Our history, awards & milestones: Celebrating 20 years at BAA

17/06/2025

Builders Academy Australia is officially 20! That’s two decades of helping future tradies get qualified, backed by trainers who’ve been there, done that, and thousands of students who’ve gone on to build careers and lifelong mateships in the industry.

To celebrate, we’ve pulled together some of our proudest moments, standout student stories, epic milestones, and the partnerships that helped shape who we are today. Whether you’ve studied with us, taught with us, or cheered us on from the sidelines, this one’s for you.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF BAA – Built by Industry, For Industry

Established in 2005 as House of Learning, Builders Academy Australia (BAA) began as the dedicated training arm for Simonds Homes, one of Australia’s largest and most respected homebuilders, founded in 1949.

In 2021, BAA proudly became part of the UP Education group, further strengthening our commitment to delivering nationally accredited, industry-driven qualifications that lead to real careers in the building and construction trades.

A Look Back at 20 Years of Milestones

From our humble beginnings in 2005 to becoming one of Australia’s most awarded training providers, Builders Academy Australia has been on one incredible journey. Over the past two decades, we’ve not only helped shape the careers of thousands of tradies, we’ve also been recognised for the quality, impact, and heart behind everything we do.

2005

Simonds Homes establishes House of Learning, laying the foundation for what would become one of Australia’s leading vocational education providers.

2015

House of Learning rebrands as Builders Academy Australia (BAA), reflecting its specialised focus on training the next generation of building professionals.
CWBTS (City-Wide Building and Training Services) joins the group as BAA’s sister organisation, expanding the group’s reach and delivery model.
Ali Musai joins the organisation, marking the beginning of a transformative leadership journey that would shape the future of BAA and CWBTS.

2018

Awarded Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year, recognising excellence in vocational education and training.

2020

Winner of Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year.
Crowned Australian Small Training Provider of the Year, a national recognition of educational quality and student outcomes.
Partnership with Tradeswomen Australia was proudly established.
Partnership with Top 100 Woman was proudly established.

2021

Receives Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year for the third time, solidifying its status as a leader in the training sector.
CEO Ali Musai recognised as a Top 100 Women Male Champion of Change, celebrating his commitment to supporting women in construction.

2022

Named a Finalist – Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year, recognising our continued growth, quality education, and impact across the vocational education and training sector.

2023

Ali Musai, CEO – Honoured as a Top 100 Women Male Champion of Change, recognising his advocacy for gender equity in the building and construction industry.
Priya Gurung, Team Leader – Named one of the Top 100 Women in Construction 2023, celebrating her leadership and impact in the sector.
Manie Rangan, General Manager – Recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction 2023, highlighting her dedication to excellence and innovation in the industry.
Partnership with 100 words – Mate to Mate was proudly established.

Joseph Odisho: Proof That Great Builders Start at BAA

“They’ve helped me progress by giving me that extra knowledge
to be able to do my own thing, you know, run my own business.”

– Joseph Odisho | Diploma of Building and Construction Graduate

Joseph Odisho is a standout example of where hard work, passion, and the right training can take you. With a dream to one day run his own building business, Joseph enrolled with Builders Academy and never looked back. Supported through the Victorian Tuition Fee Free initiative, he completed his Diploma of Building & Construction and is now a registered builder and the director of Advanced Builders Group. His story is one of many that show what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

Read Joseph’s full story here

Trained by the Best: Meet Our Award-Winning Team

Our trainers aren’t just educators, they’re seasoned builders who’ve spent years on the tools. They’ve built homes, run businesses, led teams, and now they’re here to pass on that real-world experience to the next generation of tradies. Backed by an award-winning team and a training provider recognised nationally for excellence, our educators bring passion, know-how and genuine care into every classroom. It’s all part of our commitment to giving students the best possible start in the building and construction industry.

“I can sit there and relate to the students because
I’ve been in that same situation as well.”

– David Russo | BAA Trainer and Assessor

Partnerships with Tradeswomen Australia and Top 100 Women

“It’s good to see other women coming to support each other
rather than soldiering on by themselves.”

– Gemma Murray | Certificate III in Carpentry

To promote gender diversity in the construction sector, BAA has established formal partnerships with organizations like Tradeswomen Australia and Top 100 Women. These collaborations have contributed to a 200 per cent increase in female student participation, fostering a more inclusive industry environment.

Projects with Purpose: How BAA Gives Back

Over the past 20 years, Builders Academy Australia has done more than just train great tradies, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and pitched in where it counts. From helping young people get a foot in the door, to backing diversity in the trades and supporting those doing it tough, we’ve always believed in using our skills to make a difference. Because for us, building a better future means giving back to the communities we’re proud to be part of.

Simonds Building and Trade Program

In collaboration with SEDA and Simonds Group, BAA launched the Simonds Building and Trade Program, targeting Year 11 and 12 students. This initiative provides hands-on experience and pathways to apprenticeships, helping young individuals gain practical skills and a head start in the construction industry.

Empowering Communities Through Pathways into Construction

Builders Academy Australia is proud to partner with Kowanj in a shared mission to empower individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities through accessible, high-quality vocational education. Together, we’re delivering the Certificate II in Construction Pathways, a nationally recognised pre-apprenticeship qualification designed to provide participants with foundational skills in the building and construction industry. This partnership represents more than just a training program—it’s a gateway to meaningful employment and long-term careers in one of Australia’s most vital sectors.

By combining Kowanj’s community connections and cultural expertise with Builders Academy’s industry-leading training and experienced educators, we’re creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Participants are equipped with practical hands-on experience, safety knowledge, and the confidence to step into an apprenticeship with clarity and purpose.

Watch an Interview with Ash, CEO of Kowanj Australia

A Message from Ali Musai & the BAA Team

From humble beginnings to becoming an award-winning training provider, Builders Academy Australia has spent the last two decades doing what we love: helping people build their futures.

To our dedicated trainers and staff, thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion, and experience. Our students past and present, thank you for trusting us with your education and letting us be a part of your journey. To the families who’ve supported their loved ones while they’ve studied, and to our incredible industry partners, thank you for standing by us and helping shape what BAA is today.

Over the past two decades, we’ve trained thousands of tradies, launched game-changing community programs, backed award-winning initiatives, and helped shape the future of the building and construction industry. And we’re just getting started.

Join the Celebration

We’d love for you to be part of this milestone moment. Help us celebrate by sharing your BAA memories, photos, throwbacks, stories, or shoutouts, on social media using the hashtag #BAAturns20. Whether you studied with us, taught with us, worked with us, or supported someone who did, this celebration is for you.
Here’s to 20 years of building futures and many more to come.

— Ali Musai & the Builders Academy Australia Team