WorldSkills Plastering competition at TasTAFE Clarence Campus

Congratulations to Brodie Masters (pictured centre), winner of the Plastering gold medal at the 2024 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions, hosted by TasTAFE at Clarence Campus on 29 July.

Across a busy 6 hours, 5 TasTAFE-trained apprentices from around the state – 4 from Hobart and Brodie from Devonport – assessed a construction plan, built a steel-stud wall, sheeted it, cut and installed cornices, then trowelled the final finish…all without the help of laser measuring tools.

A panel of 5 expert judges watched over the day’s activities, including TasTAFE teachers Danny Wolfe, Mark Ransley and Julian Sturzaker, and industry experts Nick Cosgrove and Matthew Reid.

The judges assessed the final constructions against criteria including accuracy, tidiness, safety, trowelling and top coating, and voted Brodie’s plastering the best effort of the day.

Brodie didn’t quite get everything finished, but his work was still top-notch. “I came one coat short,” he said, “but everything else I was pretty happy with – my measurements and making sure everything was level and plumb.”

At 37, Brodie is a mature-age apprentice who found his way to TasTAFE after 10 years working in an abattoir. He’s now in the 3rd year of his apprenticeship with his employer Best Construction & Developments, whilst studying a Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining at TasTAFE.

“I find it easier to learn in the classroom,” Brodie said, “and I like not being in the same spot all the time [for work] – travelling around a bit is good.”

For anyone considering entering WorldSkills, Brodie’s advice is to go for it. “Just have a crack,” he said. “I didn't expect to win, and I obviously exceeded my expectations … so just get in and have a go.”

Brodie now has the chance to attend the Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries (AWCI) national conference on the Gold Coast in October 2024.

Further congratulations go to WorldSkills Plastering silver medallist Matthew Roussow (J.AR Plastering), and Zac Smith (Cranfield Plaster) who won bronze.

Thanks also to WorldSkills sponsors Total Tools, Makita, Brock Plaster and Clennett’s Mitre 10.

For more information or to register for a WorldSkills competition, visit our WorldSkills webpage.