Overview
Develop the skills and knowledge required to work as a bricklayer or blocklayer in the housing and commercial construction industry, with the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying CPC33020 from Victoria University Polytechnic.
This is a practical course that covers all the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need as a bricklayer, blocklayer or paver.
On completion of this course, you will have gained knowledge and skills 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 course is delivered on campus in a flexible way that suits your work. The delivery is designed to fit in with a modern working environment with online content and workplace simulations.
To be eligible for this course you must be currently working in the industry as a bricklayer apprentice, with access to a live worksite. This course is ideal for bricklaying apprentices primarily employed in the domestic building industry.
Multimillion-dollar trades facilities
You'll learn in our multi-million dollar trades facilities at our Sunshine Campus.
Our ‘Construction Futures’ hub is a sustainable training facility with a six-star Green rating. It provides modern high-tech labs and dynamic workshops including:
- concrete laboratory
- survey laboratory
- engine laboratory
- soldering/construction laboratories
- power systems laboratory
- computer workstations with simulation and modelling software.
Hands-on learning & industry links
Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll learn practical skills at our Construction Hub, giving you the chance to test out your theoretical knowledge. Learning a trade with us means you’ll get the hands-on learning to be job-ready when you graduate.
You’ll learn from teachers who have valuable industry contacts and the latest industry-standard skills. You’ll also develop links with industry and professional experience through:
- site visits
- industry projects
- live work
- industry endorsed workshops
- industry simulation.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
Careers in construction
Construction is a large employing industry and trade workers are vital to Construction.
According to Labour Market Insights, part-time jobs are rare and there is opportunity for young people with training and experience to pursue management jobs when they are older.
The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying CPC33020 provides you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you for careers including:
- bricklayer
- blocklayer.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
To be awarded the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying, 28 units must be completed consisting of:
- 20 core units
- 8 elective units, of which:
- the elective units can be selected, once only, from any of the groups listed in qualification CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.
- up to 2 elective units can be selected from any Training Package and or accredited course, as long as they contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome and support the AQF level of this qualification.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core units
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL2001
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL2002
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3002
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3003
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3005
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3006
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3009
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3010
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3011
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3013
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCA3002
-
- Unit code
- CPCCOM1012
-
- Unit code
- CPCCOM1013
-
- Unit code
- CPCCOM1014
-
- Unit code
- CPCCOM1015
-
- Unit code
- CPCCOM2001
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM2006
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM2008
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM2012
-
- Unit code
- CPCCWHS2001
Elective units
Electives - Group A - Traditional and heritage bricklaying
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3004
Electives - Group B Refractory Bricklaying
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3016
Electives - Group C - Paving - No electives chosen
General Electives
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3007
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3012
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3014
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM2009
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCO2013
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSF2004
For Continuing Students only from 31/12/2022
Electives - Group B Refractory Bricklaying
-
- Unit code
- CPCCST4003
-
- Unit code
- CPCCST4007
General Electives
-
- Unit code
- CPCCBL3017
Learning outcomes
This qualification reflects the trade qualified role of a bricklayer or blocklayer who may have responsibility for undertaking heritage bricklaying, refractory bricklaying, bricklaying, and blocklaying work in residential, industrial and commercial contexts, in both existing and new constructions.
Occupational titles could include:
- Bricklayer
- Blocklayer
The bricklaying and blocklaying industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.
Completion of the general construction induction training program, specified in the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, is required by anyone carrying out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
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.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeship applicants must complete to determine suitability:
- Pre-training Review (PTR)
- Literacy and numeracy assessment
- must be employed as an apprentice
- must have an active Epsilon number prior to commencing the course.
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)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
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.
How to apply
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.
Available start dates:
- 28 January 2025
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 31 October 2025 for our next intake which starts on 28 January 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
