The objective of the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF) is to recruit as many young people as possible into the trade as bricklaying apprentices and promoting the trade as a worthwhile career.
As the ABBTF's General Manager I am constantly impressed by the type of young people I meet as I travel to building sites and training organisations around Australia. They are enthusiastic and committed with many of them determined to start their own business in bricklaying, go on to become builders or take on management roles in the construction industry.
During the process of putting together our state newsletters we are always discovering success stories where apprentices are winning awards and are well on the way to achieving their goals. There are some great examples of qualified bricklayers, who are now captains of industry, running highly successful home building companies or building supply firms and other executive positions.
These successes confirm that bricklaying is a skilled craft that provides a sound platform for a career in the construction industry. There is really no limit to how far you can go in construction when you qualify as a bricklayer.
The recently held National WorldSkills competition was a wonderful showcase of the bricklaying skills of the young apprentices competing. WorldSkills highlights their dedication and commitment to their trade and acts as benchmark for all bricklayers.
Through our promotional activities around the country we are finding a similar commitment among young bricklayers keen to be the very best in their chosen career. Our research has shown that bricklayers enjoy the freedom the trade gives for working outdoors.
We are also working closely with TAFE and other training organisations to refine apprenticeship training programs to create more flexibility and recognise skills gained on the job. I can say this is working very well thanks to the cooperation of the trainers.
Of course it is important that employers take on apprentices who want to pursue a career as a bricklayer. There is no doubt that a bricklaying employer can improve the efficiency of his team by taking on an apprentice.
The ABBTF is providing significant subsidies for employers to give an apprentice a start and this is backed up by Federal Government subsidies. Now it's up to employers to grasp the opportunity to take on one of the new breed of apprentices.
We invite employers to contact us on 1300 66 44 96 or visit www.becomeabricklayer.com.au
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