A severe shortage of bricklayers has led the federal government to add bricklaying to the national Skilled Occupation List. From 1 July 2014, you can submit an expression of interest for migration on the SkillSelect website.
Australia’s bricklayer shortage is the worst it’s been for ten years, and it’s not restricted to one state: It’s nation-wide.
While the shortage is acute right now, opening migration up to skilled bricklayers may help.
The last time the skill was added to the Skilled Occupation List, more than 250 brickies were migrating to Australia per year. That’s a lot of bricklayers!
According to the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation, many of those stayed in the country.
‘Many of these contractors now run successful businesses and often employ and train apprentices,’ said Geoff Noble, CEO of ABBTF.
And while Australians are required to employ locals before looking overseas, bricklaying is one area in which few locals train.
Says Geoff Noble: ‘The jobless rate of 15 to 19 year olds has risen from 14.4% to 17.5% over the past year, however and the number of apprentice commencements in construction, particularly in bricklaying, has not improved.’
The industry is hopeful that bricklayers overseas can help.
Submit an expression of interest for migration as a bricklayer
You are able to submit an expression of interest for migration as a Bricklayer from 1 July 2014. To do it, go to the SkillSelect website. Australia’s migration works on a points-based system, which takes into account your age, the state of your health, your skills, and your English-language skills. More information about that is available here.
For more information
Contact us today for more information about expressions of interest, temporary work visas, and lodging applications using SkillSelect.
