Mortar the Bricky Industry is required

Mortar the Bricky Industry is required

70% of Christchurch homes are built of brick and the repair work required as a result of the earthquakes will be substantial.

Craig Caple, Aoraki Polytechnic's Brick Block and Paving tutor only recently moved from industry into teaching and has a good knowledge of what skills the building industry is crying out for. He believes "A major focus of the work in Christchurch will not be on the rebuild of brick buildings but the repair of damage. People may think, why would you get into brick work after the earthquake? But what about all the work involved in repairing fences, reinforcement and paving work?"

"There will be a significant demand for brick layers, masonry experts and pavers for the next 20-30 years. A major problem to come is the long-term effect the earthquake will have on brick buildings. The ongoing movement will result in the shifting of bricks, creating gaps in the lime mortar (especially if they are older bricks) that enable water to seep into the house causing further damage. A lot of my friends and colleagues in the industry have plenty of work, but they all know it's the calm before the storm, an even big demand on brickies is going to come."

Aoraki Polytechnic student Kegan Murphy, agrees with his tutor's sentiments and enrolled in brick, block and paving earlier this year. "You can't look past what has happened in Christchurch, I understand things are a bit slow in rebuilding, but by the time we are finished our course we will be ready to help with all the repair work needed." Graduating at the end of this year, the students have been gaining work experience in Christchurch through their tutor's industry contacts.

Tim Hannifin, director of 'Featureworks' a Christchurch based masonry, brick and paving specialist has been in the industry for 15 years and says things are extremely busy."I approached CPIT and offered some of their students paid work - but they didn't have any brick and block students this year, Craig contacted me and said Aoraki are taking intakes for mid-year start for brick and block in July and so I will be on the lookout for skilled graduates."

Aoraki Polytechnic student Rueben Fowler, enrolled in brick, block and paving through his families influence. "My granddad has been a brickie for most of his life, he has never been without a job and that is important these days. My brother also lives in England and said that brickies over there are on mega dollars due to them being in such high demand."

Aoraki is the only provider of the Certificate in Pre-Employment Brick Block and Paving in the South Island and limited places are available now on the Christchurch based course, starting July 18*.

For more information talk to Aoraki's student advisors on 0800 426 725 or visit www.aoraki.ac.nz

*Subject to numbers

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