Based at Holden Hill, South Australia FCTA is registered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST). We offer the same training qualifications in Bricklaying, Solid Plastering, Wall & Ceiling Lining and Tiling as any TAFE.
By now all apprentices and employers should have received a copy of their scheduled trade school times. We are a flexible business, so if you need to arrange different dates, please contact us for any changes at admin@fcta.com.au. As always, if you need to send your apprentice in on short notice, we’re happy to help.
FCTA- Building Careers have introduced an award for the most outstanding student to complete a pre-apprenticeship. Angelo was voted the best pre-apprentice by the trainers who worked with the team every day, with an average score of 90% across all his practical projects. Angelo is seeking an apprenticeship in Wall & Floor Tiling, but unfortunately does not have his license at the moment. That aside, it is easy to see the enormous value Angelo will be able to add to any work place. If you are seeking an apprentice in the north eastern suburbs with a great work ethic and proven ability, please call us at FCTA (8367 5615) to discuss the range of government incentives available.
FCTA trainers, Phil Adams, Warren Baff & Phil Sweet presenting Angelo with his award and certificate
The students have graduated with a Certificate II in Construction Pathways. This group has been enormously rewarding to work with, with a possible 5 apprenticeship outcomes. We celebrated with a team BBQ and presentation of the certificates.
With only 1 week left, most of the team are either trying to complete final tasks, or on work experience. Brandon has been offered a solid plastering apprenticeship after completing a weeks worth of work experience. Which makes 2 confirmed apprenticeship, with another 2 possible for the team.
The team have now decided on their preferred trades, and are now completing some advanced projects. Quite a few of the students have been completing work experience this week, but will back to provide updates on their experience next week.
David working on a tiling task
Zac cutting tiles
Cameron with his tiling project
Zac & David Tiling
Brandon branching out into wall & ceiling lining
Michael building a pier with an indent
The state government is proposing changes to the driving license system, that may results in people not being able to hold a “P-plate” license until they are 18. Amongst a range of propositions being put forward, the idea of increasing the age to 18 will have a serious effect on young peoples abilities to secure an apprenticeship. A site has been setup for people to provide feedback on the proposed changes. FCTA encourages all those in the building industry, and young people seeking an apprenticeship to provide the government with their feedback. Visit http://dtei.sa.gov.au/towardszerotogether/article?item=50 to highlight your concerns.
Ray with his completed project
Ray completed a pre-apprenticeship course at FCTA before finding work as an apprentice bricklayer. This week he completed all his trade school training, with his final project – building a fireplace.
This week the students continued on with tiling and solid plastering tasks. After a hectic few weeks, all the students have now had the chance to work on tasks in Bricklaying, Tiling and Solid Plastering. This helps students work out which trade they most enjoy before trying to gain an apprenticeship. There has been research into the success of Pre-apprenticeship courses, in helping students achieve and complete apprenticeships. Across all the various industries, the building and construction industry was one of the few that highlighted the success of these courses in helping students gain and complete apprenticeships.
FCTA is a family business, started by Jim Baff in 2001 and grown by Lorraine Baff since Jim’s retirement. Each month we like to have a BBQ with all the students so we can hear about what’s happening in the industry. It’s a popular event and a good way to get to know everyone. Our flexible timetable means apprentices, and per-apprentices to get meet other people in the trade to discuss the industry.
Jim Baff & recently completed apprentice bricklayer, James Bell
Team BBQ
Daniel Telling has completed his last unit as an apprentice, and will now be going through the ‘sign off’ procedure to officially become a fully qualified Bricklayer. FCTA trainer, Paul Adams, rates Daniel as amongst the best bricklayers he’s seen. Attached are some examples of his work, and images of other apprentices at FCTA this week.
Tiling apprentice Aaron with his completed curved wall project
Chris busy at work
Former pre-app student, and now Bricklaying Apprentice, Riley, building a gothic arch.