News

Today, four Blue Dog Apprentices competed in the Brisbane region WorldSkills Competition at SkillsTech.

The country's largest skills competition, WorldSkills Australia's national program of regional competitions tests the skills and knowledge of apprentices under the age of 23. Regional medalists, if age eligible, go on to compete at the National Competition for the chance to win the coveted title of Australia's best in their field.

With four apprentices in the Brisbane regional competition, we're excited to hear the results announced in the coming days.

A new concept for our competitors, in being marked against the built project, Tiaan Bredenhann who works for Damaur Building & Construction said "I've never built anything like this before", but was feeling confident alongside Clem Carpentry employee Reece Creswell both glad that "the plans were really detailed".  Alex Powell of Homely Homes also appreciated the "easy to read" plans, keen to "just get in and get it done"!

The only fully-qualified Blue Dog Tradesperson, Justin Franklin, who still met the minimum age requirements, said today's competition was definately a change to his usual days' work with Daklen Buiding Group. "I was supposed to be onsite helping frame a roof today, but my boss is really excited for me to be involved, so I'm hoping I'll do well!".

WorldSkills Queensland Manager, Tony Wright said while it's not the easiest competition to be part of, it literally opens up a world of opportunity. "WorldSkills is a great opportunity that no only looks good on your resume, but for those that progress from this point to the National level, it's certainly something to be cherished".

Blue Dog Carpentry Trainer, Joel Kemp dropped in to show his support to the competitors and was impressed with their confidence in the task. "They all understood the plans and were tackling the task in their own way. I'm sure they'll all do well, I'm certainly convinced of their ability!".

A great opportunity to promote trades and skills as viable first-choice career options, WorldSkills Australia CEO, Mark Callaghan said the regional competition is a great way to showcase 'real' role models. "As a nation we need to continue to strive for skills excellence, celebrate achievements in the vocational education and training sector and work together to raise the awareness of the opportunities that are available in a trade or skills based career".

While waiting on the results, we wish our four Blue Dog competitors, Tiaan, Alex, Justin and Reece and their employers all the very best of luck, and look forward to the next round of regional competitions in 2017 for our next chance to enter!