Samuel Spong

• Age: 21 years

Competitor in Skill: Bricklaying
Country: Australia

• How did you get interested in your skill?
I was labouring for my boss’ father during the school holidays, after which he offered me an apprenticeship.

• Where did you do your training for your skill?
TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute, Wollongong Campus

• How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
My TAFE teacher suggested competing in the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition when I was in the early years of my apprenticeship.

• Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My employers and the encouragement from the teachers at Tafe.

• What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?


• Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
Sitting with the whole team at the awards night at Perth and being one of the first categories being called out and winning gold.

• Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
Memorable comes to mind and surreal.

• Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Socially, I have gained confidence. I have met some amazing people across Australia and overseas that I will remain friends with. Professionally, I have become aware of the job opportunities across the world. I have become respected in my own industry and am being offered work regularly with bricklaying.

• What do you currently do? Where do you work?
Bricklaying around the Southern Highlands and Goulburn region.

• What are your future career aspirations?
Become the best bricklayer that I can.