Unleash your creative side and build real prospects, writes Angela McCarthy
Bricks can be decorative as well as functional, making bricklaying one of the more creative of the construction trades.
A bricklaying apprenticeship takes 8000 hours (approx four years) to complete.
It involves learning on the job with experienced and qualified brickies, keeping a training record book and attending three block courses to expand on theory and practical.
The three-week courses are held at Weltec (Wellington).
The first year unit standards introduce the basics of bricklaying, such as measurement and calculations, mixing masonry, building a straight block wall with return corner and demonstrating knowledge of New Zealand masonry standards.
By the third year, apprentices are building curved walls and fire-backs, constructing and building multi-centred and gauged arches and creating sketches and drawings for projects. Apprentices also build on their knowledge of calculations of area and mass.
Employers and apprentices sign a training agreement that is registered with the ITO.
APPRENTICE
Brett Allison, 19
3rd year apprentice bricklayer for L&J Gagen Bricklaying Ltd
I started my apprenticeship in July 2007 and hope to complete it by April 2011. Right now we're working at a large Mt Wellington development doing brick veneers for a number of terrace houses.
I got into the apprenticeship through word of mouth. Lindsay (boss) lives down the road and heard I was looking for an apprenticeship and offered me a trial. After a month, I was signed up for the apprenticeship. I always liked the idea of a building industry trade so when the opportunity came up, I grabbed it.
I like bricklaying a lot. I like the physical work and the way the day goes fast. You meet a great bunch of people on site from all the different trades so it can be quite social too.
You need to be fit, into physical work and able to use your initiative. You also have to be able to get up at the crack of dawn. We start at 6.20am at the moment to drive from Papakura to this site by 7.15-7.30am. We don't have assignments or correspondence while we're working. We just keep a logbook of what we've been learning. I also keep a diary of things I want to remember.
We do assignments and assessments during our block courses at Weltec in Wellington. I like being able to practice new things because, if you stuff up, you can always take it down and redo it, which is something you can't really do on a job. The tutors are tough, too. If something isn't good enough, they make you redo it but that is good because it helps you become more fussy about your work.
During the last course I stayed in a homestay with five other apprentices and I enjoyed that. You can also live in the polytechnic apartments. Going away has helped me gain a lot of life skills and become more confident with people.
I eventually would like to own my own business but first I need to get more experience. I'd like to stay with Lindsay for a while because I feel I still have a lot to learn from him. But I also think it is good idea to work for other brickies and learn other ways.
EMPLOYER
Lindsay Gagen
L&J Gagen Bricklaying Ltd
I have three apprentices. Brett is third year and I have a first year and another guy who is about to sign up.
I'm pretty committed to apprenticeships: I've had them the last 25 years. I enjoy watching young guys grow into the job and I also prefer to train them in my systems rather than take on someone who wants to do things differently. Once they're qualified, I encourage them to work for someone else, go overseas, or go out on their own. They need the new challenges. It also gives me a chance to bring someone else in at the bottom.
I want an apprentice who is reasonably strong, keen to work and has a bit of artistic flair. They need commitment; bricklaying requires lots of practice to develop high level skills. They also need to be able to interpret drawings and think for themselves. They must be able to do basic calculations. I'm also really strict on attendance and appearance. If we're at someone's home, I'll get the boys to cover up tattoos; things like that. It is also important they can get on with clients and other workers at sites.
Apprentices initially do the manual side of the job, loading bricks, making mortar, cutting bricks. It is real grafting work initially. Then they move to spreading mortar, then laying bricks to a line and levelling.
The Weltec courses are valuable. They learn different types of bricklaying that they might not do on the job, so it expands their skills and knowledge and gives them a chance to experiment. They are also billeted down there which is really good for their social skills. While it is time away that I pay for, I think it is very worthwhile for them - and me.
There is a skill shortage of experienced bricklayers, yet there aren't enough employers training apprentices. A lot of guys don't want the hassle or commitment. Young guys can be a bit stressful, and will try things on, but we do need them coming through.
There are pre-apprenticeship courses. Weltec runs a three-month course in Wellington and Promasonry North Harbour is setting up a 13-week pre-trade bricklaying course. That one costs around $16,000 - but includes tools and materials.
TRAINING PLACE
* Qualification: National Certificate in Bricklaying (Level 4), Creative Trades ITO (Industry Training Organisation), 0800 200 486, info@creativetradesito.co.nz, www.creativetradesito.co.nz
* Entry requirements: An understanding of maths, reading and writing is helpful, as are technology or the BConstructive qualifications.
* Course costs: Vary. Annual fee $297, training record book $69.30, block courses $433.12, plus other costs.
* Pay rates: Newly qualified $15 - $20 per hour, depending on organisation.
angela@careerideas.co.nz
