Bricklaying and Blocklaying licence class

If you lay bricks or blocks for category 1, 2 and 3 buildings, then this is the licence for you.

There are two areas of practice for the Bricklaying and Blocklaying licence:

• Bricklaying and Blocklaying 1: Brick / masonry veneer
• Bricklaying and Blocklaying 2: Structural masonry.

You can apply for a Bricklaying and Blocklaying licence in one or both areas of practice if you have the required competencies.

You do not have to be assessed in both areas of practice. However, it is important that LBPs work within their competence, and should recognise when other skills are required. Of course, you can try new things but you are expected to get support, training or supervision.

Bricklaying and Blocklaying LBPs can construct concrete foundation walls without a Foundations licence.
If you are a licensed or certifying plumber or gasfitter, you are already treated as if you are licensed in the bricklaying and blocklaying, roofing, and external plastering licence classes. You cannot be licensed in
these classes. You can apply for other licence classes if you wish.

Being treated as if you are licensed in bricklaying and blocklaying, roofing, and external plastering
recognises that licensed and certifying plumbers and gasfitters possess the skills and knowledge to carry out and supervise the fitting and sealing or flashing of pipework through exterior walls. It also recognises that licensed and certifying plumbers possess the skills and knowledge to carry out and supervise the installation of certain roofs and cladding, such as profiled metal roofs and cladding.

What do I need to show to get my Bricklaying and Blocklaying licence?

The Bricklaying and Blocklaying licence class has four competencies that reflect the skills and knowledge required by a competent person to be licensed in this class.

Your assessor will look for broad evidence of your competence. It is not a tick the box exercise – they want to see whether, overall, you can demonstrate the practical experience, qualifications, skills and knowledge needed.

The following table shows the types of skills and knowledge you need to become licensed in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. You will not need to show your skills and knowledge in all these areas – remember your assessor is looking for broad evidence of your competence.

Competency	Examples of skills and knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory environment of the building construction industry	Show your understanding of: purpose of the Building Act, the Building Code, the Health and Safety in Employment Act, and the Resource Management Act the key features of the LBP scheme the roles, responsibilities and work of key parties how bricklaying and blocklaying fit in the building consent process the importance of operating within the scope of your competence and recognising when other expertise is needed. Your application pack will include guidance on the regulatory environment.
Demonstrate knowledge of current bricklaying and blocklaying practice	Show your understanding of: bricklaying and blocklaying terms and construction methods veneer and structural masonry installation methods and practice how to find and interpret technical information working with other trades on-site safe working practices and environmental issues preliminary site set-up requirements.
Plan masonry work	Interpret working drawings, specifications, programming, and schedules of quantities Carry out building calculations, order and coordinate material supply.
Carry out masonry work	Work safely at all times Manage environmental issues Prepare, lay, complete and finish units appropriate for the area of practice you are applying to be assessed in.

View up-to-date details of the competencies for the Bricklaying and Blocklaying areas of practice, with examples,  at www.dbh.govt.nz/lbp-rules-2007