WorldSkills Australia Nationals – Brisbane 2010 – Plastering fibrous

James started year 11 of school but decided to leave and get a trade instead, he wanted to get a head start on his career. He is from Rockingham in WA (south of Perth).

He started an apprenticeship in July 2007 and he fast tracked it over just 6mths. His dad is a boat builder and he wanted to do something different. James saw an ad in the newsletter for an apprenticeship and decided to give it a go.

James likes the fact that it’s a finishing trade. He’s the last person to come in and finish off the house. He says it’s satisfying to know that the people buying the house are happy with it so attention to detail in trade is vital.

He does everything from repairs to new houses and now is even training other apprentices to put up sheets, do cornices etc.  James does steelwork, partitions and bulkheads (mainly residential buildings).

His work nominated him for WorldSkills after winning the AWCI – Ceiling Industry Competition in October last year.  He has been training for the competition with his company.

James is hoping to have his own business one day or maybe even go back to TAFE and do building.