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Sunshine Coast apprentices win plastering State of Origin
Three Sunshine Coast apprentices have claimed top honours for Queensland, winning the wall and ceiling lining State of Origin competition in Sydney after three days of intense challenges that tested their technical skill, teamwork and composure under pressure.
TAFE Queensland Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220) apprentices Tyson, Jethro and Jack represented their state held recently at the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Australia NSW (AWCINSW) headquarters to coincide with the NRL State Of Origin Game one in Sydney.
The annual competition, organised by AWCINSW in partnership with CSR, Intex, Rockstone and TAFE Queensland, brings together top apprentices from Queensland and New South Wales for a battle of skills in plastering and wall and ceiling lining.
The Queensland team impressed judges throughout the competition, building momentum with each challenge before taking out the overall win.
TAFE Queensland teacher Dean Rees said the apprentices grew in confidence across the three days and worked exceptionally well as a team.
“You could really see their confidence grow as the competition went on,” Mr Rees said.
“They backed each other, communicated well and stayed focused under pressure. We’re incredibly proud of the way they worked together and represented Queensland.”
Mr Rees said it was especially impressive to see a second-year apprentice compete alongside a third-year and fourth-year apprentice and rise to the challenge.
“For a first-year apprentice to step into that environment with more experienced teammates and keep pace the way he did was outstanding,” Mr Rees said.
“That says a lot about his attitude and the support the team gave each other across the competition.”
“There was also a real sense of mateship between the two teams, which made the competition even more special.”
“This is the second year the competition has run and it marks a great back-to-back win for our Queensland boys.
“When we select the team, we’re looking not just for strong practical skills, but for the right mindset to work together in a high-pressure environment. They need to be willing to listen, collaborate and solve problems.”
This is a great partnership between industry and employers to help the professional development of tradies.
“All their employers will be extremely proud of these young men and be happy in the knowledge they have some great workers on their sites.