The team in Pt Augusta has been busy developing their hand skills, with a focus on practical projects. Most of the team are from the Pt Augusta, Quorn and Whyalla region, where these types of courses are not normally available. This course was fully funded by the CITB as a way of getting more people into the industry. While the building industry is experiencing a short term slow down, the longer term trend shows a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople being available in the building industry. Reflecting this is research from the ABBTF, indicating the average age of a bricklayer is 46.