Manly Council Apprentice Takes Out Gold Medal At Works Skills Australia Competition

A second year apprentice painter and decorator employed by Manly Council has won a Gold Medal in the Sydney regional finals of the Works Skills Australia competition.

Twenty-five year old Jo Reynolds is employed in the Construction & Maintenance division at Manly Council’s main depot at Balgowlah.

Jo is studying for a Certificate Three in Painting & Decorating at the TAFE NSW Sydney Institute at Ultimo.

The Works Skills Australia regional Painting & Decorating competition consists of eight challenging trade projects designed to measure apprentice skill standards and to promote high standards in vocational education and training.

Skills assessed include organisation and planning, preparation, attention to detail, problem solving and other challenges including good environmental sustainability practices by entrants. Competitors’ efforts are assessed by a panel of three judges.

“Growing numbers of young Australians are taking part in Works Skills Australia competitions to maximise their career training and post-secondary education options,” said Mayor of Manly, Councillor Jean Hay.

“Council was delighted that Jo entered the competition, being prepared to test her skills against other apprentices from across Sydney.

Her winning the Gold medal came as no surprise to her supervisor and fellow employees at Manly Council who regard her as an exemplary professional in her chosen trade field.”