A 23-year-old tradie from Heddon Greta is encouraging more women across the Hunter to consider bricklaying, as builders and trades report mounting pressure from a shortage of skilled workers.
Tahlia Kelly is one of fewer than 200 female bricklayers working across Australia, with women accounting for about 1% of the trade, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Kelly did not start out aiming for bricklaying. After finishing school, she tried to secure a carpentry apprenticeship, but when that did not come through, she took work as a bricklayer’s laborer.
That move turned into a career. Kelly’s employer offered her a bricklaying apprenticeship after being impressed by her work ethic. She has since qualified and now works with Ellaby Bricklaying on refurbishment projects, including homes and retirement villages around the Hunter.
Kelly says she likes the hands-on, physical nature of the trade, and the pride that comes with building work meant to last. She completed her apprenticeship training through TAFE NSW at Tighes Hill, and she credits the practical experience with preparing her for the job.
Her message lands as bricklaying demand rises. The Housing Industry Association’s Trades Report identified bricklaying as the most acute labor shortage among residential building trades in late 2025, ahead of carpentry, plastering, and roofing. Jobs and Skills Australia also puts median annual earnings for qualified bricklayers at about $120,000.
For mason contractors trying to keep crews staffed, Kelly’s path is a reminder that entry points matter. A laborer role that leads to a clear apprenticeship offer can open doors for people who did not originally see themselves in the trade.
Read the full, original article from Newcastle Weekly here.