Career change a perfect fit for stonemason apprentice

A LISMORE apprentice is carving out a new future in the stonemasonry trade, after a surprise career pivot led him from delivery driving to crafting high-end kitchen benchtops.

Shane McKay, 23, had been struggling to find full-time work after leaving school and was looking into apprenticeships when he landed a one-week trial with a Ballina stonemasonry company — and never looked back.

“I was doing nothing with my life, and it got to the point where my sister demanded I find a more solid career,” he said.

“I knew I’d found my calling as soon as I started. It really has changed my life.”

McKay is now a third-year apprentice with Ballina business B&H Stone, where he works with natural and engineered stone to cut, shape and polish kitchen benchtops.

“It’s a great feeling working on a marble or granite top all week and then fitting it at a job and seeing the reaction of the client,” he said.

He’s also studying stonemasonry through TAFE NSW, travelling to Sydney seven times a year for intensive one-week blocks of training.

“Going to TAFE is a whole different ball game because I’m able to use tools, like a hammer and chisel, that I just wouldn’t use normally,” he said.

“It’s really broadened my skill set and built my confidence.”

McKay hopes to eventually start his own business focused on building rock and sandstone walls for residential properties.

TAFE NSW head teacher of stonemasonry Michael Landers said graduates were in high demand, with a national shortage driven by an ageing workforce and competition for skilled labour.

“Stonemasons work on everything from heritage buildings and monuments to new construction and ornamental sculptures,” he said.

“It’s extremely gratifying to create things with your hands that will last longer than you do — and knowing you can help preserve these magnificent old buildings or help a grieving family cherish the memory of loved ones.”