10
GLASS & WINDOWS
MEMBER PROFILE
WHEN THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Bringing glazing to new heights.
“Glazing works should be conducted under the guidance of a glazier that can perform rope access if required, not a rope access technician that can perform glazing!”
F
or Wayne’s High Access (WHA), the sky is the limit. Employing abseiling techniques, high access systems, elevated work platforms, booms and scaffolds, WHA provide clients with a full range of glass and glazing services. “Whether it’s glass site measures, emergency deglaze works, glass supply, transport to site, or disposal of damaged glass, we offer solutions for all facets of glazing and deglazing,” explains Aaron Callegari, General Manager, WHA. “We provide our own plant, equipment, materials, skilled labour and glaziers who can perform works via a range of access solutions including complex rope access if required.” WHA began operations in June 2008 when Managing Director Wayne Birrell ventured out on his own after working with abseiling companies for many years. His vision was to start a successful and enduring business where rope access technicians and skilled labour could use their trade qualifications, knowledge and capabilities in combination with their passion for rope access.
such as 130 Lonsdale Street, Elm and Stone, The Classic, 889 Collins Street, and ANZ at 839 Collins Street.” WHA are driven to continuously provide value to clients, recently investing in the Winlet 750 – a robotic glass lifting machine that can move and lift glass from an internal space. “We have also invested in several counterweight cranes that provide an anchor position for lifting and loading glass wherever we need it,” adds Aaron. Along with many other construction service businesses, WHA are susceptible to market challenges. “We foresee a slowdown in the rate of multi-story tower construction as well as a shortage of glass supply, particularly from our Asian suppliers as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe,” says Aaron. Throughout the pandemic, WHA noted that highly skilled teams were sought after as companies struggled to maintain their works under restrictions. “We are not heavily reliant on other suppliers or operators to perform our works,” explains Aaron. “Our long-term goals are to explore new markets and regions and potentially set up offices and services nationally in Queensland, Adelaide and Tasmania, and internationally.” WHA are hopeful of continual success, growth and prosperity and plan to foster existing and new relationships.
“Our mission is to provide an environment where our growing team of young professionals can incorporate their years of industry learning and trade based knowledge and qualifications to provide solutions to complex façade and asset issues, wherever they may occur,” explains Wayne. “We define ourselves by our capabilities rather than the access method required to achieve them, and that’s what sets us apart.”
According to Aaron, the industry has changed immensely over the years. “There are more rope access technicians now than ever, particularly during the pandemic,” he explains. “These technicians enter the industry with little to no experience, particularly with glazing works. In the past there were only a handful of competent companies offering this service, where now there are many small companies who try their hand at glazing with varying success. We have worked hard to prove that glazing with qualified labour and technicians and working from a rope can be safe and productive, making it a costeffective option to perform deglaze and re-glaze works.”
From humble beginnings, WHA now employs 65 people in Melbourne and 10 in Sydney. “We are proud of fostering a company where technicians can learn about glazing and be exposed to this work,” says Aaron. “We also have an apprenticeship program where mature aged technicians can work full time with us while achieving a Certificate in Glass and Glazing from Holmesglen TAFE.”
WHA believe the quickest way to raise the quality of the industry is to continually invest in quality personnel. “We promote the hiring of trade-based skills and personnel rather than just hiring rope access technicians,” says Aaron. “We are keen to see our competencies galvanised within the rope access industry and the Standards that govern each of our trade-based competencies.”
WHA are innovative in the way they approach their glazing works. “Our service offering includes qualified glaziers, our own equipment and materials, as well as the supply and transport/disposal of glass,” says Aaron. “This has allowed us to be a fully functioning glazing operation working closely with some of the biggest builders across Melbourne and Sydney. We have successfully completed landmark projects
As active members of AGWA, as well as the ARAA (Australian Rope Access Association), WHA feel that the industry needs a body that manages and continually updates on new legislation, skills and regulations.
BUILTVIEW
ISSUE 07 AUTUMN 2021
“We need it to be very clear that glazing works should be conducted under the guidance of a glazier that can perform rope access if required, not a rope access technician that can
