From Craftsmanship to Building Science: How the pro clima Scholarship Shaped Jimmy Oldham’s Journey

For Jimmy Oldham, building has always been about craftsmanship and attention to detail. But discovering building science gave him a new perspective on what it means to build well.

As the founder of June Building, a residential building company in the Northern Rivers, Jimmy is passionate about creating healthy, high-performing homes that genuinely serve the people living in them for years to come.

His journey into Passive House began relatively recently, when he came across the pro clima Passive House scholarship.

“As a carpenter and builder, I pride myself on good craftsmanship and attention to detail, so once I started going down the rabbit hole of building science, I had a real urge to learn more and get the knowledge to build better with confidence.”

At the time, Jimmy had only a basic understanding of Passive House principles. He had picked up some theory through online content and conversations with other builders, but he didn’t yet have the depth of knowledge to confidently apply those principles to his own work. The scholarship gave him the opportunity to take that next step.

Looking beyond the surface

One of the biggest lessons Jimmy took from the course was the importance of understanding how moisture and vapour behave within different wall build-ups and climates. For a residential builder, this knowledge can have a lasting impact on the durability, comfort and performance of a home.

“I honestly can’t look at a home or a wall build-up now without thinking about how it’s designed and built; for the better.”

That shift in perspective is perhaps one of the most valuable outcomes of building science education. Not simply learning a set of principles but developing the knowledge to make better decisions on every project.

A new direction for June Building

Today, the influence of the course extends beyond certified Passive House projects. Jimmy says every project he works on now receives more consideration and care when it comes to the details that can influence performance for years to come.

That could be something as fundamental as developing a safe wall build-up with appropriate ventilation and drainage, practical decisions that can make a significant difference to the long-term performance and durability of a home.

“It’s genuinely shifted the direction of my business.”

While education provided the foundation, Jimmy also sees the importance of having the right products, systems and support to translate that knowledge into practical outcomes.

“It’s one thing to understand the theory, but having the right systems, materials and training behind you is what lets you translate that into real results on site.”

For him, pro clima’s training and products have helped make that transition more accessible, allowing him to take his passion for healthier homes and put it into practice.

His experience is a reminder that building science isn’t something reserved for specialists or large-scale projects. For builders and tradespeople, developing a deeper understanding of how buildings perform can influence everyday decisions and ultimately change the way they approach their work.

For anyone considering applying for the pro clima Passive House scholarship, Jimmy’s advice is simple: go for it! “Chances are if you’re already considering the course, you already have an appreciation for building and designing better, and this course will give you a huge amount of valuable knowledge and the resources to really excel in your journey.”

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pro clima Australia Passive House Scholarships 2026 applications are now open!

This year, we’re offering three scholarships, each designed to support a different stage of a professional’s Passive House journey:

  • Passivhaus Fundamentals: for building professionals who are new to Passive House.
  • Certified Passive House Designer: for professionals looking to take their Passive House knowledge to the next level.
  • Certified Passive House Tradesperson: For builders and tradespeople who want to strengthen their practical Passive House skills

Don’t miss out on a chance for a full ride to boost your Passive House journey.

Apply now