Nation’s Top Bricklayer headed for success, thanks to ABBTF

WorldSkills Australia is thrilled to announce, Sam Spong, 2015 Bricklaying Skills Squad member from Illawarra as the successful recipient of the inaugural ABBTF World Class Bricklaying Development Scholarship.

The scholarship, established in March 2014 by the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF) and WorldSkills Australia, is designed to strengthen the Australian Bricklaying category on the international stage.

Geoff Noble, CEO of ABBTF says, “ABBTF recognise that the standard of competition has increased over recent WorldSkills International events with many countries increasing their investment in preparing competitors for the competition. ABBTF is keen to see Sam Spong achieve his highest possible level of performance at the international competition and believe that support through the scholarship is the most effective way of achieving this outcome”.

The scholarship will provide Sam with the best possible chance of securing a position as a 2015 Skillaroo and the opportunity to further equip him with the confidence and ability to not only compete but to excel at the highest level of skill against competitors from other countries.

“Previous bricklaying competitors have done well at international competitions with scores within reach of the gold medal. The support of this scholarship aims to bridge the gap but also set the bar at a higher level of performance,” says Geoff Noble.

The scholarship will assist Sam with financial support enabling him to prepare and train for the event outside of his workplace. It will also provide the necessary tools and equipment he requires and support him through world class training and mentoring from bricklaying experts and ABBTF personnel.

Since being awarded the scholarship, Sam has been undergoing intensive training with his Training Manager, Troy Everett and Compatriot Support Expert, Eric Davis. The most recent of his training endeavours saw Sam and Troy travel to Denmark for a 10 day training expedition where Sam competed and trained alongside international bricklaying competitors at the Denmark National Competition.

“The scholarship will develop Sam’s skills by continuous hands on training. In bricklaying it is the attention to detail and aiming for perfection under the pressure of competition which is important. The preparation will ensure he is mentally prepared and focused on competing at an international level”, says Geoff Noble.

The official announcement of the 2015 Skillaroos who will proceed to represent Australia at the international competition will be made by WorldSkills Australia in May 2015.