23 Aug GPC tradies are Australia’s most skilled
It’s official, Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) tradespeople are some of the best in Australia after receiving a gold and silver medal at the World Skills Australia National Championships last
week.
World Skills Australia is the largest vocational education excellence competition in the country with more than 400 competitors and 60 trades, the biennial event has been running for more than four decades.
GPC’s electrician Joshua Pedersen was awarded a gold for the electrical control category.
“It was a challenge but so rewarding and I am stoked that I got gold,” Joshua said.
“The award means a lot to me and I’m looking forward to becoming a mentor at work for the younger apprentices, someone they can learn from.”
It was a close competition for GPC’s fourth year diesel fitter apprentice Dirk Holmes who was less than one point away from coming first place – receiving a silver medal.
“It’s a three day competition and you are so focused for hours on end, it really takes it out of you,” said Dirk.
“My priority was getting it done safely and properly, I went in with a positive mind-set, adapted to the equipment and came out so close to a gold,”
“I really couldn’t have done without all the knowledge I’ve learnt from my mentors at GPC.” he said.
GPC’s CEO Craig Haymes said GPC’s apprentices have set a new benchmark of excellence.
“We’re enormously proud of both Joshua Pedersen and Dirk Holmes who are representing GPC, their regional community and Australia,” Mr Haymes said.
“Winning gold and silver is no easy feat, to reach Nationals an apprentice must compete at regionals and win, then undertake additional training to then compete at Nationals over three days,”
“The award not only represents how skilled our apprentices are but also reflects the support from their mentors and our dedicated employees, Colin Sandland and Damian Ahern,” said Mr Haymes.
“The benefits of World Skills is valuable to our workforce and our community,”
“It inspires a highly skilled workforce in our region.” said Mr Haymes.
This is the third time GPC’s apprentices have won the World Skills Australia National Championships.
Diesel Fitter Apprentice : Dirk Holmes
Electrician: Joshua Pedersen
