The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) is a nationally recognised, trade-level qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) that prepares students for a skilled career in the building and construction industry. The course covers all essential competencies required to work as a bricklayer, blocklayer, or paver across residential, commercial, industrial, and public building projects. Students learn to lay and bond bricks and building blocks, construct masonry walls, corners, piers, arches, curved walls, ornamental panels, steps, stairs, columns, and feature walls, as well as install flashings and damp-proof courses and work safely on scaffolding. The qualification requires completion of 28 units of competency — 20 core and 8 specialty units — and can be undertaken as an apprenticeship or, at some providers, as a non-apprenticeship pathway with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) also available.

This course is designed for individuals who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work and want a practical trade career in one of Australia's most critical industries. It suits those entering the workforce for the first time, career changers seeking a trade qualification, and existing construction workers who want to formalise their skills. Graduates are job-ready to work on domestic, commercial, and public worksites, and may be employed by residential building companies, commercial construction firms, civil infrastructure contractors, heritage restoration specialists, government building agencies, and as self-employed subcontractors. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for further study, including the Certificate IV in Building and Construction.

Formally, the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying has no academic entry requirements at the national level — students may enter with limited or no vocational experience. However, most Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) require students to be employed as a bricklaying apprentice, meaning you must first secure an apprenticeship with an employer who will register your training contract through an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider. Some providers also offer non-apprenticeship and RPL pathways for those with existing industry experience. Domestic students are generally expected to have completed Year 10 of secondary schooling as a minimum, and all students must obtain the Construction Industry White Card by completing the CPCWHS1001 unit (Prepare to work safely in the construction industry) before working on any construction site.

For international students, additional requirements typically apply: applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed Year 12 or equivalent, and English language proficiency must be demonstrated through an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent), or through evidence of at least five years of education in an English-speaking country. Some providers also require a pre-enrolment interview to assess suitability and identify any additional learning support needs. Licensing requirements for qualified bricklayers vary between states and territories, and graduates should consult their relevant state authority about obtaining a bricklaying trade licence upon completing the qualification.