Stick at your Apprenticeship. Remaining unqualified puts a lot at risk!
Posted by: Lorraine Baff | Comment (0)
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
Good. You want to know what to expect in bricklaying?
Posted by: Lorraine Baff | Comment (0)
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!
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
