Nigel Croke

Bricklaying

How did you get into the industry?
It was my uncle that got me interested in becoming a bricklayer. He knew a ‘Brickie%27 who required a labourer; from there I was offered an apprenticeship.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
Yes, bricklaying is a good profession to get into from being outdoors to the people you meet.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
The competition has opened my eyes to the whole trade industry and has helped me generate new work. WorldSkills success looks good on your resume.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Yes as it gives you the opportunity to do things in your trade that you may not get to do in your everyday work.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being outdoors and the hours we work.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
My goal is to start up my own crew and then eventually go into building my own line of project homes.

Achievements
Macquarie Region Competition 2007: Gold
National Competition 2008: Gold

Expert

Troy Everett

Troy is employed at TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute and has been involved with WorldSkills Australia since 1992- and has been running Regional Competitions for Illawarra since. He has been Chief Judge and Designer of the National Competitions since 2002. Troy was Expert in Helsinki (2005) and Deputy Chief Expert in Japan (2007) and Canada (2009). Troy encourages Nigel and all Skillaroos to consider that %22Representing your country is an honour, but also a responsibility- so view your selection as an opportunity, not a prize%22.