Apprentice bricklayers complete a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying. This qualification comes from a training package that lists exactly what trade schools must train apprentices in. If you feel that changes should be made, here’s your opportunity! Some of the contentious issues we get feedback on are:
- apprentices having to currently complete 5 arches requiring trade school attendance – the proposal is to reduce this to 4 – should this be reduced at all or become an elective unit?
- the inclusion of sub-floor construction in the brick veneer AND cavity brick subjects
- How much time should be focused on the level of detail in the Australian Standards? we get ‘Goldilocks’ feedback on this (too little versus too much)
- Apprentices not being taught enough of the traditional techniques versus apprentices being taught too many traditional techniques – think fireplaces, number of different types of bonds, decorative elements.
- The change in qualification name to Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying and Paving (note: paving units will be electives and not core subjects).
Trade schools are audited by a dedicated government body to ensure that all parts of a training package are correctly being trained. What is being proposed in these changes will affect every bricklaying apprentice in the country. If you feel that there are gaps in training or a focus on the wrong types of skills, this is your chance to make a difference!
Visit this website to take part in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/brickblockpavingDP2
As always, if you would like to have a chat about these changes, or ask questions, feel free to contact us at 0883675615 or email [email protected].