Welcome to ABBTF

Manufacturers of clay brick and concrete masonry throughout Australia understand the significant impact that a skill shortage can have on a future of building and construction. ABBTF and its strategies to address this issue were borne out of the recognition of this impending shortage. This website sets out the structure, purpose and strategies of the Foundation in its objective to create a succession plan for the next generation of skilled bricklayers and Blocklayers.

State News

Building New Lives Brick by Brick

Victoria University’s bricklaying pre-apprenticeship is attracting a new group of students – migrants and refugees from Burma and Africa keen to fill a need for workers in the buoyant housing market of Melbourne’s west.

ABBTF Programs Boost Apprentice Numbers

Apprentice numbers in NSW have increased in response to ABBTF support programs and time spent on job sites talking to bricklayers.

Queensland Apprentices - Compete at Golden Trowel

Peter Carr tells his story of being part of the Queensland team competing at the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia (CMAA) Golden Trowel competition in September.

Getting the Most Out of Your Bricklaying Apprentice

For those have been around long enough, you would know that this is not the first, nor will it be the last, building slowdown WA has experienced.

Bianco Values Apprentices

Bianco Precast know the value of employing bricklaying apprentices and currently have three on their books.

Matthew Barratt Wins Regional WorldSkills

Matthew Barratt is keeping up the family tradition of excellent bricklaying by winning the regional WorldSkills Bricklaying Competition at Skills Tasmania...