Had a chance to see some top quality blocklaying at Newcastle last month.  Twelve teams comprising two apprentices and their teacher from around the country battled it out to compete for the national Golden Trowel Award.  The teams had some initial setting out help from their TAFE teachers, and then it was up to them to complete the project in a day and a half.

The project was designed to fully test the skills of the apprentices as they raced against the clock to finish, at the same time striving to achieve the perfect job.

Congratulations go to the well-deserved winners - apprentices Dwayne Potter and Ian Cutmore from TAFE NSW North Coast Institute at Coffs Harbour.  Their teacher Paul Venn was also a key member of the team.

ABBTF was the major sponsor and the Golden Trowel DVD will soon be up on our website.  I’m looking forward to seeing this great event again in two years time.

The Golden Trowel attracts the best talent - I know past competitors have gone on to great careers in the industry.  This event was for them, the start of it all.  Would be good to hear from some previous winners!

Geoff Noble, Head Office, ABBTF

One of the toughest challenges for young apprentices is when they see unqualified labourers on job sites being paid more than apprentices.  This is because the lower wages paid to an apprentice are supposed to compensate for the cost of their training and education.

When times are good, it becomes even more frustrating for apprentices as many unqualified workers enter the market.  BUT when the industry slows down, those with qualifications and skills training are better prepared to weather the storm.  

Recently an unqualified builder in South Australia was found guilty of operating without a license or qualifications. He was fined $8000 for trading unlicensed, and was ordered to pay $6020 in compensation. My advice to apprentices is to stick at your apprenticeship.  In the long run you’ll have many more options than unqualified labourer’s.  Plus, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed builder.

Lorraine Baff
Director
FCTA SA

We’re a trades training organisation that is constantly being asked about the best way to find out about becoming a bricklayer and we believe we have the answer.

We always recommend a 10-12 week pre-apprenticeship course.  It gives you a great idea as to what to expect in the trade. Our focus at Holden Hill’s SA FCTA- Building Careers,  is on developing practical skills.  Some students who come to us are seriously worried about being placed in a classroom most the day – instead of outside, really doing things.  Well, that’s not a problem here!  Right from day 1 you’re learning to lay bricks. We’re 2 days into our latest pre-apprenticeship course, and as you can see, the students are already being shown the basics and getting their hands dirty!

View Gallery Images

There are similar pre-apprenticeship courses around Australia, and the Become a Bricklayer website will explain this.  Here in SA, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funds this course, with a view to having students better prepared and ready to start laying bricks as soon as they secure an apprenticeship. This gives them a real edge over others who haven’t had this early experience.

FCTA is a training organisation (it stands for Flexible Construction & Training Assessment) and it’s called ‘flexible’ because we have a very flexible attitude to training for both students and employers!  Check us out.

Lorraine Baff
Director
FCTA SA

Definitely not recommended doing, but recommended viewing!

Step out of the way in bare feet if you drop one!