areas.

Working with bricks, concrete blocks and tiles, you’ll be providing the building blocks for a wide range of construction projects and ensuring they’re weathertight and that they look good.

Plus, with a shortage of workers in this trade, your chances of finding work as a qualified brick and block layer are good.

How do I train?

Trades training is flexible. You can:

  • Do a pre-trades programme, then get a job and apprenticeship
  • Get an apprenticeship straight away and study while you work

Many people start with a pre-trades course at a training institution. This will give you the hands-on experience and theory you need to prepare you for work. If you qualify for one of our scholarships, you can study for free – and we’ll help you find work when you finish.

If you already have experience in the trades or are ready for working life and happy to study while you work, you might look at going straight into an apprenticeship. We can help you make that decision, and we might even know someone who needs an apprentice like you.

How do I fund my training?

There are a few ways to get your fees paid – but they’re not all the same. 

Only available to Māori and Pasifika learners, the MPTT scholarship doesn’t just cover your course fees, it gives you the most well-rounded support to get a job in the trades. 

Find out how the MPTT scholarship compares to other funding options.

  • Find a course

    You can apply for the MPTT scholarship programme now, but make sure you enrol in your chosen course as well. Here’s what you need to do:

    • Check out the brick and block laying course below, and follow the link to find out more. You can apply for the course through the course provider (Manukau Institute of Technology).
    • Apply for your MPTT scholarship and, if you qualify, we’ll let your provider know you’ve been awarded an MPTT scholarship to get financial help and other support.
    Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Find an apprenticeship

    Apprenticeships for brick and block laying are currently managed by an Industry Training Organisation (ITO), who makes sure you get the training you need to earn your qualification. The ITO for brick and block laying is BCITO.

    You can specialise in painting and decorating, exterior plastering or interior systems. Check out the links below to find out more:

    To find out more about getting an apprenticeship you can contact David Parsons at david.parsons@bcito.org.nz