News

Team Blue Dog has secured one Gold, two Silver and one Bronze medal at the 2015 WorldSkills Regional Carpentry Competition.

Our team, consisting of one fully-qualified Carpenter (competing his apprenticeship last December) and three Apprentices, led the pack with qualified Tradie Justin Franklin taking out Gold for the Brisbane competition.

With Brisbane and Gold Coast results combined but awarded separately, our Apprentices were awarded two silver and one bronze medal.  Third year apprentice Alex Powell and fourth year Reece Creswell were awarded a Silver Medal, with Fourth Year Tiaan Bredenhann taking Bronze.

Impressed with Blue Dog's performance, Carpentry Training Manager David Porter said he was chuffed by the results of our team. "For each of our competitors to walk away with a medal is very exciting for us - it's certainly not something we thought was possible! We're not only impressed with their efforts, but of course proud of their achievement".

Justin's recent Gold Medal win adds to his notable achievement streak, nominated as Apprentice of the Year by Blue Dog in 2014. Trainer Kerry Theuerkauf said he has been consistently impressed by Justin's skills throughout his apprenticeship and beyond and is excited by the result. "Justin has such a great attitude towards his work and a keen eye for detail, he's very deserving of this award".

Also Tiaan Bredenhann's Trainer, Kerry was certainly impressed with double the medals! "To have two of my apprentices receive a medal is great! Like Justin, Tiaan is such a hard worker. Always keen to learn, he is very deserving of this award - I'm sure the recognition of his skills will continue to motivate him".

Reece Creswell's Trainer Joel Kemp said Reece has a great passion for the trade. "Reece is always keen to learn and pays particular attention to details. With this award and a strong desire to better understand the trade, I'm sure he'll continue to do well!"

Blue Dog Trainer Brian O'Halloran said Silver Medal recipient Alex Powell's ability and determination mean he's likely to advance quickly in the industry. "Progressing well at work and developing a great set of skills, Alex is a confident apprentice and I'm sure he'll make a great Carpenter."

Blue Dog Directors Kris Andre and Brad Deas are thrilled with the result, knowing that it not only celebrates individual achievement but the key role employers and trainers play in apprenticeships. "For Blue Dog to have such an outstanding result shows our method of training not only works, but achieves competitive results" Brad said. "Knowing our apprentices were not only confident enough to enter, but did so well, shows our innovative learning model continues to provide quality outcomes" Kris added.

The industry recognition provided by our WorldSkills results highlights the enormous depth of talent from Blue Dog apprentices and our ability to provide high-quality outcomes based on training, in partnership with our employers.

Super proud of our medal winners, we look forward to cheering Justin on next year as he progresses to the National Titles in Melbourne.

Congratulations again Team Blue Dog!