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]]>You go girl! The sky is the limit! Monique recently made the big move from Perth to Brisbane to pursue her dreams and passion. After much contemplation, she decided that moving to a new city in her twenties would be the best decision for her. Now, she is fully immersed in the career and lifestyle she has always aspired to have. Monique’s story is a reminder to all of us to give it a go.. chase your dreams and make a change NOW.
Monique embodies perseverance, resilience, passion, and discipline. We are incredibly proud of her and her work!
Check out her ‘Life Update’ podcast https://mjbricklayingco.podbean.com/about her move from Perth to Brisbane.
If you’re dreaming of exploring new landscapes while building a fulfilling career, bricklaying might just be the perfect trade for you. This skilled trade offers a unique blend of travel and craftsmanship. You can find work in bustling metropolises, charming coastal towns, or even serene rural areas, using your trowel as your passport. Each location brings fresh experiences and challenges. You’ll also have the opportunity to sharpen your skills with diverse projects, from restoring historic buildings to constructing modern marvels. This will expand your skill set and knowledge of various architectural styles and materials.
Bricklaying offers a unique path for those seeking freedom, adventure, and a tangible impact through their work. So, pack your trowel, embrace the challenge, and get ready to build your dreams, brick by brick, across the country!
#brickandblockcareers #bricklaying #travel #construction #careeropportunities #wanderlust #skilledtrades #aussiefemalebrickies
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]]>The post Brick and Block Careers – Brickstart SA Launch appeared first on Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd (ABBTF).
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On September 18th, Brick and Block Careers launched Brickstart SA with over 60 guests in attendance, including The Hon Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training, and Skills SA, and Cameron Baker, SA Skills Commissioner.
Brick and Block Careers is committed to promoting apprenticeships as a crucial pathway to meet the changing demands of the workforce. The goal is to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. This funding will help provide opportunities for young talent to thrive.
We would like to extend our appreciation to The Hon Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training, and Skills SA, Cameron Baker, SA Skills Commissioner, and all our stakeholders and industry partners for their vision and dedication in investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.
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]]>15/09/2023
Empowering South Australia’s Future Workforce: Brick and Block Careers, secures Funding (Skill shortage grant) in SA.
This milestone achievement marks a pivotal moment in our mission to foster a highly skilled and innovative workforce that drives economic growth and success in the region.
Brick and Block Careers is pleased to have received the funding grant. This has facilitated the hiring of an Industry Engagement officer as well as increased marketing in South Australia.
Brick and Block Careers seeks to prepare workers for economic growth and jobs in the building and construction industry; and to grow, extend, and assist the sector by providing job opportunities in brick and blocklaying. The full-time officer will help to expand brick and block laying job possibilities throughout South Australia, hence supporting Brick and Block Manufacturers.
The funding will be utilised to support and expand a diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities, bridging the gap between education and employment. It demonstrates a shared commitment to nurturing talent, reducing youth unemployment, and promoting sustainable economic development.
Brick and Block Careers has been at the forefront of advocating for apprenticeships as a vital pathway to address the evolving demands of the workforce. This funding will allow us to expand the reach of more young talents to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive job market. Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but this is now changing. We believe that greater diversity strengthens our workplaces. Our goal at Brick and Block Careers is to promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Brick and Block Careers would like to acknowledge the South Australian government and all stakeholders involved for their foresight and dedication to investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.
Please visit Brick and Block Careers website for more information: www.brickandblockcareers.org.au.
The launch of BRICKSTART SA is scheduled for September 18th, 2023. The Brick and Block Careers team is organizing the event, which will be attended by The Hon Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training, and Skills SA, and Cameron Baker, SA Skills Commissioner, along with more than 60 guests.
For media inquiries, please contact Ayesha Dadlani, Marketing and Communications Manager – Brick and Block Careers – ayesha.d@brickandblock.org.au.
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Brick and Block Careers recently hosted an event to launch the new arm of the business – Roof Tile Careers.
Michael Morrissey (CEO) and Tony Bishop (National Manager) presented to attendees at the launch of Roof Tile Careers held at Master Builders Association of Victoria premises on 13 June 2023.
What the launch highlighted – Roof Tile Apprentices are in demand!
