Future electricians switch on for WorldSkills
By Greg Chapman
Central Queensland’s top ‘sparkies’ switched on their skills at the recent WorldSkills Electrical Control and Installation competitions in Rockhampton.
Six apprentices representing employers from across Central Queensland, took part in the event, which was held in the School of Mining at CQU’s Rockhampton North Campus.
The apprentices had to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a series of tasks which included installing the control and power circuits for an industrial installation of a forward/reverse motor starter with safety limit switches and test and commission their project after they had completed the wiring and installation – all within a limited timeframe.
The Rockhampton event was the final half of competition, following a previous round by apprentices in Mackay in April.
The participating Rockhampton apprentices relished the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to the test.
Third-year BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) apprentice Matthew Maidment said: “I wanted to test my skill set and see how my skills have evolved since first year. I found out where my skills had improved and where it still needed more improvement to be the best I could be.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation Third-year apprentice Jessy Edwards said she decided to enter this year’s competition to challenge herself.
“This is my third time competing in the world skills competitions and every year I set a goal for myself to perform better than last time. The main thing I get out of these competitions is the exposure and experience to certain skills and challenges that we may rarely face in our workplaces. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other apprentices and see how you compare to the others in the competition.”
Second-year BMA Shelby Pietzner said: “I wanted to challenge myself and I learned a lot.”
Fellow second-year BMA apprentice Em Hommack-Scoullar said: “I wanted to learn new skills and challenge myself.”
BMA second-year Lexi Croce said: “I wanted to challenge myself with different challenges that we don’t normally get to do at work. I learnt a lot about my own skills and how much I can actually do that I didn’t think I could. I also loved meeting other apprentices too.”
After deliberations of the Rockhampton and Mackay results the judges announced the winners for Electrical Control:
1st Dylan Trevethan - GB Industries Electrical Contractors Pty Ltd (Mackay Competitor)
2nd Jessy Edwards - Gladstone Ports Corporation
3rd Matthew Maidment - BHP Coal Pty Ltd - Goonyella Riverside Mine
The winners for Electrical Installation were:
1st Jessy Edwards - Gladstone Ports Corporation
2nd Dylan Trevethan - GB Industries Electrical Contractors Pty Ltd (Mackay Competitor)
3rd Matthew Maidment - BHP Coal Pty Ltd - Goonyella Riverside Mine
If the medallists meet the eligibility requirements, they will go onto compete in the WorldSkills national competitions.
For more information visit the WorldSkills Central Queensland Regional Competition page.
