Buildsafe Partners with Men of Business Founder Marco Renai to Launch ‘First Lift’ Program Strengthening Construction Workforce

Gold Coast, Queensland – Buildsafe, one of Australia’s leading construction services providers, has announced a landmark partnership with youth development leader and Founder of Men of Business, Marco Renai, to help design and launch its new ‘First Lift’ workforce development program.

This initiative marks a strategic shift in the construction industry- moving beyond traditional technical training to focus on the ‘human infrastructure’ of the workforce.

The partnership represents a full-circle moment for both parties. Nearly a decade ago, Buildsafe was a founding benefactor supporting the early expansion of Men of Business, where Marco Renai helped establish a nationally recognised model for mentorship, education, and work pathways for young men.

“First Lift is about helping Buildsafe navigate its next phase of growth by embedding a human-first culture across its national operations,” said Mr Renai.

 

“It’s about creating genuine connections. The more human we become, the more reason people have to stay –  while at the same time providing them a framework for professional and personal growth.”

In an industry often characterised by transient workforces and high-pressure environments, the First Lift program is a 12-week development initiative designed to accelerate both the technical competency and the personal capability of new and existing staff.

A key component of the program is the introduction of a People and Capability Coach role, designed to work directly with Buildsafe teams in the field.

The inaugural appointment to the role has been made in Queensland, with Aubrey Stothers stepping into the position.

Stothers brings a diverse background spanning vocational education, youth development, health promotion, and strength and conditioning for professional athletes.

His experience across performance, wellbeing, and workforce development positions him to translate the program’s philosophy into everyday practice across Buildsafe’s teams.

“In sport, performance is never just physical — it’s mental, emotional and about the strength of the team around you,” said Mr Stothers.

 

“First Lift applies that same thinking to the workplace by helping people build the habits, mindset and connections that support long-term success.”

With Marco Renai’s extensive experience supporting and mentoring young people and building purpose-driven communities, combined with Aubrey’s expertise in physical performance, coaching and mental and emotional wellbeing, the partnership brings together a powerful combination of program design and real-world delivery.

Unlike traditional HR roles, the People and Capability Coach operates directly in the field, leading 30-minute morning “scrums” that balance technical safety skills with “heart topics” such as communication, mental health awareness, physical wellbeing habits, and personal ownership of safety.

The program reinforces key messages across sites to ensure the ripple effect of knowledge and behaviours.

By embedding structured check-ins, conversations, and action points, First Lift streamlines and enhances induction from day one, and by the end of the 12-week program, lays the foundation to plan the next steps for each participant; whether it’s accumulating experience hours, diversifying product training, or moving into crew leadership and leading hand roles.

Buildsafe sees the First Lift program as a critical tool for attraction and retention.

According to Buildsafe CEO, Mike Shipton, these factors, combined with the proven success Buildsafe has had in developing its workforce over the past 25 years, which is why the business is making this investment as it seeks to scale the way it supports and grows its people.

“We’ve invested heavily in building the business, and now we’re investing just as deliberately in our people,” said Mike Shipton, CEO of Buildsafe.

 

“We want to provide a pathway where someone can start with us at the very beginning and not only build a great career but grow as a person along the way. First Lift helps us maintain the culture, flexibility and personal connection that make small teams great, while giving our staff the opportunities of a big business.”

Renai believes the program represents a meaningful opportunity for Buildsafe to differentiate themselves in a competitive labour market.

“By the time a recruit finishes the First Lift program, they aren’t just a number — they’ve built a connection with the people in their teams and the wider company,” added Mr Renai.

 

“This is why I’m partnering with Buildsafe on this program, because I believe in investing in people and providing an environment that helps them thrive. Strong relationships are often overlooked in today’s workplaces, and I’m excited to support Buildsafe in building a program that puts this element front and centre in the way it develops its people.”

Marco Renai is the Founder of Men of Business, a Gold Coast-based initiative that empowers young men to find their future through education, mentorship, and work pathways. He is a recognised leader in social impact and community development.