Training champions brick by brick

By Hamida Parkar

Bricklaying expert Troy Everett is a very busy man. When he isn’t teaching at TAFE NSW’s Illawarra Institute, the bricklaying trainer, mentor and judge is preparing competitors for the “Skills Olympics”.

Everett is currently grooming Lester Tibbles, a member of the “Skillaroos” who heads to London next year to compete at the 2011 International WorldSkills competition.

Lester successfully competed in the WorldSkills Australia regional events and then won Gold at the national final. Contestants had to build a number of complicated projects over three days testing their skills in reading a plan and then setting out and laying bricks and blocks with precision.

Everett, who has been a Worldskills Australia coach since 2003, says he could see Lester’s potential right away.

“Right from the way he walked, turned or the little things he did [with his technique], Lester had a purpose to what he had doing,” Everett says.

“He didn’t just turn up at the competition. He had a game plan; he was always thinking two or three steps ahead. His demeanour was perfect and he kept his cool under pressure.”

An International WorldSkills competition is held every two years. Our Skillaroos were placed 5th against 51 countries in Canada last year. The noise, action and scrutiny from judges at that level is intense leaving many of the young competitors literally shaking in their boots.

“Lester is a well-grounded country lad. The indications are that he will take instructions and stick to the winning attitude. I am sure we can build a good partnership,” he says.

Bricks will be imported from London so Lester can train using the bricks he will use during the international competition. It’s all part of a structured training program designed by Everett.

Everett says WorldSkills and the apprenticeship organisations such as the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation were working hard to develop the next generation of talent and avoid a skills shortage.

 “Companies need to view training as an investment,” Everett says. “The mindset is changing, employers do realise that they will reap what they sow.”

Those interested in finding an apprenticeship can look for an advertised job, contact a friend or family member in the sector or even approach possible employers cold.

Everett says after landing an apprenticeship the focus should be on “getting the bricklaying technique right rather than speed.”

“We teach our students to learn the right way first, whether slow or fast.”

“Learn what you can, build your knowledge and work with a few different employers in different locations to observe how they operate. Get a well-rounded view and build your credibility and gain wisdom before working on your own.

“I know employers today seek reliability first—it plays a big part (in hiring). They would rather employ someone average who is on time, than a hot dog who is a liability.

 “It’s never too late or early. If you are willing to put in the effort, go for it. All you need is adept hand skills and compatability with this type of work, especially the physical and visual bits.

“It is a very rewarding trade once you get into it. You can move on to other areas —become a builder, supervisor, inspector or contractor.”
 
Or you can coach students for International Skill Olympics Competitions like Everett.

CareerOne.com.au. July 19, 2010.