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Bricklayer - Job outlook

Ringa Tiri Porokere

A bricklayer scoops cement from a wheelbarrow into a bucket.

What are the chances of getting a job?

Job opportunities for bricklayers vary considerably between regions, but overall jobs have become harder to find. The downturn in bricklaying is largely due to a slump in the residential (house and apartment) building sector, where most bricklayers are employed.

After very strong growth between 2001 and early 2007, the residential building sector began to slow in mid-2007, with a sharp drop in activity in 2008. The slow-down has seen some contractors laying off staff and fewer opportunities for apprentices.

Industry sources suggest the current downturn in residential building is part of the boom and bust cycle that is a feature of the building industry. They note that while the building and construction industry has its slow periods, over the long term it has been steadily growing.

More opportunities for bricklayers in rural areas

Despite the economic downturn, there are still areas of New Zealand (notably rural towns in dairying areas) where the house-building market has remained strong and job opportunities for bricklayers are good.

Some commentators predict the lull in house building could lead to a housing shortage by as early as mid-2009. This could see a surge in house building in 2010 to 2011 and renewed demand for bricklayers. Brick is increasingly being used in residential construction.

Late spring/early summer the best time to look for work

Most brickwork is done over summer, so work opportunities are best in late spring/early summer, when contractors are more likely to take on new staff.

"This year hasn’t been good, but the building industry is cyclic, with a general overall trend upwards."

Patrick McGuire - Chief Executive Officer Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand

What types of employers can I work for?

Sixty percent of bricklayers are self-employed. Most of the remaining 40% are employed by building subcontractors. Bricklayers usually work in small teams of three or four.

Where can I do this job?

Bricklayers work throughout New Zealand.

Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton are areas where a lot of brickwork is used in building. Bricks are used less in regions where earthquakes are a factor, such as Wellington.

What is happening in this job?

On 1 November 2008, the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme for bricklayers. Under the scheme, from November 2010 certain work will need to be undertaken or supervised by a licensed bricklayer.

To get a licence, bricklayers will have to show the Department of Building and Housing that they have a certain level of experience and/or appropriate qualifications.