New TasTAFE Construction Pathways course is upskilling young learners

A new TasTAFE course is underway at Clarence Campus, giving 10 young learners a taste of working life as a Bricklayer or Plasterer.

It’s the first time TasTAFE has offered the Certificate II in Construction Pathways (Bricklaying and Plastering) course, upskilling learners in a range of fundamental construction skills and opening the door to future apprenticeships.

TasTAFE Allied Trades (Plastering) Teacher, Mark Ransley said that the course offers a practical introduction to employment in the Allied Trades.

“With a lot of trades, you get started but you don’t really know what you’re getting into. So this course is a really good taster,” Mr Ransley said.

The 11-week program runs for 3 days per week, delivering 10 units of competency.

In Bricklaying, participants learn how to mix mortar, set-up materials, level brickwork using different devices, lay brick bonds using a spirit level and profiles, and use different jointing and brickwork finishes.

The learners then shift to Plastering, where learn how to cut plasterboard sheets to size, mix compounds, install plasterboard, apply base- and top-coats, sand and demolish safely.

The learners on-site at Clarence, all of whom are under 30, come from varying backgrounds: some school leavers, some unemployed participants, and some who are exploring new career directions.

Aaron Overall has been looking for a change. After working part-time in Hairdressing and doing some Plastering work on a family project, he decided to enrol at TasTAFE to formalise his skills. He didn’t know much about Bricklaying when he started, but has been enjoying learning these new skills.

“That’s the best part of it – just getting hands-on and repeating the skills, so you can actually remember them!” he said.

TasTAFE Allied Trades (Bricklaying) Teacher, Paul McKay agreed that this hands-on approach to training is effective – along with keeping the learning atmosphere upbeat.

“We try to make it as enjoyable as possible, with a lot of practical, hands-on stuff,” he said, “– because if the learners don’t enjoy it, they won’t get as much out of it.”

Aaron Overall appreciates the support from his TasTAFE teachers.

“The teachers here are great. If you ask for help they’ll come over and give you a hand. They’ll show you how to do it, and what to think about next time if you’ve messed it up.”

The Certificate II in Construction Pathways (Bricklaying and Plastering) course runs until late April 2025, followed by an optional 2-week work placement opportunity for learners who would like to continue their training.

The course will run again from 4 August 2025, and is part of Fee-Free TAFE.