After more than a decade working as a carpenter a Kellyville tradie has launched his own building design business to make the most of Western Sydney’s infrastructure boom and turned to TAFE NSW to skill him up for the job. 

With Greater Western Sydney’s population expected to reach 2.9 million by 2036, the Sydney Housing Supply Forecast estimates the region will need around 725,000 additional homes over the next 20 years to accommodate a growing and aging population.

Kellyville local Benjamen Gibb (Pictured below, right) lived in Queensland before relocating to NSW with his young family to pursue building projects in new housing estates across the west including Marsden Park, Box Hill and Oran Park. 

He enrolled in a Diploma of Building Design at TAFE NSW Granville to learn practical skills in Computer Aided Design to help take his business, Gibb Residential Concepts and Design, to the next level. 

“My experience and understanding of the construction industry paired with the knowledge I have gained from TAFE NSW has given me the confidence to make design decisions and has allowed me to expand the calibre of projects I work on,” Benjamen said. 

He has built new homes, renovated existing houses and supervised residential projects and although work has slowed slightly due to the current pandemic, Benjamen said he’d like to take on some apprentices to grow his business. 

As the apprenticeship market continues to be affected by COVID-19, employers like Benjamen will play a crucial role in providing jobs and skills to apprentices as the economy recovers. 

“Apprentices are of great value to businesses because they’re an extra hand on the job site and are learning from industry experts. As my business expands, I’d be willing to take on some apprentices because I remember how much experience I gained from my apprenticeship— they are skills I’ll have with me for life.” 

TAFE NSW Architectural technology teacher Fadi Fadhil praised Benjamen for the launch of his new business in a rergion that is seeing a major investment in infrastructure and construction 

“Despite the recent pandemic, skills in the construction industry are in demand as the government invests record spending to speed up infrastructure projects so it’s a great time Benjamin to be working in the industry,” Mr Fadhil said.  

“The Diploma of Building Design gives students fundamental conceptual design skills and advanced computer modelling capability, vision and creativity, that are skills businesses need to thrive in the industry.” 

To find out more about the Building Design courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601. 

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.