TAFE NSW, Media Release, 18 August 2025

Many hands make light work – and strong families. Just ask Moss Vale’s Harkness family, which with the help of TAFE NSW, is in the midst of an extraordinary bricklaying dynasty.

All three brothers in the family – Bruce, 20, Barry, 18, and Max, 15 – are third-generation bricklayers and 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 a 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 three Harkness bricklaying brothers all still reside at the family’s Moss Vale home as well as working alongside each other during the day, and attend TAFE NSW Wollongong one day a fortnight to refine their hands-on skills and knowledge.

Oldest brother Bruce, a fourth-year apprentice, said his love for bricklaying runs deep in his DNA, and the prospect of living and working alongside his family was something he relished.

“We all get along fine and never fight,” he said. “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 and I love it.

“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 and when I have kids, I hope they feel the same way.”

Bruce last month finished second in the bricklaying category at the Worldskills Nationals in Brisbane and 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 TAFE NSW teacher has such 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.

TAFE NSW 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.”