TAFE NSW Apprentice and Yarramundi local Declan Posper has picked up a prestigious 2021 Apprentice of the Year Award for Brick and Blocklaying.

Declan was acknowledged as the best Brick and Blocklaying Apprentice at TAFE NSW Nirimba at the awards, which are staged by Masonry Contractors Australia as part of their mission to improve the quality, reliability and integrity of the industry.

Declan, who is studying a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying at TAFE NSW Nirimba and works at Eden Brae Homes was over the moon with the result.

“I was surpirsed to hear that I had won this award and It was crazy to be named as one of the best brick and blocklaying apprentices in NSW,” he said.

“This award will give me the motivational boost to keep learning all that I can to improve my skills and make a good career from this industry.”

Declan was nominated for the award by TAFE NSW Brickaying Teacher Warren Boyd, who said the Certificate III in Bricklaying/ Blocklaying is a nationally accredited course and fully subsidised under JobTrainer.

“Declan is another example of the high calibre of graduates produced at TAFE NSW. Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in bricklaying, we know there is a strong commitment by the government to promote major infrastructure projects, this is a very positive thing for job seekers,” Mr Boyd said.

TAFE NSW Team Leader of Building Finishes, Llewllyn Biggar, said Declan was one of five TAFE NSW brick and blocklaying apprentices to receive excellence awards.

“I’m proud of the level of quality demonstrated by these apprentices – it’s a testament to their commitment and to the excellent support provided to them by our teachers and our state-of-the-art practical training facilities,” Mr Biggar said.

“TAFE NSW brick and blocklaying apprentices have a strong track record in winning awards like this, but, more importantly, they excel at getting employed and getting ahead.”

According to research conducted by the Australian Government, more than 20,100 people are employed in bricklaying, blocklaying and stone masonry industries Australia-wide annually.

For more information about courses at TAFE NSW or via TAFE Digital, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au