CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
This qualification provides a trade outcome through an apprenticeship in bricklaying covering work for residential and commercial applications. The qualification has core unit of competency requirements that cover common skills for the construction industry, as well as two specialist fields of work. The construction industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or very closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered in this context. According to the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) graduates at Certificate III level have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work and/or further learning.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Fees
Duration
Locations
Course overview
This qualification reflects the trade qualified role of a bricklayer, blocklayer or paver who may have responsibility for undertaking heritage bricklaying, refractory bricklaying, bricklaying, blocklaying and paving work in residential, industrial, and commercial contexts, in both existing and new constructions.
Must be employed as an apprentice bricklayer/blocklayer.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE

Career paths
- Bricklayer
- Block-layer
- Paving
- Qualified tradesperson
- Building contractor
- Site supervisor
- Business owner
- Subcontractor

Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $908 | $4,541 | $19,679 |
Other study costs
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2026
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Day, 24 blocks of 3 – 5 days per block over 3 years. 8 blocks per year.
Approximately 4 hours per week self-directed/independent learning.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Handle and prepare bricklaying and blocklaying materialsCPCCBL2001
- Use bricklaying and blocklaying tools and equipmentCPCCBL2002
- Carry out masonry veneer constructionCPCCBL3002
- Carry out cavity brick constructionCPCCBL3003
- Lay masonry walls and cornersCPCCBL3005
- Lay multi-thickness walls and piersCPCCBL3006
- Install flashings and damp proof courseCPCCBL3009
- Construct masonry archesCPCCBL3010
- Construct curved wallsCPCCBL3011
- Construct masonry structural systemsCPCCBL3013
- Carry out setting outCPCCCA3002
- Apply basic levelling proceduresCPCCCM2006
- Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffoldingCPCCCM2008
- Work safely at heightsCPCCCM2012
- Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industryCPCCOM1012
- Plan and organise workCPCCOM1013
- Conduct workplace communicationCPCCOM1014
- Carry out measurements and calculationsCPCCOM1015
- Read and interpret plans and specificationsCPCCOM2001
- Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industryCPCCWHS2001
- Implement a retaining wall projectAHCLSC319
- Lay pavingCPCCBL3001
- Construct masonry steps and stairsCPCCBL3004
- Install glass blockworkCPCCBL3007
- Construct fireplaces and chimneysCPCCBL3012
- Install fire-rated masonry constructionCPCCBL3014
- Construct decorative brickworkCPCCBL3015
- Carry out tuck pointing and repointing to masonryCPCCBL3017
- Carry out concreting to simple formsCPCCCO2013

Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Must be employed as an apprentice bricklayer.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- IET
- National course code
- CPC33020
Introductory pathway/s:
22338VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction (Bricklaying) Pre-apprenticeship.
Further education pathway/s
CPC40120 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction
CPC50220 - Diploma of Building Construction (Building)
