The CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying reflects the trade-qualified role of bricklayers, blocklayers, and pavers working across residential, commercial, and industrial construction environments.
Students develop practical skills in bricklaying, blocklaying, paving, masonry construction, setting out, working safely, reading plans, carrying out measurements, using tools and equipment, constructing masonry walls, and applying industry-standard construction techniques.
Occupational titles may include:
- Bricklayer
- Blocklayer
- Paver
It is not intended to indicate that an individual will gain immediate employment on completion of this qualification.
Admission Requirements
There are no mandatory training package entry requirements for this qualification. However, Austra College requires applicants to meet the following admission requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 years and above.
- Satisfactory completion of Year 10 or higher from the applicant’s home country.
English language evidence for international students may include one of the following Austra College accepted options:
| IELTS (General or Academic) | PTE Academic | TOEFL PB | TOEFL iBT | CAE Scale | ELICOS (General English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 50–58 | 547–587 | 78–82 | 169–175 | n/a |
| 5.5 | 46 | 506 | 62 | 162 | +15 weeks |
| 5.0 | 38 | 478 | 51 | 154 | +30 weeks |
Note: Results older than two years are not acceptable (for offshore applicants)
OR
- Evidence that they have studied in English for at least five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States.
OR
- Evidence that, within two years of their application date, they have successfully completed in Australia a foundation course or a senior secondary certificate of education or successfully completed substantial components (50% or more units according to the training package) IV qualification or higher level qualification, from the Australian Qualifications Framework on a student visa.
OR
- Applicants originating from students visa assessment levels 1 and 2 countries without the required IELTS or equivalent score must undertake the Language, Literacy, Numeracy (LLN) and Digital (D) literacy test. For further information on student visa assessment levels visit Department of Home Affairs’ website at
www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Pre-Training Review requirements:
Onshore international students must complete the Pre-Training Review, including the LLND test, to identify training needs, previous education or training, course relevance, and relevant experience.
Offshore international students must complete the Pre-Training Review, including the LLND test. This may be conducted by video call, such as Skype, or by phone.
Other conditions:
Satisfactory completion of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, or equivalent, is required before any construction workplace site visit.
Students must bring their own PPE kit and safety boots before participating in practical or workshop-based training. Entry into any workshop or simulated environment will not be permitted without the required PPE and safety footwear.
Students must have a reasonable level of physical fitness and coordination, as the course involves manual handling, lifting, bending, extended standing, working with masonry materials, and using hand and power tools. Students are required to invest, on average, 1-2 hours per week in guided learning and summative assessments during training weeks, excluding term breaks.
Learning Pathways
Learners who successfully complete this qualification may progress into further studies such as:
CPC40120 – Certificate IV in Building and Construction
From another training provider, subject to availability and admission requirements.
Career Pathways
Career pathways may include, but are not limited to:

Bricklayer

Blocklayer

Paver

Masonry Tradesperson

Construction Trades Assistant
Duration
Full time: 60 weeks
The 60-week duration includes scheduled delivery and holiday breaks. Classroom sessions are generally delivered for 20 hours per week, with training support available after class or by appointment.
Course Outline
To attain this qualification, students must successfully complete 28 units of competency, including 20 core units and 8 elective units.
| Core Units | |
| Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry |
| CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry |
| CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work |
| CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication |
| CPCCOM2001* | Read and interpret plans and specifications |
| CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations |
| CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures |
| CPCCCM2012* | Work safely at heights |
| CPCCCM2008* | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding |
| CPCCCA3002* | Carry out setting out |
| CPCCBL2001* | Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materials |
| CPCCBL2002* | Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipment |
| CPCCBL3009* | Install flashings and damp proof course |
| CPCCBL3002* | Carry out masonry veneer construction |
| CPCCBL3003* | Carry out cavity brick construction |
| CPCCBL3005* | Lay masonry walls and corners |
| CPCCBL3006* | Lay multi-thickness walls and piers |
| CPCCBL3010* | Construct masonry arches |
| CPCCBL3011* | Construct curved walls |
| CPCCBL3013* | Construct masonry structural systems |
| Elective Units | |
| Unit Code | Unit Title |
| BSBESB301 | Investigate business opportunities |
| BSBESB407 | Manage finances for new business ventures |
| CPCCBC4003 | Select, prepare and administer a construction contract |
| CPCCBL3016* | Construct battered masonry walls and piers |
| CPCCSF2004* | Place and fix reinforcement materials |
| CPCCPA3002* | Lay segmental paving |
| CPCCPA3003* | Cut segmental paving |
| CPCCCO2013* | Carry out concreting to simple forms |
Fees
| Tuition Fees | $16,500 |
| Non-Tuition Fees | |
| Application Fees | $500 |
| Material Fees | $3000 |
| Total Fee | $20,000 |
Delivery Mode and Assessment
This course is delivered through a classroom blended model, including face-to-face classroom sessions, self-guided learning, theory assessments completed outside the classroom, and practical training in a simulated or workplace-based environment.
Assessment methods may include:
- Written assessments
- Practical demonstrations
- Project tasks
- Observation in simulated or practical environments
- Workplace-based or simulated workplace evidence
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfers (CT)
Students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer where they have previous qualifications, statements of attainment, workplace experience, or relevant skills that can be verified.
Work Placement
Participants are required to undertake 192 hours of work placement, which provides an excellent opportunity to improve practical job skills and gain industry exposure in an operational commercial kitchen.
Delivery Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | |
| Level 3, 90 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 | Classroom |
| 11 Jacobson’s Crescent, Holden Hill SA 5088 | Simulation |
| Melbourne | |
| Level 7, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Classroom |
| 5/133 Elgar Road, Derrimut VIC 3026 | Simulation |
Intake Schedule
Why carpenters across Australia are choosing this qualification

The work is out there
Construction companies, builders, renovation specialists, and commercial contractors are constantly searching for qualified carpenters who can frame, finish, and build to Australian standards.

It's a real career path
This qualification opens doors to residential carpentry, commercial construction, specialist roles, and eventually running your own carpentry business. You're not just cutting timber, but you're shaping your career.

You'll use the real gear
Training with the same power tools, framing equipment, and construction materials you'll see on professional building sites means you're ready to work from day one.

Employers recognise it
This nationally recognised qualification carries weight across the country, giving you options wherever you want to work.
About this qualification
This qualification is suitable for students who want to build practical skills in bricklaying, blocklaying, paving, masonry construction, and construction site safety. Students will learn how to work with tools, read plans, carry out measurements, prepare materials, and construct masonry structures used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
