A little help goes a long way

2026-01-19

In the first of a monthly series profiling alumni from The Gordon in GT magazine, builder Mark Little reflects on how his time there helped him establish Little Constructions and later become President of the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

Image of Mark from Little Constuction

What led you to a career in the building industry?

My grandfather was a painter and my father was a plumber, so a trade was definitely in my blood.

I spoke with my parents and they said I could leave school at the end of year 11 on the condition that I got an apprenticeship, so off I went.

I originally wanted to be a landscape gardener, but it was 1994 and Geelong was still heavily impacted from the Pyramid collapse. I remember going through the Yellow Pages and calling nearly all the builders who advertised in there, looking for an apprenticeship.

When nothing came of those calls, I called them all again six months later. Then someone who I hadn’t called heard about me from someone who I had called, and rang me and offered me an apprenticeship.

How did your time at The Gordon shape your career?

My time at The Gordon was great. We had a great class, some really skilful individuals like Mark Mounsey, Damien Jacques and Ionel Miela. We all helped and pushed each other.

And teachers like Stewie Owen, Mark Hyde, Geoff Van Halen and Laurie Lowndes. Thanks Laurie. (“That’s Mr Lowndes to you.”)

What was the most valuable lesson or experience you took away from The Gordon?

I never really was good at maths. Algebra was a real battle.

But as soon as we brought the Little Red Roofing Book out and applied rise over run, everything clicked and I excelled.

Besides your own experience, has your family had any other connection with The Gordon?

I am super proud of my daughter too. She completed her floristry course last year and won Student of the Year. It’s an amazing achievement for her.

I know full well what it means because you don’t set out looking to win awards, you just go about your tasks to the best of your abilities. When you’re recognised ahead of your peers, it’s pretty humbling.

I’ve been fortunate enough with my time at Master Builders of Victoria to judge the Geelong region’s Apprentice of the Year awards. A number of the apprentices nominated came from The Gordon and were always of high quality.

Can you share a milestone or achievement in your career that you’re most proud of?

Every house that we build is an achievement. They are all unique in so many different ways and specially formed for our clients’ lifestyles.

To see bare dirt from Meredith, Batesford, Moriac, Bannockburn, Teesdale, Wallington and Barrabool become someone’s home and help them along their journey – there’s a lot of responsibility there.

Being president of the Master Builders Association of Victoria from 2021–2023 was also a real highlight. Again, to be elected by your peers and become the first ever regional member to be president was pretty special.

Image of Mark Littles daughter Ayva with her Student of the Year award

What’s on the horizon for you and Little Constructions in 2026?

We’re really looking forward to the opportunities that 2026 will bring.

In the downturn a couple of years ago we restructured, and are doing fewer homes now, but are focusing more on the relationships with our carefully selected clientele.

We already have some unique projects lined up and can’t wait to showcase them.

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates looking to follow a similar path?

The Gordon gives you such a great foundation, really gives you knowledge and skills that you can then build on in your chosen career.

With a proud legacy of over 130 years in education and training, The Gordon has a diverse and always growing alumni community! 
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