Last week, Brisbane’s best tradies battled it out for their chance to represent Queensland, during the WorldSkills Brisbane regional competition at TAFE SkillsTech Acacia Ridge.

More than 60 students competed in the day-long, pressure packed competition to find Brisbane’s best plumber, heavy vehicle mechanic, fitter and turner, welder, sheet metal worker, and electrician at Queensland’s largest trade and technical training TAFE.

The competitors at the biennial event will be hoping to emulate former SkillsTech student Luke Schaenzel who will represent Australia at the 43^rd WorldSkills Competition in Brazil later this year.

The Munruben Electrotechnology (Electrician & Instrumentation) student will represent Australia in the Manufacturing Team Challenge in Brazil and said WorldSkills is an opportunity to take on the best young tradies in Queensland.

“The competition pushes you to the limit. It’s exhausting and challenging and mentally draining, but the rewards are definitely worth it,” Luke said.

“It’s difficult to stand out because the level of competition is so high, but it’s brilliant pushing yourself to the limit against the best young tradies in the state.”

WorldSkills Queensland Manager Tony Wright said the Brisbane competition gives apprentices the opportunity to use their trade skills in a competitive environment.

“The competition is like House Rules, Reno Rumble and The Block all rolled into one. It’s tough and eventful, but the best students always rise to the top,” Mr Wright said.

“I can’t wait to see what the state’s brightest apprentices achieve on the day.”

Winners of each category, who then go onto represent Queensland at the national championships, are currently being assessed and will be announced shortly.