Supporting Women In The Industry

USHER GROUP: Supporting Women In The Industry By Hollie Faye

In the face of a global pandemic, many business owners had to make fast and hard decisions to protect their businesses and the livelihoods of those they employ.

But unlike some businesses, Usher Group founder and managing director, Theodore Vairaktaris, found a way to ensure he could repurpose some of his apprentices in a creative manner. “I thought it was a really good idea during the COVID-19 pandemic to use some of our talented female apprentices to work with and teach how to install art and grow our art crew with females for a change,” Theodore said.

After starting his multi-million-dollar business almost 20 years ago, Theodore has been a major advocate for women within the paint and wider trade industry.

“It is so awesome to see more girls coming into the industry and seeing the passion they have for their trade,” he said.

By Hollie Harris www.paintersdomainmagazine.com.au

When asked what got them into the industry, First-Year Apprentice Aimee Kernot and Fourth-Year Apprentice Sarah Austin said it was sheer determination to build a career for themselves and gain life skills that could be transferred into any task.

“The skills you learn during your apprenticeship can be used a lot through life,” said Aimee.

“I am a creative person and wanted to follow a career where I could use that creativity and it’s cool to see what you can create with some paint,” she said.

Working alongside Theodore, the girls have gained some invaluable skills that they do not get the opportunity to perfect on a day to day basis.

“His passion is insane. We’ve learnt a lot of different techniques that we don’t get to do very often on everyday sites,” said Sarah.

“We’ve gotten to perfect our skills a lot more and be a bit more precise and delicate with what we do,” she said.

The mural has incorporated a couple of interesting features if you look closely. Within the name of Usher, you will be able to see the faint Gold Coast skyline painted in. This is to pay homage to the city where Usher Group started. Theo has said on multiple occasions that the Gold Coast will always be the home of our headquarters.

Also, some of the buildings seen in the background of the artwork are some of the companies most memorable projects including our first commercial tower, Victoria Towers and the Star Casino.

During their time working on the new Usher Group mural, the apprentices have reflected on what got them into the industry to begin with and whether they have enjoyed it as much as they thought they would.

“I always knew I wanted to be a painter; I was brought up around the industry. My pop and dad are very talented and creative painters and I too found the passion for it and pursued it as a career,” said Sarah.

“When you first start in the industry you are a little nervous, but then you meet all the boys and they really care and look after you. I’ve never looked back,” said Aimee.

Check out the video below to watch the mural come to life.

ushergroup.com.au