Burnett apprentice is at the top of her trade

Brylie said she has been busy getting ready for the pressures of the competition while completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade Boilermaking/Welding (MEM30319) apprenticeship with her employer, Stanwell, and TAFE Queensland.

“I’ve been working hard preparing for both the practical aspects as well as the theory in the lead up to the competition, so I’ve been learning how to read all the drawings and instructions properly. As well as learning how to do each weld to a high standard with no impurities,” Brylie said.

“We will be judged on each weld against a list of criteria, so I need to ensure there are no defects or misalignment. Plus, how we tack each piece together, if there is any cracking and weld sizes will also be critiqued.”

For Brylie, a passion for the welding trade runs in her blood and she has pursued a career and professional development in the industry since leaving high school.

“I knew I wanted to do something hands-on since I was little and I’ve been particularly interested in welding as both my father and grandfather are boilermakers.” she said.

Brylie has already had success at WorldSkills, winning a gold medal in the welding category at the WorldSkills Regional Competition at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus late last year.

TAFE Queensland Engineering Teacher and WorldSkills Mentor, Peter Town, said that Brylie is dedicated to advancing her welding skills, undertaking specialised training at TAFE Queensland Kingaroy’s fully equipped engineering facility.

“For the past six weeks, Brylie has been completing different types of advanced welds during our focussed sessions on campus,” said Mr Town.

“These sessions will continue right up until she leaves for the competition, and while Brylie may be competing against apprentices who are further along in their qualification, she is certainly making the most of the opportunity to gain advanced level skills and will be very well prepared to give it her best shot.”

Tarong Power Station General Manager, Michael Joy, said Stanwell is committed to supporting trainees and apprentices gain on-the-job training and experience in their chosen field as part of Stanwell’s Early Career Programs.

“We are thrilled to have Brylie represent Stanwell and the South Burnett region at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Melbourne,” Mr Joy said.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for apprentices like Brylie to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and build relationships with peers from across the country.”

“The whole team at Tarong will be cheering her on and we look forward to watching her continued growth as a boilermaker apprentice.” 

Brylie is pictured above with TAFE Queensland trainers, from left to right, Peter Holmes, Damien Buckle, Mike Hawley, Col Batzloff and Dan Brockhurst at the WorldSkills Regional Competition held at the Toowoomba campus in October 2022.

Hear from TAFE Queensland Engineering Teacher and WorldSkills Mentor, Peter Town, about the engineering trade.