From the tools to teaching

Meet Tom Blackledge, a rigger/scaffolder turned high risk work license trainer and assessor at the Employee Development Centre (EDC). A familiar face in the industry for nearly twenty years, Tom's journey reflects the diverse career pathways you can explore at Monadelphous. 

Tom started at Monos back in 2001 when he cut his teeth on projects like Area C, Yandicoogina, Finucane Island, and the Dampier Port Expansion.  

After a bit of a break, Tom returned in 2010 with a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and a Cert IV in training and assessment. He picked up right where he left off, juggling roles as a rigger, scaffolder and assessor/trainer in Collie. 

In 2010, Tom took a detour into the Safety division, climbing the ranks to become a safety adviser and then a senior safety adviser in 2011. But the call of training was strong, and in 2012, he made the move. 

"Assessment of skill levels and training are such an integral part of the construction business as it is the key to raising awareness of safety factors and the delivery of safe work practices," Tom said. 

Tom's career hit a high note in 2016 with the Engineering Construction – Energy, Ichthys Onshore Facilities (MEC-2) Project in Darwin. He not only lent his skills to the project but also had a hand in setting up the EDC Darwin Syrimi Road training facility. 

The real adventure came in 2017 when he jetted off to Mongolia. Working closely with project personnel and the Mongolian government departments, Tom built, established, and ran a training facility in Ulaanbaatar (UB) that supported the OT project. 

"It was a two-year rollercoaster, but we got our high-risk work licenses in Mongolia, and the Minister for Mines and Energy handed them over personally," Tom recalls. 

For Tom, skilled employees are the backbone of any workplace, and he takes pride in being part of a company that values a well-trained workforce. 

"From the hot climate of Northern Australia to the freezing conditions in Mongolia, I've had the opportunity to work in interesting conditions and meet a wide range of people, providing many memories and ongoing friendships," Tom said. 

Outside the hustle and bustle of construction, you'll find Tom enjoying downtime with family and friends, working on home projects, and chilling on the verandah with a view of the bush and dams. 

As Monadelphous grows, Tom's journey is a testament to the different paths you can take within the construction family. 

Fancy following in Tom's footsteps? Take a look at the Skills Mentor expression of interest we’ve just opened, ready for the right person to jump at the opportunity.    

As a Skills Mentor, you'll have the chance to share your hands-on skills, experiences, and stories from previous on-site trades to mentor our new construction workers as they advance in their construction careers. 

Submit an expression of interest by clicking below or emailing careers@monadel.com.au.