Wall and ceiling lining apprentices face off in battle of skills

Six apprentices representing Queensland and New South Wales are facing off in an epic battle of skills this week, participating in a series of challenges that will determine which state is top dog at plastering.

The Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries New South Wales (AWCINSW), in partnership with Direct Plasterboard Outlet, Rondo and TAFE Queensland, is holding their inaugural State of Origin for wall and ceiling lining apprentices from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 July, with three apprentices from each state coming together at Direct Plasterboard Outlet in Campbelltown to compete and learn.

The competition will culminate with the crowning of the winning team and a trip to Accor Stadium, where all competitors and crew will celebrate together while watching Game 3 of the NRL’s State of Origin live.  

AWCINSW Chief Executive Officer Jane Barnes said the event provides the apprentices with the chance to showcase their skills while gaining valuable insights from industry.

“Hosting this event gives AWCINSW the opportunity to provide incentive and reward to our apprentices, who we highly value as our future workforce,” Ms Barnes said.

“Much like the NRL players taking the field come Wednesday’s decider, being a wall and ceiling liner requires teamwork, problem solving and an ability to perform in a competitive environment, which is why we thought a State of Origin was a great way to celebrate and reward our future industry ambassadors.

“It brings AWCINSW great pleasure to provide these apprentices with an industry experience like no other, and offer them the opportunity to form cross-border relationships that will have positive impacts in their future careers.

“We are very grateful to our industry partners and in particular, the apprentices’ employers who have willingly supported their apprentices for this challenge.”

Kicking off at 7am on Monday, the three-day event began with a jersey presentation by wall and ceiling industry legends, with each day seeing the participating apprentices issued a new task.

“From precise measurements to intricate setting, we’ll be challenging each team’s mettle, coordination and skills. Just like a well-coordinated play on the field, every move must be executed with precision and teamwork,” Ms Barnes said.

Day one and two will conclude with toolbox sessions that will broaden the apprentices knowledge of their industry, including mentoring sessions from AWCINSW and Mates in Construction, as well as a tour of event sponsor and building product supplier Rondo Australia’s factory.

Product and Training Manager for Rondo Building Services, Dominic Gillespie said the company was proud to help shine a light on the industry through the event.

“Rondo is proud to sponsor the apprentice challenge in partnership with AWCINSW and TAFE Queensland, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of tradespeople,” Mr Gillespie said.

“Supporting apprentices through hands-on competitions not only helps nurture future talent, but also strengthens the quality and capability of our industry. This initiative aligns with our core values by backing skills development, education, and innovation while giving back to the community that supports us,” Mr Gillespie said.

TAFE Queensland CPC31220-Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining apprentices Tyler Henricks, Josh Hudson and Amirul Conran are representing their state in the event, having travelled down from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney for the week’s activities.

TAFE Queensland (East Coast region) General Manager Mark Reilly said the event presented a fantastic opportunity for the participating apprentices to both learn and showcase their developing skills at the same time.

“As Queensland’s largest and most trusted training provider, TAFE Queensland is committed to providing our students with quality, hands-on skills that enable them to hit the ground running in their chosen industries, and this event will highlight exactly that,” Mr Reilly said.

“We wish Amirul, Josh and Tyler the best of luck and know they will do us proud.”