Apprentices sharpen their skills during WorldSkills Australia regional competitions

To complement the competitions, a trade show spotlighted training and career support services, with event attendees also enjoying an opportunity to try the traditional art of woodgraining courtesy of representatives from the Aussie Painters Network.

TAFE Queensland Manufacturing Educational Team Leader, Michael Farrugia, helped coordinate the WorldSkills Australia regional competition and trade show event, bringing together vocational education and training students, their employers, industry representatives and support networks.   

“Our young WorldSkills regional competitors had a great day, putting their skills to the test and battling it out to be the best in their field,” said Michael.

“A big thank you to the all the organisations who turned out to support the event, and helping to promote the importance of apprenticeships and trade careers in our community.”

Congratulations to Ashley Burgess who was awarded a gold medal, and Dean Conway who received a silver medal in the carpentry category. Ashley and Dean completed their assigned timber projects, with precision and attention to detail.

In the painting and decorating category, Ali Maher achieved gold, with Jackson Winn and Dayle Hidalgo-Krause awarded silver and bronze medals. This category saw competitors completing a broad range of tasks including interpreting client requirements and drawings, advising on designs and colours, painting, spraying, decorative coatings, wallpapering, gilding and sign writing.

Assessed to strict industry standard codes to ensure a high level of quality is obtained for welding processes and materials, in the welding category the gold medal went to Brylie Jones, silver to Adam Phillips and bronze to Isaac Storrier.

Thank you to the following local organisations for supporting the event:

• MEGT Apprenticeship Support Services - Josie Hanson from MEGT’s Career Hub provided information on how to begin a career with an apprenticeship.
• BUSY Sisters Mentoring Program - Caroline Miall shared on the program which is specifically designed to support and mentor women to be successful in progressing through their non-traditional apprenticeship or traineeship.
• MATES in Construction - Kate Bell helped spread the organisation’s message on mental health in the construction industry.
• The Aussie Painters Network provided opportunities for visitors to participate in traditional skills of woodgraining. The Aussie Painters Network also assisted through sponsorship and donations to the competition.
• QLeave - Andrew Stephenson provided information on portable long service leave for the state’s building and construction, cleaning and community service industries.

WorldSkills Australia anticipated that more than 4000 apprentices, trainees and students would complete in the regional competitions that have occurred around the country following the officially launch during National Skills Week from August 27 to September 2, 2022.

Students who succeed at a regional level have the chance go on to compete at the national three-day competition in Melbourne next year.

Competing in WorldSkills can open the door to life-changing career and training opportunities for vocational educational and training students, and highlights their commitment to professional development in their chosen career.