News Releases

FREDERICTON – New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) will relaunch the Bricklayer program at Woodstock Campus in January 2018 as a new 23-week program.  In May 2017, NBCC announced the decision to suspend the program for September 2017 due to declining enrollments. NBCC will relaunch a revised program in January 2018 as a result of collaboration with industry.

“Working with our valued partners in the construction sector, we were able to determine that the program requirements could be delivered in a shorter time frame and still meet the needs of industry,” said Catherine Black, NBCC Dean of Trades and Hospitality. “Students can begin the program in January and complete it in June. The January start date is ideal for those already working in the construction sector who can use the off-season to further their training.”

The new program duration will be 23 weeks (January 8 – June 15, 2018).  Tuition for the program will also be lower than that of NBCC’s regular 40-week programs. The Bricklayer occupation is one of 13 compulsory occupations under the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act. This pre-employment program is a significant step towards the subsequent apprenticeship blocks.

“On behalf of the Construction Association of New Brunswick, we are very pleased to hear that the bricklaying program will be reinstated and thankful to have had the opportunity to be part of this decision and changes,” said John Landry, Executive Director of the Construction Association of New Brunswick.  “We firmly believe the new curriculum and dates will be more favourable to any new students wishing to take this program.”

New Brunswick’s aging work force is predicted to lead to more retirements in the construction sector and more job opportunities for bricklayers.

“Masonry is a trade without limits. It preserves our past, provides efficient modern systems, and presents the most user-definable green solutions for the future,” said Bill Young of the Masonry Industry Association of Atlantic Canada. “Due to the retirement of skilled tradespeople in the masonry industry, the need to provide skilled replacements continues to grow.  This program is second to none in Atlantic Canada.”                           

NBCC’s bricklaying faculty and graduates are recognized nationally. In 2016, instructor Dwayne Giberson was awarded a bronze Excellence in Teaching award from Colleges and Institutes Canada. NBCC Brick Masonry Apprentices brought won gold at both the 2016 and 2017 Skills Canada national competition. For more information on the new Bricklayer program, visit nbcc.ca

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