TasTAFE dominates Australasia awards

TasTAFE trained plastering apprentices have continued to dominate Australasia winning the highest accolade for apprentices in the region for a fourth consecutive year.

Apprentices Stuart Batt and Nick Pearce claimed the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Australia and New Zealand 2015 Apprentice Skills Challenge held on the Gold Coast on Wednesday night.

Judges described the pair’s work as outstanding and of a calibre greater than any they had seen produced by previous apprentices.

The pair, both from Burnie, was trained by the now highly acclaimed TasTAFE Clarence Campus teachers Andrew Scott and Warren Banks.

Andrew and Warren have trained all four winning Tasmanians, which is a massive testament to the calibre of their workmanship, their expertise, teaching ability and passion for their trade.

It is tremendous to see Andrew and Warren passing on their talent to the next generation of Tasmanian tradespeople.

At the competition, Stuart and Nick were up against apprentices from all Australian states and New Zealand.

They had to complete a series of practical tasks including constructing a beach hut, which they had to sheet, render, roof and plaster inside.

This award is also a testament to the fantastic work of TasTAFE and its staff. One of its greatest strengths is its close links with industry and its industry-trained teachers, who ensure our students are job ready.

Congratulations Stuart and Nick, you have done Tasmania proud. And congratulations to Andrew and Warren, it is an outstanding achievement to produce four successive winners.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training