Bricklayer Jason Seiler believes promoting skills excellence is crucial to a sustainable Australian economy, which is why the WorldSkills competition means so much to him.
“Achieving a Gold Medal in Bricklaying at Regionals has helped me take my trade more seriously. I’ve found my next chapter in this industry,” he said.
A rock-solid performance
Jason described his WorldSkills experience as a “unique opportunity to take part in more complex and intricate projects,” which he doesn’t often encounter on a day-to-day basis.
With that comes stress.
“Learning to manage the pressure of competing has been my biggest challenge so far,” he said.
“Thankfully I’ve had experience managing small projects, not to mention a little friendly rivalry during my apprenticeship, that’s helped me build up stress tolerance.”
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The competition has taught Jason many things, from the value of investing in himself, to exposing him to the endless amount of things he can learn within the industry.
“No matter how old you are or where you’re from, everybody has a different way of doing things. There’s always something you can improve,” he said.
Jason’s Skillaroos Training Squad selection left him speechless, and he acknowledges those who’ve contributed to his success.
“My bosses, Alex Cipriani and Chris Waide took me on mid-way through my apprenticeship and their teachings have set me up not only for WorldSkills, but my career itself. Wayne and Jimmy from Trade Academy WA, who’ve spent countless hours training me. Wayne, in particular, is so enthusiastic and motivational. He’s been there every step of the way,” he explains.
He also credits his mother for her unwavering support.
“My mother, who is my biggest supporter in not only bricklaying but in life,” Jason said. “She was the one who encouraged me to start my apprenticeship in the first place. I can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done.”
And behind all he does in life, not just competing, is also the memory of his little brother who passed away some years ago.
“He’s my someone to look up to,” he explains.
A business ownership dream
Jason envisions a future running his own business with a small team, “I’d love to be able to influence younger lads to jump into bricklaying to make sure this once-popular trade thrives.”