Taurean shows gift for his craft

METICULOUS: Gympie bricklayer Taurean Thompson is one of 12 bricklayers Australia-wide invited to an industry-first training program to further develop his skills.

Craig Warhurst

WHEN Gympie’s Taurean Thompson left school, the last thing he thought he’d end up doing was bricklaying for a living.

You could say life took him on a couple of detours before he eventually commenced an apprenticeship with his dad Owen and discovered he had a real aptitude for the trade.

Later this month, the 27-year-old will down tools and head to Sydney as one of 12 bricklayers Australia-wide invited to an industry first training program giving the nation’s brightest and best bricklayers an opportunity to further develop skills in their craft.

Taurean says having the chance to work beside his dad, an old-fashioned brick craftsman and builder, as well as working with another well-known Gympie bricklayer, Andrew Hosking, gave him an edge in the selection process.

“I was lucky to be able to do some out-of-the-box things with them,” he said.

Enjoying intricate and detailed brick work, Taurean prides himself on being a meticulous and accurate bricklayer who likes challenging himself and experimenting with creative projects.

“I’m incredibly excited that I was chosen to do this program ...

“I hope to do Gympie proud and bring back what I’ve learnt to help shape the next generation of Aussie bricklayers,” he said.

In addition to being a qualified bricklayer, the nominees had to demonstrate leadership qualities, passion for bricklaying, exceptional craft skills, and commitment to the building and construction industry. The Brick Masterclass is being held in Sydney’s Chowder Bay on February, 24 to 28 and is a five-day intensive live-in program for the finalists.