Plumbing apprentices find success in the pipeline at WorldSkills

By Greg Chapman

Central Queensland’s plumbers of the future put their skills to the test at the recent WorldSkills Regional competition at CQUniversity’s Mackay Ooralea campus.

Six apprentices competed in the event which comprised of making a map of Australia out of various types of copper piping used in plumbing. The participants had five hours, including planning to complete the map.

Of the six Layth McGee of Reed Plumbing Industries was named the winner, receiving the gold medal.

“This was my first time competing in WorldSkills and it feels pretty good to have used all my skills and knowledge and won the gold,” he said.

Lana Horwell, a third-year apprentice from Biloela Plumbing Works, won the silver medal and was very proud of her achievement.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished, even though I didn’t complete the task,” she said.

“I proved to myself that I could do what I’ve been taught. 

To be able to build something and show off my skills, and then be told that I placed second just amazes me.”

Lana said she decided to pursue a plumbing trade because she wanted to do “something different and get out of her comfort zone”.

Livingstone Shire Council third-year apprentice Jayden Ward received the bronze medal 

“I’m so stoked to have placed third. I went into it for the fun of it – I didn’t think I’d finish or even place, but I’m really chuffed,” he said.

“It was definitely challenging, but also a good test to see where my skills are at.

"I didn’t know what to expect with the competition, but the training I’ve received definitely made it a lot easier.”

If eligible, gold medallist Layth will progress onto the WorldSkills National competitions in 2025.

For more information visit https://www.cqu.edu.au/study/tafe/world-skills-central-queensland-regional-competition 

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