Master Builders acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters where we work and pays respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
This year, the theme of NAIDOC Week is to “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.”
The theme recognises the unyielding spirit of our First Nations people, and celebrates the rich tapestry of traditions, stories and achievements that make up the Indigenous identity across the nation.
Master Builders recognises its important role in providing workplace opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We acknowledge their achievements by highlighting stories and celebrating their success throughout their Master Builders apprenticeship and career journey.
Apprenticeships are among the strongest means available to our youth for transitioning from school into meaningful and sustainable employment. At the end of May 2023, 95.6% of people who had completed a trade qualification were employed, and 91.4% were satisfied with the skills that they had learned on the job, as recorded in the 2023 National Student Outcomes Survey.
Tim Moggridge, Managing Director of Yabaa Group, an Indigenous Host Employer for Master Builders shared his thoughts on the importance of these opportunities, particularly for our Indigenous Youth.
“Apprenticeships are extremely important; it is up to us to support this generation and give our youth the chance to close the gap through education and training. This is the single biggest opportunity we have to make a difference.”
The value of an apprenticeship extends beyond the workplace for our youth, adds Tim.
“An apprenticeship sets you up with skills for life and provides you with a certain way that you approach a job (big or small) that can be applied beyond the worksite.”
Indigenous Master Builders Host Employers such as Yabaa who offer apprenticeship opportunities for our Indigenous Australian youth are delivering tangible job outcomes that can have a long-lasting effect on our communities.
Of all apprentices currently employed by Master Builders, 5% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Training an apprentice can have a positive impact at a team level, not just for the individual says Tim.
“Becoming an Indigenous Master Builders Host Employer has been such a fantastic experience that has given our tradespeople purpose to support and guide our young apprentices.”
BuildSkills Australia released a report detailing how the country is short 90,000 skilled tradespeople necessary to meet the national housing accord’s target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The high demand for workers in the construction industry presents a unique opportunity for young people looking to get started in the industry.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Master Builders Host Employer to give young people a chance to learn a trade and transform their lives, visit our website.