A team of TAFE NSW Nirimba blocklaying apprentices is preparing to put their skills to the test at the biennial Golden Trowel Competition.

Organised by the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia (CMAA), the Golden Trowel Competition will see the best blocklaying apprentices from around Australia gather at Broadwater Parklands in Southport, Queensland on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October to compete for the coveted Golden Trowel.

The intensive two-day event is Australia’s only team blocklaying competition and encourages excellence among apprentices, while recognising the valuable skills of young people in a trade that is experiencing a shortage of skilled works across New South Wales.[1]

Brodey Jackson and Ronnie Tuaimau, who are currently completing a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying are polishing off their skills for the competition in TAFE NSW Nirimba’s state-of-the-art bricklaying facilities.

TAFE NSW apprentice and Golden Trowel competitor, Brodey said, “I’m really looking forward to competing in this weekend’s Golden Trowel Competition.

“If it wasn’t for my time at TAFE NSW Nirimba and my teachers who always go out of their way to help, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Studying the Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying has not equipped me with the skills I need to become a blocklayer, but has also allowed me to confidently compete in the Golden Trowel Competition.”

The competition requires the apprentices to build a concrete structure with intricate detailing within a set time limit. The teams will then be judged by a panel of industry experts on their precision, craftsmanship and conformity to the design specifications.

CMAA CEO, Elizabeth McIntyre said, “The Golden Trowel Competition started in 1993 and is renowned for producing outstanding young blocklayers, who have gone on to win other industry awards and establish successful careers in the blocklaying industry.

“At each Golden Trowel Competition, we see an incredible level of quality and craftsmanship from the apprentices and I know this year will be no different.”

For more information about studying blocklaying at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media Officer, emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au or 0412 478 415