Success Stories and Testimonials
Meet the apprentices who’ve built successful careers through our programs
What Our Tradies Say
Real words from real apprentices and industry leaders
“From an early age, I knew the building and construction industry was where I wanted to be and it’s exceeded my expectations. Every day brings fresh challenges and exciting opportunities.”
Rebecca Lamont
Managing Contractor Rep-Lendlease
Winner 2025 HiViZ Outstanding Woman in Construction
“What I enjoy most as a bricklayer is the sense of achievement. You begin a project, and by the end, the finished wall speaks for itself.”
Antony Tedesco
Qualification: Bricklaying
Occupation: Partner, Brickwork by Art
“A school based VET program set me on the path to a trade and a career I love.”
Fergus Milne
Qualification: Carpentry
Occupation: Director, Milne Projects Director, Milne Projects
“There is no recipe to success. You just have to work hard and back yourself. If you have enough passion and persistence to work at it, you WILL get there!”
Bailee Major
Qualification: Carpentry
Occupation: Site Supervisor
“A trade qualification gave me the skills, confidence, and direction to build a career I truly love.”
Hugo Kregar
Trade: Carpentry
Estimator and Project Manager, Kregar Building
“The best part of completing my trade is knowing I have skills that will last a lifetime.”
Matt Downie
Trade: Electrical
Director – Trades, Banton Australia
Hear From Our Success Stories
Watch real testimonials from apprentices who’ve transformed their careers
Testimonial
Litsa Adamou (House Inspection) Hear firsthand about the apprenticeship experience
Success Story
Matt Beckwith (The benefits of the Born to Build program and young Apprentices)
Career Journey
Luke Callery (Career Transformation Story and the importance of Born to Build)
Industry Insights
Nathan Shanks (GC&J Group) Learn about opportunities in the construction industry
Isabella LaVista
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PEER apprentice, Elec Mech Services SA
HiViZ 2025 Rising Star and Tradeswoman of the Year
“As a kid you obviously don’t know the ins and outs of a job and what it’s really like to work full time. But I knew I wanted to do a trade because I loved the idea of being able to build something. The feeling of finishing a large commercial job and seeing months (or years) of work and problem solving come together at the end is really satisfying.”
Scott Salisbury
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Managing Director – Scott Salisbury Homes
South Australia's most awarded home builder
“I began my apprenticeship at age 17, working alongside my father in carpentry. I learned strong work ethics, craftsmanship, and the principle of ‘do it right the first time.’ By age 30, I obtained my builder’s licence and launched the Scott Salisbury Group, now comprising four brands.”
Kristina Shepherd
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Project Manager / Architect – Thorne Construction
HiViz Award Finalist
“After completing an Architecture degree at the University of Adelaide, I progressed from minor drafting to overseeing design, tendering, project coordination, and client relations. In just over 5 years, I was a HiViz award finalist (2021) and led two successful Design & Construct clubroom projects for Football SA.”
Richard Hough
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Strategic Development Lead SA, Paynter Dixon
Senior Management
“I started as a cabinet maker apprentice at age 16. I progressed through commercial projects into supervision and project management. Now I oversee large-scale construction operations and work on developing training resources to support future industry leaders.”
Testimonials
What our apprentices and industry partners have to say
“Born to Build is a no-brainer to me. Starting my career as an apprentice bricklayer, I know that having a trade can open up a lot of opportunities. I had two sons come out of high school with the misguided perception that if you don’t go to university, you’re a failure. Getting to schools and opening the minds of the students to the idea that an apprenticeship in the building industry is a positive avenue to a successful career is imperative.”
Dino Pietrobon
“Inspiring high school students to choose a career in the building industry is the first step to an apprenticeship. The Master Builders Born to Build program brings our industry into the classroom and equips students to help build our great state. I’m on board!”
Andrew Marshall
“Born to Build is really important as apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry. Without suitably trained and experienced people coming through, our industry will suffer badly. Born to Build also helps build the profile of being a tradesperson so that it clearly demonstrates it is a very worthwhile career option.”
Richard Bryant
“Apprentices and trades are the future of our industry. Born to Build supports and informs school students about the career opportunities available in the ever-growing construction industry. By showcasing the variety of opportunities, it inspires the next generation of construction workers.”
