Benjamin McMahon - FINALIST
CPC30120 Certificate III in Shopfitting
Ben was introduced to shopfitting by a friend and started loving the diversity of the trade almost immediately. With his extensive skill set, he has been able to transfer his skills successfully into domestic carpentry.
He has worked on some high-profile projects including the Nike Store at Melbourne Central and Emporium, Foot Locker at Highpoint and Southland, Anaconda in Mildura, Big W in South Australia and installations and displays at Harvey Norman.
“He would be in my top three over my 23 years of teaching, and he is one of those apprentices that any employer would like to clone. I am sure one day he will run his own business and make the construction industry proud,” says his teacher, Brad Schaffer.
Alexander Natoli - FINALIST
CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
Alex is an accomplished apprentice carpenter, and he gained a coveted spot on the world trade stage, winning a Silver Medal at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia competition. He was determined to succeed at the highest level, and practised consistently, recreating his project dozens of times in his grandmother’s garage before the competition.
His exemplary work ethic was evident even during the World Skills competition where Alex was on hand to help and assist other competitors if they asked.
Being a competent problem solver by nature, Alex was a natural during the competition and remained unperplexed by the challenges presented.
Kyle Svikulis - WINNER
CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing
Kyle is an outstanding mechanical plumbing apprentice and his contribution to the HVAC industry was recognised when he won National Trainee/ Apprentice of the Year at the AMCA Australia Industry Excellence Awards in 2023.
Inspired by his father’s career in the building and construction industry, Kyle was determined to follow the same path and chose mechanical plumbing for the diversity it presented.
In addition to his plumbing skills, Kyle brings a host of additional skills and licenses, making him a unique asset to any workplace. He is particularly proud of being assigned to work at the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project where he passionately advocates for high work quality standards and workplace safety.
Kyle’s passion for this career path is reinforced by the knowledge that his work directly influences the wellbeing of others, and the environment.