Luke Stopp

In the a couple/few years I did contracting work for a mate gyprocking again for a while and then maybe after about 6 months, my good mate and I decided to start our own business, that went well for about a year and a half maybe two, had a few people employed all that stuff, but that ended falling through unfortunately, but picked up work still doing gyprocking for a different mate which I’m still currently doing!

• When I had first started they had taught me how to use the how to use the equipment that was around the factory in a safe manner, because dealing with the stone slabs can be very dangerous
• I use to help unload the trucks when they would rock up with the the stone deliveries so they would be in and out, so no one was in the way of anyone, as well at help load the bed saw up
• I’d keep the end of the bed saw unloaded so there were no hold ups in the production line/producers, to ensure we were moving at the best speed we could
• I was put in charge of keeping the mitre saw, polishing machine, and the alexia (a cut out machine so we didn’t have always cut sinks/under mount sinks but hand) going, which that was majority of the factory line
• I got taught how hand polish the edges, and to polish under mount sinks, I also learnt how to polish different profile edges and how to blend joins in on site, I was also taught how to glues up (mainly 40mm, sometimes 60mm and the rare occasion 100mm)
• I was also put on the road with the boys for a bit too so I had learnt on how to install the stone kitchens, bathrooms, vanities in the best manner with any damage, as well as as islands with slab ends (waterfall end)
• We had to very exact on a measure some days as we done a lot of vein match job, where we would run the veins around the 40mm, and up the splash backs from the cooktops
• We also had to have a good eye for detail, ensure there wasn’t any unwanted marks or scratches on the stone before installation, then put a plastic film over it for a layer of protection during transportation

This was my first job as contractor, I use to work for a bloke called Tim, he had a crew of “fixers” (we hang the gyprock sheet on the walls and ceilings) this is when I had got taught most of the basics (not much to learn at all)

• When I was a MTA (Motor Trade Association) we had done a few course, we had been given theory test and practical test!
• We had when we were in the workshop area, we had got show the basics of what it would be like and how a workshop should move!
• In amongst all the training, practical and theory test, they had allowed us to pull our cars onto the hoist and give a full inspection, we would do a personal one and then to have a trainer come over and tell us what we missed, and what some indication area of worn parts or parts that need to be replaced

• As my responsibilities I had to provide my best work. I had got taught quickly, I had to pick it up pretty quick too!
• I was always double checking my work too make sure I hadn’t missed a thing so ensure it was safe to hang from the ceiling, the whole team had a part to play in this!
• We all had a part to play when loading the containers with the bulkheads we were to hang, we had wrapped them up in thick truck blankets to ensure we wouldn’t scratch the painted and finished surfaces! As well as the carts we use to built, we would wrap them in bubble wrap!
• I had always made sure we had a clean workshop so it was safe for us to be using the power tools and equipment!

• I use to unload and stock a lot of the timber, PVC pipe, restock a lot of the hardware items as well!
• If I had ever notice anything wasn’t in the correct I would pull it out and relocate it to the correct spot!
• I would always help out in unloading of the trucks so they could be in and out as quick as they could!
• I when I had notice a customer walking around i would offer to help as much as I could with the knowledge I had at the time, I would also fill/re-fill gas bottles
• If I ever had any spare time I would go around and check to see what stock we had left and make sure everything was 110%