You may have seen him online beating the competition – and breaking records while he was at it! Taj Ward, a fourth-year carpentry apprentice in Adelaide, took the internet by storm last July. His world record-breaking lifesaving performance went viral with more than 26 million views.

While his sporting achievements have made headlines, Taj is also making waves in the building industry as he recently completed his apprenticeship with HIA member James Wagner at Heritage Building Group.

Taj spent the past four years refining his skills and balancing trade school training at the Adelaide Training & Employment Centre (ATEC) with onsite experience. He also developed an eye for detail that set him apart.

Reflecting on his journey, he describes it as going from ‘nothing to something’, taking pride in the skills he has built along the way.

‘I’m proud of my attention to detail, especially with finishing touches such as caulking. I love being part of a team and being able to stand back and say, “I built that place”. 

‘The support from HIA has been a huge benefit. The way safety is maintained and PPE is provided has been so helpful.’

Ater completing apprenticeship last October, Taj has continued to work with James, as well as enrolling in HIA’s Certificate IV in Building & Construction. He’s set his sights on becoming a project or site manager.

Breaking records in lifesaving

Taj’s determination and skill aren’t limited to the worksite. Recently, he made headlines by setting a world record in lifesaving at the SA Pool Rescue State Championships.

Last July, Taj set a new benchmark in the 12.5-metre line throw, a highly technical event requiring competitors to throw a 17-metre lightweight rope to a ‘patient’ at 12.5 metres from the edge of the pool, and pull them to safety as quickly as possible.

Taj completed the feat in an astonishing 8.69 seconds, smashing his own previous record of 8.99 seconds. His initial record-breaking time of 8.99 seconds had already ended a 12-year streak of 9.01 seconds, proving that Taj is truly at the top of his game.

‘I’m incredibly proud of this record,’ he says. ‘The goal of having a good work/life balance has definitely been successful. I feel the qualities I have learned and practiced on the worksite have lent themselves to my lifesaving pursuits and vice versa.’

His incredible achievement has captured global attention, with footage of his world-record-breaking performance viewed over 26 million times online. You can watch it for yourself here.

How lifesaving has propelled Taj’s construction career forward

When he’s not on the tools, Taj can be found patrolling the beaches with the Seacliff Surf Lifesaving Club, where he’s part of a close-knit team dedicated to keeping the coastline safe. He credits the club for fostering a real sense of inclusiveness and teamwork, values that have helped him thrive in both his apprenticeship and his lifesaving career.

With his outstanding work ethic, commitment to his trade, and world-class sporting achievements, Taj Ward is a true inspiration. We can’t wait to see what he achieves next.

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First published on 19 March 2025.