Bricklayers from Vietnam: why Canberra's shortage deserves a careful look

Tips · 2026-08-24 · 3 min read

Canberra is building fast. But there are very few new bricklayers. Today only seven people are training to be bricklayers in the whole ACT region. In the same time, the construction workforce grew by 10 per cent. Apprentice numbers fell by 20 per cent. If you are a Vietnamese bricklayer, this story may matter to you.

What is the problem in Canberra?

The ACT has a four-year apprenticeship for bricklaying. Most apprentices learn on house building sites. But house building is slow at the moment. At the same time, commercial and infrastructure projects, such as the light rail expansion, still need many workers. So the training pipeline is weak while demand stays high.

There are other reasons too.

Bricklaying is hard on the body. More apprentices start than finish.
Some apprentices spend too much time carrying and cleaning. They do not practise enough with the trowel.
Many tradespeople on site are over 40. When they retire, there are few people to take their place.

The ACT government also has a goal of 30,000 new homes by 2030. That is a big goal for a small number of trainees.

An unusual rule

In the ACT, bricklaying is not a licensed occupation. This means anyone can lay bricks without showing a qualification. Some trainers say this causes uneven work on site, because some workers were never trained well.

What does this mean for you? If you have real training and site experience, you may stand out. Employers say they have enough work. They are looking for reliable people. But there is a small warning. Nobody will check your skills for you at the door. You must show them clearly yourself.

How can you prepare?

Start with your proof. Good proof makes your story strong.

Gather your papers. Collect your vocational certificate, your school or college results and letters from past employers. Add photos of your finished work.
Plan for recognition. Vietnamese vocational certificates are usually assessed again in Australia. This check is called a skills assessment. Read the rules for your trade before you apply.
Check English. Some visas or employers ask for an IELTS or PTE result. Find out early.
Prepare documents. Where the visa rules ask for it, use certified English translations of your Vietnamese documents. If a police certificate is requested, Vietnamese citizens usually need the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).

You can read the official visa information on the Home Affairs visa list. It helps you understand the choices.

Stay safe

When a trade is in short supply, some people try to sell false hope. Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa.

A hopeful, honest ending

This shortage is a sign of opportunity, not a promise. Bricklaying is hard work, and the right paperwork takes time. But if you have the skills and the strength, Canberra is a place to learn about. Take one step at a time, and start with your documents.

#bricklayer #canberra #construction jobs #vietnamese workers #trade recognition #skilled workers