About Bob
Bob is a 78-year-old retired director of a residential building company, which is now run by his son. In his 60 years of experience in Construction, the pathways into the industry have changed, but the need for hard-working, reliable employees has not.
“My most proud time in the building game was supervising the Kangaroo Valley Ambulance Station in my role at a local community volunteer organisation, directing a squad of volunteers to complete a very pleasant and well-used building.”
How did you get into Construction?
I've always been a pragmatic person and watching the building process at my school as a young boy, my interest was certainly sparked.
I was one of the last so-called 'silver hairs' (builders from a previous generation) to take the builder’s exam. At the time of my application for a building licence, I already had many years of practical work under my belt as a toolmaker.
In 2009 my son and I formed our present residential building company, which he and his wife now run very successfully.
Apprenticeship
I left school at 15 and started an apprenticeship with a company where my father was a toolmaker.
Started family business
Founded a residential construction company with my son.
Retirement
I was 77 when I finally decided to hang up my tools but keep a hand in helping my son when necessary.
An entry exam and ongoing study
The builder’s exam was conducted by the Building Industry Skills Centre and was extensive and culminated in a building licence being granted, and later in certificates for further study at TAFE. Part of the exam required a visit by an examiner to my home to assess further information, and I was given the task of quoting a building.
A fulfilling career for life
I glided into building and learnt on the job, which is probably more difficult to do these days due to the cost of employing those new to the industry. It takes a lot of energy and time to train apprentices. Getting good tradespeople can be a challenge as this industry does not always appeal to young people nowadays.
I have not found any impediments to block the work my wife and I have undertaken over the years being self-employed and owning our business. Obviously, regulations have been implemented over the years in the building industry but have not been a burden, except where they resulted in cost increases.
Why did you choose a career in Construction?
An early interest in mechanical work
In my opinion, depending on many factors in their early life, people develop skills such as being particularly good at the mechanical tasks in life, or more suited to say academic occupations, or today being very good at IT industries. I was drawn to the former.
The courage to take on the dirty jobs
To enter the building trade in whatever capacity, one needs tenacity as there are some pretty hard, demanding and unappealing jobs to do in the building process. Over the years training many apprentices, we have found that some make it, others don't.
What does a day in the life of a Construction Director look like?
I've always risen at 6:30am or earlier if meeting with a contractor, but it also depends on the location of the job. It can be a few kilometres or more.
When arriving on the job, it's a case of giving instructions to our contractors – they might be colleagues and clients. I've always cherished morning tea, where we can all talk together without the busyness of work.
The central office is usually on the work site. There is little room to have flexible hours as one trade relies on another to have their part completed on time.
Bob's career tips
Be ready to do the hard work
One must be ready to do the hard graft and when one starts in construction, it's about cleaning up sites and disposing of spoil. But be prepared for something new every day.
Be respectful and have a sense of humour
Collaborate with respect for one another's work problems on the day. One must also have fun to lighten the load. We celebrate over a beer on a Friday afternoon after work. From time to time, we go out to dinner.
Maths and business studies are good preparation
It’s a misconception that one doesn't have to study for a career in Construction. Courses in mathematics and business studies are an absolute must in this modern age.
Frequently asked questions
We use Xero accounting software together with organising based software for scheduling. For many Construction professionals, their smartphone, computer and software are indispensable tools.
My own son went through the process of becoming an apprentice carpenter. He attended TAFE, obtained his licence and then took time to obtain his building licence. It is an arduous task to take on. Most of the young men who now have building companies went through the same process. You can even begin by being a bricklayer or an architect and then proceeding to take the exams. The easiest path is to apprentice yourself and come up through the ranks, which will take a minimum of 4 to 5 years.
It can be challenging to get started in Construction. Being an apprentice usually involves doing the unglamorous jobs. It also means balancing study with working, and with the cost of living now, that is not a financial situation that everyone can take on. But with a good employer who gives their apprentices proper guidance and opportunities, an apprenticeship can be a learning experience that will set you up for a rewarding career.
Communication skills are essential. It is vital for the smooth running of any project for the various people involved to be in regular and effective communication. It is also important for dealings with clients. People don't realise the risk builders take on when entering a contract with a client, so communication must be spot on.
Another important trait is being a self-starter. There are multiple areas where both young men and women can enter the trade, from top tier large builders of both residential and commercial works to middle builders and down to single residential builders. One needs to be proactive and seek out these opportunities.
Actual building doesn't change that much, one block needs to be placed on the next and so on. AI will be useful in some areas no doubt.
One way to keep up with the changes is to have a network of friends in the industry. It can help to talk to more experienced professionals who have been there before you. I am asked questions around how to startup a business and around insurance such as home warranty insurance, which is difficult to get for young startups. Learning never stops, particularly with changing regulations.
Any support I received was from people already in the trade, those experienced tradies on the job – I took their advice seriously. I have found that building workers are most cooperative if they are treated with respect. There are some excellent apprentices out there who work for excellent builders and will progress to being builders themselves in time.
Additional questions about Construction?
NSW Careers has a team of industry experts who can talk to you one-on-one about what it’s like to work in this industry.