Brick and Block Careers and Roof Tile Careers Staff
Pic Caption: L-R: Sue Johnsen, Ayesha Dadlani, Daniel Pham, Michael Morrissey, Tony Bishop,
Jessica O’Flaherty, Christine Stewart.
This innovative approach to grow and support the industry is fully funded and proudly supported by the three roof tile manufacturers in Victoria:
Leveraging off the Brick and Block Careers systems, processes, industry contacts and stakeholders already in place, tried and tested over the last 15 years, it was a natural progression and complimentary for the Brick and Block Careers business to move to promoting the roof tile trade and roof tiler apprenticeships.
We’re keen to support our industry to grow and expand, and industry is keen to support us. Get on board with your support and get in touch for further info at Roof Tile Careers: connect@rooftile.careers.org.au, visit our website www.rooftilecareers.org.au, or call us on 1300 856 960. We’re here to help!
Watch this space for updates and success stories to come which follows our business model of Attract – Prepare – Place – Retain.
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The award was presented to Tim by his bricklaying trainer Tony Sapio (pictured on the right),
ABBTF CEO – Michael Morrissey (pictured on the left) and FCTA CEO – Trisch Baff.
Tim completed his bricklaying apprenticeship in November 2021 while working for the South Australian Master Builders Association GTO. He now has a full-time trade position with Bedrock Brick and Block Laying in the north of Adelaide.
Tony spoke about how Tim’s skills and craftmanship improved significantly during the four years. In particular, the impressive fireplace Tim built which included herringbone brickwork. Tim wanted to show case his skills by designing an advanced final project that other apprentices could see.
Tim took up bricklaying as he loves working with his hands and being outdoors. He has just completed his sub-contractor course and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
FCTA – Building Careers is a private training organisation in Adelaide that has been delivering flexible training to bricklayers, tilers, solid plasterers, and stonemasons since 2001. Their training focuses on the development of hand and technical skills. They offer employers and apprentices a flexible timetable with a blend of onsite and trade school-based attendance. Contact FCTA on 08 83675615 or visit their website fcta.com.au.
Open doors to the Building and Construction Industry. Now is the time to get started! becomeabricklayer.com.au.
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Meet Taylah Chilby, (17-year-old) from the Illawarra region who has recently been signed up as a 1st year Bricklaying Apprentice. She is currently working with Kristian Moore from Alpine Brick Company. Kristian currently has a crew of 7, with 5 apprentices, and Taylah is his 1st female apprentice. Kristian has 2 young daughters himself and would like them to have equal opportunity. Kristian was happy to welcome Taylah onboard.
Taylah was in year 11 when she decided that school wasn’t for her and wanted to leave. She was unsure of what she wanted to do – however, to leave school she knew that she had to find a job or a course to study at TAFE. Taylah really enjoys working with her hands and being outdoors. So she chose a trade as all her family are in trades. No one in her family are Bricklayers although she was keen to give it a go and thought that would be a good spot for her. She enrolled into the night course at Wollongong TAFE and really started to enjoy it and decided to choose that as a career.
Taylah is very passionate about Bricklaying and wants to encourage other girls as she says, “you never know if you’re going to like it until you give it a go”!
After completing her Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying, Taylah would like to gain more experience within the trade and potentially go on to become a builder.
Her advice to anyone thinking about joining the trade is to take is slow, listen, follow Instructions and don’t slack off.
What she loves most about the job is that it’s always Go, Go, Go. There is always something to do which keeps her active and fit.
Way to go Taylah!
Trade careers are rewarding and positively impact on the economic security of women! There’s never been a better time for women to enter the trades industry. Looking for a well-paid career path…? Then find your future freedom – and become a bricklayer! https://www.brickandblock.org.au/
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]]>Bricklaying is an in-demand trade with numerous job opportunities. In recent years we are seeing a greater uptake of these opportunities by women. We’re excited to see more and more women choosing to enter the workforce within the construction industry. Not only are they carving a pathway for themselves, they are also great role models for the next generation. Most bricklayers start out as apprentices, learning on the job from a qualified professional. Many people who start out as bricklayers choose to build upon their skills and further their careers.
In this blog, we are featuring two such talented females who decided to enter this pre-dominantly male industry and make a mark.
