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When the Sky is the Limit Wayne’s High Access. Bringing glazing to new
WHEN THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Bringing glazing to new heights.
For 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. “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.” 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 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 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. 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.” 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.” 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. “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
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01 The WHA team celebrating with the final panel to be installed in the ANZ Building façade at 839 Collins Street, Melbourne. 02 & 03 WHA glaziers perform some complex rope access installations. Images supplied.
perform glazing!” exclaims Aaron. “By being a member of AGWA, we get the opportunity to raise our profile and ensure the continual education of our team. It is imperative that our personnel are updated on what is happening within the industry and to learn about new skills, innovations and materials,” says Aaron. “We always promote our involvement and membership with AGWA, it demonstrates our interest in maintaining our capabilities and skills as well as demonstrating that we are part of a bigger picture that is fully supported and functioning,” explains Aaron. “Our continual membership assists in raising the profile of the Accreditation Scheme as well as that of its members. We hope that other like-minded business also see the benefit of the Scheme for the industry and themselves.” WHA also believe that their customers benefit from this. “Our customers have confidence that our team is fully capable and experienced and we are supported and recognised by the Association,” says Aaron. “We will continue to support the Scheme as it has always supported us. We will always seek to improve and to ensure that we maintain our accreditations and commitments to employees who wish to further their careers in glass and glazing trades and skills.” WHA are a highly adaptable and self-sufficient team with dedicated staff and technicians who share the passion in growing WHA to new heights. With many years’ experience in trade-based competencies, site knowledge and engineeringbased project management and administration, WHA provide their customers with a multi-disciplined and value added service offering. 02
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Wayne’s High Access Pty Ltd 4/300 Macaulay Road, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051 1300 942 476 www.wha.com.au
