22-year-old wall and ceiling liner, Cody Outen, won the Apprentice of the Year award from the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (ACWI) two years in a row (2022 and 2023). He was also named their 2024 Apprentice Challenge winner. But it’s not just a trophy chest full of silverware that makes him passionate about his job.
Life as a wall and ceiling liner
“It’s the foundation of everything,” he explains. “Whoever hangs the ceiling, it needs to be done properly because everything else depends on it.
“I really like our trade,” Cody continues. “I like the physical aspect of it and there’s heaps of different things to do every day. We set out the building, read the plans, chalk the walls out, frame it, sheet it, flush it. We put the noggins in and the timber for other trades.
“I think our trade is the best. It’s the most diverse. We do a bit of everything.”
Changing apprenticeships
Despite his enthusiasm for the job, Cody admits it wasn’t what he initially set out to do.
“I was going to do a pre-apprenticeship for a heavy diesel mechanic. I actually did that for six months, but then the guy who my dad and my brother work for was looking for apprentices. I decided it would be a good idea to work with my old man. That, and the money was better!”
Have there been any dramas working with family?
“Nah,” Cody laughs. “If anything, I think I’ve been favoured because of my old man. He took me under his wing, taught me all the secrets of the trade. You definitely do the more basic jobs as an apprentice, but I’ve been really lucky.”
Apprentice awards season
Lucky, and talented. While Cody might have been given an easier ride from the crew that he describes as “a good bunch”, it’s not just because of working with his dad: it’s because he’s good at what he does. Twice named as ACWI’s Apprentice of the Year, Cody was also awarded a certificate of merit in 2024 and won the silver medal for plastering fibrous in the 2022 AWCIANZ’s national competition.
“For my apprenticeship I got to compete in the AWCI challenge for apprentices in walls and ceilings. The winners and second place got to go to Queensland to compete against the other states. WA won.
“It was my 4th year that I went to Queensland. So it was my final challenge and I got to go to Queensland, and we won.”
The importance of an apprenticeship
Cody might have natural ability, but he also stressed the importance of the qualifications he’s gained along the way. He praises the combination of on the job training and gaining practical skills that an apprenticeship or traineeship offers.
“I did TAFE and I’ve got a cert III in wall and ceiling lining. That means I have a trade certificate. If you don’t want to do an apprenticeship, you’re just a labourer.
“I’m a tradesman so I’m paid more money and I’ve got more opportunities. I can switch companies, become a supervisor one day.”
Why should someone become a wall and ceiling liner?
“You do something different every day!” Cody says, when asked what advice he’d give to someone considering an apprenticeship.
“If you like a diverse trade, this is the one for you. It’s harder but it’s much more interesting. The team’s pretty close, full of people to have a yarn with, listen to music with. It’s fun.
“It’s a pretty physical job; the job I’m on at the moment we’re having to carry the sheets up two flights of stairs. You’re having to do things one-handed too, so you have to be fit.
“I was good at maths at school and there’s heaps of measurements and adding up. But lots of it’s common sense. Anyone can do it if they want it enough. And when you see a building or a job that you’ve done, there’s a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
Follow Cody’s pathway into construction
If you think a job like Cody’s would be something you’d enjoy, contact CTF to learn about pathways into the industry. There are a number of different opportunities, like pre-apprenticeships, school-based pre-apprenticeships/traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as other routes and financial support. CTF are here to help and support you on the journey.
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