Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying

This trade certificate is a practical course which will equip you to work as a bricklayer or blocklayer in both housing and commercial construction.

It's suited to those who enjoy working outdoors, have good hand-eye coordination and can work neatly and accurately.

You'll gain essential skills and knowledge in:

levelling laying bricks and blocks general demolition veneer construction structural masonry arch design and construction fireplace construction.

You'll learn how to safely use and maintain of a wide range of tools and equipment used for bricklaying and construction, including:

power tools automatic and laser levels cement mixers generators scaffolding conveyor belts.

This is an apprenticeship course (external link) offered over 3 years, but is also available to non-apprentices over 1.5 years.

To be awarded CPC30111 Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying, a student must successfully complete twenty-seven (27) units of competency, consisting of:

• twenty-one (21) core units, and;
• six (6) elective units, of which:
• at least four (4) units must be selected from Groups A and B, and;
• up to two (2) units can be selected from Certificate III or IV qualifications in the CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package or another current training package, provided the integrity of the AQF alignment is ensured, and they contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Some units in this qualification may have prerequisite requirements, which must be met when packaging the qualification. Electives must be industry relevant as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• CPCCCA3002A - Carry out setting out
• CPCCCM1012A - Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
• CPCCCM1013A - Plan and organise work
• CPCCCM1014A - Conduct workplace communication
• CPCCCM1015A - Carry out measurements and calculations
• CPCCCM2001A - Read and interpret plans and specifications
• CPCCCM2006B - Apply basic levelling procedures
• CPCCCM2008B - Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
• CPCCCM2009A - Carry out basic demolition
• CPCCOHS2001A - Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
• CPCCBL2001A - Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials
• CPCCBL2002A - Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment
• CPCCBL3002A - Carry out masonry veneer construction
• CPCCBL3003A - Carry out cavity brick construction
• CPCCBL3004A - Construct masonry steps and stairs
• CPCCBL3005A - Lay masonry walls and corners
• CPCCBL3006A - Lay multi-thickness walls and piers
• CPCCBL3009A - Install flashings and damp proof course
• CPCCBL3010A - Construct masonry arches
• CPCCBL3011A - Construct curved walls
• CPCCBL3014A - Install fire-rated masonry construction

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A

• CPCCBL3001A - Lay paving
• CPCCBL3007A - Install glass blockwork
• CPCCBL3012A - Construct fireplaces and chimneys
• CPCCBL3013A - Construct masonry structural systems
• CPCCBL3015A - Construct decorative brickwork
• CPCCBL3016A - Construct battered masonry walls and piers

Group B

• BSBSMB406 - Manage small business finances

Imported

• CPCCSC2002A - Erect and dismantle basic scaffolding

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

• CPCCCM2007B - Use explosive power tools
• CPCCCM2010B - Work safely at heights
• CPCCCO2013A - Carry out concreting to simple forms

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification provides a trade outcome in bricklaying and blocklaying. The qualification has core unit of competency requirements that cover common skills for the construction industry, as well as two specialist fields of work.

Completion of the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (ASCC 2007) is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of unit CPCCOHS1001A or CPCCWHS1001 covers this requirement.