Lifetime Homes Apprentice, Mitch Gregory, won the Lance Barnard Memorial Award at the Tasmanian Training Awards, 6 Sept 2019.
Not only was he a finalist for Apprentice of the Year, but he took out this prestigious annual award, which has been presented for 21 years, and recognises “those who achieved through the diligent application of practical skills and ability”. Congratulations Mitch, we are so proud of everything you have achieved and are lucky to have you on our team at Lifetime Homes!
Peter and Sharon with Mitch
Some photos and key parts of Mitch’s application for the Tasmanian Training Awards, 7 June 2019:
Background:
I developed a love of design and building from a young age. In primary school I loved to design and build with Lego and tinker about in the workshop with scrap materials. In high school I designed and built a house out of cardboard and later in my teens I enjoyed designing and making my own furniture. This led to an interest in residential housing and design and pursuing a career in the Building and Construction industry.
Using the drop saw in the early days
Experience:
I will complete my Certificate III in Building and Construction in June 2019. Work experience throughout my apprenticeship with Lifetime Homes has been varied, involving:
- building new homes, including the Lifetime SmartHome: Tasmania’s first Universal Access display home;
- completing complex home modifications;
- fine furniture and timber LED lights; and
- taking on a leadership role where I designed, quoted and project managed a small commercial project, requiring me to research and ensure compliance with AS1428.1 Design for access and mobility.
Mitch studied AS1428.1, and used these learnings in his concept design, cost estimate and executing the build process.
Further Study:
In addition to my apprenticeship, this year I am currently doing a Certificate IV in Building through Master Builders Tasmania to pursue my passion in building, and plan on doing further study in Design for a well-rounded future carer in the building industry for many years to come.
Team and Communication skills:
I believe teamwork is key to any workforce and without good communication and teamwork there will be many mistakes and lots of frustration. At Lifetime Homes we work really well together. We have light hearted banter and enjoy a good laugh at ourselves which helps to make the workplace one that is fun and enjoyable. We all know each other quite well and our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other – we encourage, learn from and build on our skills as a team.
Other pursuits:
In my spare time I enjoy looking online at new trends and techniques in the building industry, new tools or technology and different ways of doing things in other countries. For example, I have enjoyed learning the Japanese technique: ‘Shou sugi ban’ and have used it on many projects.
Mitch using Japanese technique ‘Shou sugi ban’
Mitch’s custom made feature lights
Outside of work, I have been a volunteer junior fire fighter, and a long-term volunteer for a disability support provider. I have really enjoyed spending time with the guys at a local group home for people living with a disability: chatting, playing 8 ball, sharing a BBQ etc. Lately I have been volunteering there by doing gardening and maintenance using the skills from my apprenticeship. It’s about being part of a community and helping others. This particular area of volunteering has helped me to contribute to Lifetime Homes’ key focus on helping build homes for people with a disability.
