This unique job meant that I successfully completed three months of specified work in regional Australia, subsequently, achieving a second year Working Holiday Visa. This job allowed me to gain copious and various knowledge in the stonemasonry trade, acquiring and developing an artisan skill of the highest level. Consequently, executing what I learned, to convert to be a key employee in the repair, restoration and conservation on Australia’s most iconic heritage buildings across South Australia and Victoria. Some of these include the Adelaide Central Markets, Elder Hall at the University of Adelaide and the quintessential Wesley Church in Melbourne.

After experiencing an insight in the stone trade from my time at Made In Granite, I knew that this is the industry where I wanted to pursue a career in and could achieve great things. I wanted to learn all aspects of the industry, starting off with gaining the artistic trade skills and knowledge of a stonemason. Initially, I was set to work alongside one of the most recognised, knowledgeable and skilful stonemasons in the trade, in which I spent 8 hours of the day learning every aspect of monumental stonemasonry. The observation and tutoring that I received, gave me the ability for an insightful, artistic and unique knowledge from all aspects and skillsets of a mason and the trade. The unique stonemasonry skills that I equipped included the cutting of stone by hand and CNC, the polishing of granite and marble, sandblasting, letter cutting, basic carving and impressive creative artwork that monuments acquire and finally the installation and fitting of monuments all acrosscemeteries in the UK. I gained industry knowledge and skills in using a wide variety of equipment and tools to ensure industry standard from manufacturing, artwork and craftsmanship and installation for the end customer.

A period of part-time work, whereby - as Student Supervisor of my High School – I would monitor the behaviour of younger pupils and help to ensure a safe and effective environment for both students and teaching staff. This allowed me to understand the benefits of teamwork and the importance of efficient and correct management procedures. Maintaining the cleanliness of the lunchtime areas at the school and making sure the premises were safe taught me to have an eye for quality and detail.