This year we launched our ambassadors, and they symbolise “the art of the possible” and the career pathways to get there by reflecting on their own journeys! Our 2021 Ambassador team has 6 ambassadors, including 2 females, Monique Juratovac and Chelsea Whelan who represent the bricklaying industry. Both of these ambassadors are great examples of women in bricklaying and they are great believers that women should give it a go and consider bricklaying as a career choice.
Hear from Monique Juratovac and Chelsea Whelan and learn how and why they decided to enter the construction industry.
Monique Juratovac – Apprentice Bricklayer – WA
Bricklaying was not the career path Monique Juratovac saw for herself when she was younger . The 22-year-old from WA initially completed a three-year hairdressing apprenticeship, but after a year working in the industry, knew it wasn’t for her. She decided to try out bricklaying – and fell in love with it from day one. Monique is a strong believer of finding what makes you happy and going for it.
While searching for a new calling, Monique decided to do a trial run with a bricklaying family friend – and she hasn’t looked back since.
It’s a trade where she gets to work outside, be hands-on, and still harness that creativity and eye for detail that initially led her to hairdressing.
We are sure Monique has and will inspire many women to join the industry! You go girl, sky is the limit.
Interview with Bricklaying Competitor Monique Juratovac | 2021 WorldSkills Australia National Championships
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj-3pOkabZ0
National Skills Week – Building your career brick by brick – Session 1
https://www.nationalskillsweek.com.au/building-your-career-brick-by-brick-segment-1/
Chelsea Whelan – Qualified Bricklayer – TAS
Chelsea is the first woman in Tasmania to take on and complete her bricklaying apprenticeship, who says “it’s exactly the same as any other bloke going for the job,” Chelsea decided to follow in her father and grandfather’s footsteps, both were bricklayers.
Chelsea loves to see the results of her work – [“I built that” sitting back when I’ve finished and be like, hell yeah, I finished that, I did that whole thing! Satisfying to know I am capable of that kind of thing.”]
Chelsea’s advice to students and school leavers looking at getting into a bricklaying apprenticeship –
“you don’t know if you’ll like it or if you can do it until you try it! You can be thin and still give your hardest and be just as good as the blokes or someone with massive muscles. Be persistent at it and give it a good crack.”
A few years back construction was not an option or even discussed at school for females, we have seen a major shift recently.
ABBTF strongly advocates that a trade career choice is a viable choice for both men and women. Women wanting to become a bricklayer, but are worn down by the age old ‘you can’t do it because you’re a girl’ from family or friends, it is time to break theses myths. Surely as an industry we want to grow construction into the future and what better way to do that than to accept both men and women as tradespeople.
With more young workers like Monique and Chelsea entering the industry, the future looks promising!
Enjoy being outdoors, like working with your hands and love seeing the end results – consider a career in the bricklaying industry, we’d love to hear from you. For more information, get in touch with us https://www.brickandblock.org.au/australian-brick-and-blocklaying-training-foundation/
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]]>2nd Year Apprentice with employer Bradley Wakefield Bricklaying!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your story and what made you get into bricklaying?
A: “I started as a tennis coach. At tennis, I met Bradley Wakefield (current employer) and gave bricklaying a go. I started working with Brad and signed up into an apprenticeship at the age of 17 (2 years back)”.
Q: What do you enjoy most about bricklaying as a job?
A: “Working with the team, boss makes it enjoyable.”
Nick thrives off hard work and being able to see the results of the work each day from start to finish.
Q: What’s your plan going forward once you complete your apprenticeship?
A: “To continue with Brad (Bradley Wakefield Bricklaying) for a few more years to get myself some more experience. Eventually I want to branch off to start my own business and take on some apprentices one day”.
Q: In the time that you have been an apprentice, what has been your biggest achievement or favourite project that you have worked on?
A: “Biggest achievement was being able to do the stairs at home for mum that saved her $14,000. Nothing was more rewarding then being able to use the skills I have learnt to help my mum out massively by saving her money.”
Nick did this project with his grandad, and really enjoyed working with him.
Q: What advice would you give students or school leavers looking at getting into a bricklaying apprenticeship?
A: “GO FOR IT!!! Don’t sit back and think about it – just give it a go. At the same time you got to be dedicated and willing to work hard but seeing the end result makes it all worth it.”
Q: Tell us a bit about your family as we heard you have 4 generations of bricklayers?
