Bricklaying offers stable career

There’s a reason why the expression “as safe as houses” has stood the test of time.
While most of us take them for granted, bricks have literally formed the foundations of the Australian housing market, providing comfort and protection for generations.

Andrew Gauci is widely recognised as the brickmaster for PGH Bricks & Pavers at Horsley Park, notching up 46 years with the company.

It is his responsibility to follow the brickmaking process from start to finish, monitoring everything from the materials used to quality control of the end product.

“I ensure we have the right raw materials and product mixes are correct when making the bricks, and that the dryers and kilns are running at the right temperatures,” he says.

He is also on the front end of the business, reviewing customer satisfaction, checking orders

are being met and handling complaints.
Gauci has a number of people to manage, including a staff of 31 making bricks, each with their own specific role.

“Each member brings their own unique experience to the brickmaking process,” he says.

“We have trained this team over a continual period, as making bricks can be a complicated process.”

Gauci started his first position in brickmaking as a Christmas job in the 1960s. He liked it so much he stayed.

He is still fascinated by the brickmaking process and how different mixes of clay, shale and other raw materials can result in varying colours and textures.

Most of all, he loves the durability of a product made to last.
“Bricks are all raw materials, basic materials from the ground, and once fired and hardened

they last forever,” Gauci says.
“In a modern house the bricks will outlast everything, including your car or TV, and

eventually save you money through outstanding insulation properties and thermo dynamics.”
Although bricks are still bricks, the process of making them has changed significantly over the years, with modern kilns and machines replacing the labour once required.

“We originally made sandstocks in boxes and all by hand, now much of the process is automated with better machines and kilns,” Gauci says. “In a way, it’s been a good thing as we’ve improved the quality of the product.”

With demand in housing still steady, Gauci says there is a bright future for those interested in a career in bricks, both in manufacturing and as a trade in bricklaying.

“Bricks are coming back, due to an emphasis on colour, design and sustainability,” he says.

To become a brick master, a sound knowledge in bricks is required.
Becoming a bricklayer is a starting point in the industry.

More information: becomeabricklayer.com.au

Career prospects: Bricklayer and brickmaker, along with jobs associated with a brick company
including sales rep, account manager and marketing manager

Salary: Entry-point minimum wage during apprenticeship; average $80,000; top end $100K and beyond