The number of home loans being granted has increased by 25.3% in the seven months period to 30 April 2009, due to the Federal Government’s extension of the boost to the First Home Buyers Grant.
Geoff Noble, general manager of the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF ), said the government stimuli, in combination with low interest rates and strong housing demand, is increasing the need for bricklayers as orders for new housing come through the system.
Noble said the ABBTF has played a key role in the recruitment and training of bricklaying apprentices, enabling young people to forge a clear career path in the construction industry.
Noble also believes the push toward housing sustainability is going to create more demand for bricks, due to their thermal mass benefits, an important factor in controlling internal temperatures and reducing energy usage for heating and cooling.
“Research at the University of Newcastle has shown that incorporating thermal mass into a home can reduce energy usage for heating and cooling by up to 22%. With Ministers at the Commonwealth of Australian Government (COAG) meeting agreeing to adopt a Six Star standard in housing, there is going to be more brick used in housing construction due to their thermal mass.
The heightened interest in sustainability and demand for bricks will require an increase in the number of bricklayers available, to not only meet increased demand, but also to replace aging bricklayers who will leave the industry over the next few years.