55 years in the trade and 39 apprentices later, Ben is still passing it on.
From starting his own apprenticeship in 1971 to training the next generation of carpenters today, Master Building Works’ Ben shares what five decades in the building industry have taught him about the trade, young people and passing on what you know.
When Ben started his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in the heart of Sydney in 1971, things looked a little different.
It was a five-year apprenticeship. He earned $27 a week, walked to work and lived in shared accommodation where, according to Ben, if you put food in the fridge, there was a good chance someone else would “scoff it”.
Now 72, Ben has spent 55 years working in the building industry. Along the way, he’s worked across residential building and major civil projects, built his own business, Master Building Works, and helped train 39 apprentices.
Today, he continues to pass that experience on to the next generation, including three CCGT apprentices currently working alongside him.
We caught up with Ben on site to talk about how apprenticeships have changed, what young people bring to his team and why he believes a lifetime of knowledge is there to be shared.
What was it like starting your apprenticeship in 1971?
“It was brutal when I did my apprenticeship. It was a five-year term with a master who treated me badly. He never really let me succeed. He never gave me compliments about my work. It was just harsh and dollar-driven.
“That made me the opposite.
“I decided I’m a compassionate person and I’m going to treat my people well. I bring it all up on kindness, really.”
You’ve trained 39 apprentices. Why do you keep doing it?
“They’re young and energetic… young brains, each with their individual bit of genius.
“I’m an older bloke, but I’m not stuck in an old groove. I appreciate having younger people around with that energy who want to learn.
“We know within them there’s a little bit of genius, and we’ve got to work out the best way to bring that to the surface. Everyone is so different.”
What’s changed for apprentices since you were starting out?
“When I was an apprentice, they used to say, “You’re an apprentice. You’re not getting paid to think. Just get over there and do that. We don’t want to hear from you.”
“I’m the opposite. We like things done a certain way, but there’s always latitude. This is what we’ve got to achieve, but someone is allowed to come up with a better idea.
“I’m a free thinker. If someone wants to come up with a better idea than me, I like that.”
“I always get blown away by young people. There are some really good ones who have a mindset of accuracy and efficiency, and they bring that to the work team.
“It’s not all about me. I know what has to be achieved, but there are always a few different ways to achieve it. They’re allowed to be free thinkers and come up with a good idea.”
What’s been the most rewarding part of training apprentices?
“I get a lot of joy out of seeing them further themselves in life and become good carpenters and joiners.
“I’ve got people who come back to me 40 years later and go, “I can’t believe you’re still in the game!”
“I enjoy setting up their futures and giving them the ability to earn a living as a carpenter and joiner. It’s a very honourable trade.”
After working with CCGT for many years, what do you value most about our partnership?
“I like working with the team because they get things done. I like that because I’m in that mindset too. And they make it easy for you, taking care of everything. It’s about making things happen.”
What would you say to another business considering taking on an apprentice?
“Open up your business arms and teach someone what you know. Don’t take it with you.
“You’ve got to impart that knowledge. You weren’t meant to accumulate all that knowledge throughout your lifetime and then take it with you without teaching somebody else.
“My work is a big thing in my life, and so are the people I work with. There has to be a lot of fulfilment. A good team of people and that personal connection.”
After 55 years in the trade, Ben’s still building, still learning and still passing it on. With three CCGT apprentices currently working alongside him, there’s plenty of knowledge being shared, skills being developed and, as Ben would say, a little bit of individual genius still to be discovered.
Interested in partnering with CCGT? Whether you’re looking to host an apprentice or trainee for the first time, or want to learn more about our workforce solutions, our team is here to help.
📞 02 4353 2655
✉️ info@ccgt.com.au
CCGT’s Host Employer Spotlight series features the local businesses we partner with. We support a diverse range of industries here on the Central Coast, but they all have one thing in common. A commitment to providing a supportive, hands-on learning environment for our apprentices and trainees.
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