There are no entry requirements to becoming a bricklayer.

At least three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include woodwork, maths, technical drawing and English.

Pre-apprenticeship bricklaying courses are available at polytechnics throughout New Zealand.

Bricklayers can complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Bricklaying. Apprentices train on the job with an employer and are supervised by a qualified bricklayer throughout their training. Their skills are assessed on the job and through attending block courses at polytechnic, and they must complete the required unit standards and 8,000 hours of practical work.

Brick and blocklaying apprenticeships for 16 to 21-year-olds are offered through the Modern Apprenticeships scheme.

On 1 November 2008 the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme for bricklayers. The scheme means that from November 2010, certain bricklaying work will need to be undertaken or supervised by a licensed bricklayer. To get a licence, bricklayers will have to prove their experience and/or have appropriate qualifications.

Bricklayers can also become registered through the New Zealand Masonary Trades Registration Board.

Useful experience for bricklayers includes:

• industrial, interior or landscape design
• construction site labouring
• any other work in the building construction industry.