A Dora Creek man who stumbled into a career as a bricklayer has just landed a major industry award, using his platform to urge young Hunter locals to consider a career on the tools.
Bailey Govett, 22, was this month crowned Apprentice of the Year at the Bricklayer Contractors Australia Annual Awards at the Canada Bay Club.
A third-year apprentice with Crouch Bricklaying who studies at TAFE NSW Newcastle, Bailey had dreams of becoming a carpenter but fell into bricklaying after deciding his first career choice, carpentry, wasn’t for him.
What began as chance has become a rewarding career for Bailey, who is encouraging young locals to consider a career in the trades and help address a crippling local trades skills shortage.
“The construction industry will always be around and there’s such a shortage of skilled tradespeople here right now,” Bailey said.
“If you’re a hands-on person who’s not really into books and studying, a trades career is a great option that could set you up for life. It’s a job that keeps you physically fit and you get to see the fruits of your labour after each day’s work.”
The National Bricklaying Apprenticeship Status Report revealed bricklaying apprenticeships would need to double to meet current demand, so pronounced is the industry skills shortage.
Bailey said this month’s award had further fuelled his confidence to build a career in the trade.
“I couldn’t believe I’d won it and it just made me feel so recognised,” Bailey said.
“My Certificate III in Bricklaying at TAFE NSW will open up other avenues for me, including potentially working as a building supervisor or in project management.
“I’d also like to open my own bricklaying business one day.”
TAFE NSW Newcastle Head Teacher of Bricklaying, David Lange-Smith congratulated Bailey on the award and joined him in urging young people to consider a rewarding career as a bricklayer.
“There is still a huge shortage of quality bricklayers and the future is very bright for Bailey,” David said.
He said the bricklaying industry was battling a stubborn skills shortage, worsened by a construction boom and an ageing workforce.
IMAGE | Local bricklayer Bailey Govett (middle) with (from left) TAFE NSW Newcastle Head Teacher of Bricklaying David Lange-Smith and CEO of Brick and Block Careers, Luke Radford.
