Classification: Advice

TV Guide More Videos
Bandwidth:

Building on Success @ WorldSkills

Nigel Croke, a high achieving NSW hockey player, chose bricklaying for a successful career path. The hot shot brickie looks towards Worldskills in Calgary during 2009 for the ultimate chance to compete and be the best.

About Bricklaying At WorldSkills:

The bricklayers have three days of competition in which they work from plans and specifications to make a ‘city skyline’ decorative work, a square column and other brick structures.

Other skills they employ over the competition:

• seal foundations with damp-resistant materials

• spread layers of mortar to serve as a base and binder for bricks

• use various tools and brick-cutting machines to cut and shape bricks

• lay bricks or blocks in rows, designs or shapes

• construct arches and ornamental brickwork

• repair and maintain clay bricks, cement blocks/bricks and related structures

This year ‘sustainability’ has been introduced to the competition to encourage environmentally-friendly trades. Recycling materials, correct disposal of waste products, segregating waste into bins for easy processing, recycling and reducing water usage and reducing sand and cement ratios.

About Nigel:

Nigel is 21 years old and became a bricklayer when his uncle lined him up for some part time work with a local builder. The next year he started his bricklaying apprenticeship at TAFE. In 2007 he won the prestigious ‘Golden Trowel’ bricklaying competition for second and third year apprentices. He was awarded lots of tools from ‘Access’ and gained a heap of confidence in his trade.

Nigel loves the physical and outdoor side of being a brickie, he says, “I will definitely stick with being a bricklayer, it’s a good trade and good money.” Going in competitions is really good for Nigel’s future career because he develops and learns different skills, meets lots of people and finds contacts for getting jobs further down the track.




Print Page

Advice

Share |

See Also

  • Star Rating - Great Southern TAFE WA Star Rating - Great Southern TAFE WA

    Star Rating - Great Southern TAFE WA

    Congratulations Great Southern TAFE!

    Wednesday December 3, 2008 | Watch Video »

  • Senator the Hon. Chris Evans at the 2011 CPSISC National Conference Senator the Hon. Chris Evans at the 2011 CPSISC National Conference

    Senator the Hon. Chris Evans at the 2011 CPSISC National Conference

    The Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council, Australia held their National Conference in Melbourne August 29 & 30, 2011.

    Wednesday December 3, 2008 | Watch Video »

  • WorldSkills Australia Nationals - Brisbane 2010 - Construction Steel Work WorldSkills Australia Nationals - Brisbane 2010 - Construction Steel Work

    WorldSkills Australia Nationals - Brisbane 2010 - Construction Steel Work

    A trade isnt just about getting the job done, its a about pride in your work.

    Wednesday December 3, 2008 | Watch Video »