Bricklayers in Australia: Are They in Great Demand in 2019?
The construction industry in Australia has experienced significant fluctuations over the past few years. While bricklayers were in high demand during the construction boom of 2010-2015, the landscape has shifted. This article explores the current state of the bricklaying industry in 2019, along with insights from experienced professionals and recent trends in the construction sector.
Historical Context and Demand in 2015
According to a WSJ article from 2015, bricklayers in Australia were making up to $100,000 USD per year. This was during a time of substantial building activity, particularly in the construction of brick homes. However, this surge in demand was short-lived, and the situation has changed since then.
Current Demand and Challenges
Our experience and the current data indicate that while bricklayers are still in demand, it is not as pronounced as during the construction boom. Factors such as the Royal Commission into banks and their lending practices have significantly impacted the housing market. The Royal Commission revealed that banks were being overly lenient in their lending policies, which contributed to a housing bubble. In response, banks have tightened their lending criteria, leading to a reduction in housing construction approvals.
While bricklaying is less prominent in apartment construction, the overall slowdown in residential building approvals means that bricklayers need to be cautious. It is crucial for prospective bricklayers to conduct thorough research on forecasted housing starts and unemployment rates, as the industry's outlook is currently uncertain.
Industry Trends and Opportunities
Despite the challenges, our business in the construction industry has shown that bricklayers are still in demand if they are reliable and hardworking. Many experienced bricklayers can earn over $100,000 USD annually working a regular 50-week work year. This high earning potential is partially due to the fact that there are not enough young people entering the trades.
Other tradespeople in the construction industry are also experiencing a high demand and earning good incomes. This scarcity has driven up wages, making the construction industry a potentially lucrative career choice.
Conclusion
The construction industry in Australia is facing a perfect storm of regulatory changes and market fluctuations, making it a challenging time for bricklayers and other tradespeople. However, the fundamentals remain strong, and experienced professionals are still in high demand. It is essential for aspiring bricklayers to carefully consider the current market conditions and prepare themselves for the challenge ahead.