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Media release
TAFE NSW Wollongong | 18 August 2025
Harkness family builds bricklaying dynasty with TAFE NSW
“Working outdoors alongside my family in an industry where there is so much opportunity for a rewarding career is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I love it.”
Bruce Harkness, fourth-year bricklaying apprentice
Many hands make light work and strong families. Just ask Moss Vale’s Harkness family which, with the help of TAFE NSW, is building an extraordinary bricklaying dynasty.
All 3 brothers in the family — Bruce, 20, Barry, 18, and Max, 15 — are third-generation bricklayers. They work under the guidance of their dad, Jobe, in the family business, J&S Harkness Bricklaying.
Joe’s father was also a bricklayer while the boys’ aunty, uncle and first cousin are all TAFE NSW-trained bricklayers.
As the bricklaying industry battles a skills shortage worsened by a construction boom and an ageing workforce, the Harkness family is doing its bit to prop up local industry.
The 3 Harkness brothers all still reside at the family’s Moss Vale home. As well as working alongside each other during the day, they attend TAFE NSW Wollongong one day a fortnight to refine their practical skills and knowledge as part of the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.
Oldest brother Bruce, a fourth-year apprentice, said his love for bricklaying runs deep in his DNA. The prospect of living and working alongside his family is something he relishes.
“We all get along fine and never fight,” he said. “Bricklaying makes you mentally and physically strong and gives you an opportunity to open your own business once you’re qualified. I feel honoured to be continuing in the family tradition. When I have kids, I hope they feel the same way.”
Last month, Bruce finished second in the bricklaying category at the WorldSkills Nationals in Brisbane. He was recently named the region’s bricklaying Apprentice of the Year. He said TAFE NSW Wollongong had played a critical role in his success.
“My teacher has amazing experience and he makes learning fun,” Bruce said. “The facilities at TAFE NSW also really simulate what we face in industry.”
The National Bricklaying Apprenticeship Status Report revealed bricklaying apprenticeships would need to double to meet current demand.
Wollongong bricklaying teacher Mick Mattesius said all the Harkness brothers shared the same passion for the industry and drive to improve.
“They want to engage, learn and apply what they’ve learned and I feel fortunate to be their teacher,” he said. “A lot of older bricklayers are worn and torn and are looking to get out of the industry. We need intergenerational bricklaying families like this to keep the industry going.”
“It’s a wonderful trade and there are so many opportunities for a rewarding career.”
Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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