A: My dad, grandfather and great grandfather were all bricklayers! My grandad was bricklaying for 60 years and went into building from there as well. My great grandfather had his own business as a bricklayer, where my grandad started his trade with his dad and passed down his knowledge from there. My grandparents are originally from England, they started the business in England and then moved to Australia and continued the legacy here.
Q: Tell us more about your grandad’s career as a bricklayer? Does he still love bricklaying?
A: He started learning with his dad who had his own bricklaying business in England, then my grandad (Ken Spicer) moved to Australia and started his own business here and began also building houses and everything in which he got the skills to be able to do this just from understanding the bricklaying trade.
We asked Nick’s grandfather about bricklaying and he says that if he could (as he is 88) he would get back into it and pick up the trowel and start laying bricks it is his passion and he would be happy doing it till the day he dies which is why he enjoyed getting in and getting dirty to help Nick complete the project at Nick’s mother’s house, his age was not stopping him getting in and laying bricks again.
Thinking of becoming a bricklayer? Or maybe you’re just interested in finding out if it’s the right job for you. Get in touch with us and find out more info. https://www.brickandblock.org.au/contact-us/
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]]>More people are desperately needed to train as bricklayers, with experts saying the profession enjoys a far greater sense of pride and accomplishment than that of other construction trades.
The Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd has experienced a 63 per cent increase in the number of people signing up to bricklaying apprenticeships this year – with South Australia recording a whopping 113 per cent increase – amid reports salaries of more than $100,000 are being offered to qualified brickies to stem worker shortages.
But it is still not enough to meet demand for labour, which has been exacerbated by the recent Homebuilder incentive scheme, says ABBTF chief executive Michael Morrissey.
“There’s endless demand for bricklayers,” he says.“You don’t see an unemployed brickie ever.
“There might be a whole lot of alternatives in house materials but only bricks are here to stay and people always go back to bricks and mortar in the longer term.’’
Far from the heavy labour days of old, where workers would haul piles of bricks and bags of cement on each shoulder, Morrissey says bricklaying is now a safety conscious profession, ensuring tradies can remain in the job long term.
Many also use the trade as a stepping stone to start their own business, work as a subcontractor or move into a construction management role.
“You can become a subbie very easily because you don’t need a van full of electrical or carpentry tools (like an electrician or carpenter) – you just need your own (cement) mixer and your trowel and you can get started,’’ Morrissey says.
He says the sense of achievement experienced by bricklayers is second-to-none.
“If you go past a house and you’re a carpenter, you can say, ‘I built part of that house’, but you can’t see it,’’ he says.
“As a bricklayer, you can say, ‘See that wall – I did that wall 20 years ago’, or ‘I built that wall last week’.
“Most people don’t appreciate the craftsmanship of having a properly constructed brick wall but, if you really look at it, there’s a lot of craftsmanship going on.’’
FCTA – Building Careers chief executive Trisch Baff says bricklaying is often forgotten by those contemplating a construction career, despite its importance to the industry.
“There’s a hierarchy – when it comes to thinking about doing a trade, people think more about carpentry, or they will consider things like electrical and plumbing,” she says.
“But, as far as the trade (industry) goes, basically carpenters and bricklayers are the only two trades that know how to build a house from the ground up.”
More bricklayers needed to keep up with Homebuilder demand. Unemployed bricklayers do not exist, according to one training expert.
Credit:
Lauren Ahwan – Journalist
Herald Sun
News Corp Australia Network
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]]>The post Meet our new Community & School Liaison Officer! appeared first on Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd (ABBTF).
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Zoey is very passionate about supporting young people on their career journey, a confident communicator and excellent at building and developing relationships.
In her previous role, Zoey managed a large number of clients with disabilities. She helped them identify their skills and motivated them into suitable work, continuing to support them through their employment journey to make sure they were doing well.
Zoey is highly experienced with recruitment and training, and uses her skillset helping people reach their career goals!
Apart from that, there’s never a dull moment is Zoey’s world – she loves outdoors, sports, adventure, history of Australia, old towns, antique shopping etc..and the list goes on ?
If you are a Career Advisor or candidate in Victoria or Tasmania, we are here to help – simply get in touch with our Community & School Liaison Officer:
Zoey Heather
Community & School Liaison Officer Vic-Tas.
E: Zoey.heather@abbtf.com.au
M: 0499 708 020
W: becomeabricklayer.com.au
careerpath.becomeabricklayer.com.au
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