CQU-trained pair awarded medals of excellence at WorldSkills competition

15 June 2025
Image of Layth McGee competing in the plumbing category of Worldskills
Layth McGee was one of two CQU-trained apprentices awarded a Medallion of Excellence at the 2025 WorldSkills National competition in Brisbane

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity TAFE-trained apprentices Layth McGee and Ashley Cassar are riding high after being awarded medals of excellence at the 2025 WorldSkills Nationals competition in Brisbane.

The event, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12-15 June, brought together the nation’s best apprentices to put their skills and knowledge to the test in range of tasks. 

Layth and Ashley were part of a group of six CQU TAFE-trained apprentices who represented Central Queensland in the categories of Construction Steel Work, Electrical Control, Electrical Installation, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Plumbing, and Welding.

Layth, of Reed Plumbing in Mackay received a medallion of excellence in the category of Plumbing & Heating.

“It’s a pretty good feeling – it’s definitely something to be proud of,” he said.

Layth said he found the tasks challenging.

“It definitely tested me,” he said.

“I want to give a big appreciation to my trainers for going out of their way to help me prepare.”

Image of Ashley Cassar competing in the electrical control category of WorldSkills
Ashley Cassar was also awarded a Medallion of Excellence

Ashley of Gladstone Ports Corporation was awarded the medallion of excellence in the Electrical Control category.

“Competing at a national level was tricky for sure, but I really enjoyed the challenge, as well as meeting new people,” he said.

“It tested my knowledge and determination to get my project done in a high quality and timely manner. I could not have made it this far without the support of GPC, my workplace, as well as Colin Sandland’s mentoring.

“Winning a medallion of excellence really makes me feel like everyone’s support paid off and I couldn’t be happier to bring it home to my family and workplace.”

A montage image of four separate images showing four young men competing in the welding, steel work, electrical installation and heavy vehicle mechanics categories of worldskills
(Top L-R) Corey Burfield and Saxon Smith and (Bottom L-R) Sean Keetch and Billy Vale also competed at the WorldSkills National competition

CQUniversity's Deputy Vice-President of VET Operations Peter Heilbuth, congratulated Layth and Ashley on their awards and highlighted the efforts of their fellow competitors Sean Keetch (Construction Steel Work), Saxon Smith (Electrical Installation), Corey Burfield (Heavy Vehicle Mechanics) and Billy Vale (Welding).

“We are extremely proud of Ashley and Layth’s achievements. To come out of such a strong competition – against the best in Australia – with medallions is testament to their dedication and skills,” Mr Heilbuth said.

“Their success is also testament to CQU TAFE’s trainers and their partnerships with Ashley and Layth’s employers, Gladstone Ports Corporation and Reed Plumbing.

“All the competitors should feel proud to have made it to the WorldSkills Nationals.”

For full results, visit WorldSkills Australia on Facebook

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