Meet Rob: Mechanical plumber and Certificate IV student with Builders Academy Australia
We caught up with Rob Neill. Rob is currently doing his Certificate IV in Building and Construction and works as a mechanical plumber with Essential Air Conditioning. To find out more about his job and why he has taken on a Cert IV, scroll through the gallery below. Cheers, Rob!
Name: Rob Neill
Job title: Mechanical plumber
“I started in general plumbing. Two years into my apprenticeship I decided to switch over to commercial. Before this role, I did a six-month stint up in Darwin to get some additional experience working on domestic projects.”
“There are different aspects learnt in both domestic and commercial jobs. I was keen to get experience across both. So an opportunity came up in Darwin and I thought it would be cool to learn a few different things and gain more exposure.”
“This project is a block of apartments. A basement and three levels of apartments. We’re pretty close to the top floor now. We started with ventilation works in the basement and then it’s all roughing in.”
“I usually get here about 6.45 for a 7am start. The previous night I’ve already sorted out my tasks for the day. Sometimes there’ll be a site meeting if there are any changes we need to know about. We’ll go over plans with the builder and work out what needs to be adjusted.”
“I enjoy the technical side of these types of projects. They are quite in-depth and there’s heaps to consider on these bigger jobs. It’s working out problems and organising yourself around other trades, dealing with a wide range of people and keeping them all happy. I work with a good crew, too – it makes a huge difference!”
“I’m still deciding what to do next. One option is to go and work for a builder as a junior contracts administrator or in a junior manager role. Do that for a couple of years to learn more about the finance side of things before I go out on my own.”
“I’m doing the Certificate IV and will probably go on to do the Diploma of Building and Construction. It’s in the classroom and it’s really good because we’ve got such a good crew of people. All sorts of different people, from all walks of life. We have a laugh, y’know.”
“My advice is to take on more responsibility. Try and push yourself, say yes to things that are a little bit out of your depth. You learn how to manage things that way.”
Legend. Thanks, Rob.
Looking to take the next step in your career in building and construction by taking on a Certificate IV or Diploma? Contact our team at 1300 LEGEND (1300 534 363) or fill out our enquiry form on our contact page and we will get back to you with all the information you need.