Murwillumbah TAFE Automotive student Damian Laws recently took out second place at the regional finals of the WorldSkills Australia competition. An accomplishment made even more incredible when you consider Damian is in the first year of his apprenticeship and was competing against third and fourth year apprentices. 

Damian who works for Surf Toyota Tweed Gold Coast has always had a passion for cars and mechanics. “I have always been good with my hands and I enjoy finding out how things work. My employer is fantastic, the guys at Surf Toyota are like a family and we really work as a team.”

Len Parkes, Head Teacher Automotives at Murwillumbah TAFE is confident Damian will succeed in the automotive industry. “Damian displays great enthusiasm towards his studies and has a real hunger for learning which has accelerated his understanding of the automotive trade.”

Damian has worked in and around the auto industry for five years and decided that with a young family it was time to get some qualifications. “It was a bit daunting at first, going back to study, but Len and the guys at TAFE have given me a lot of support. I was surprised at the amount of tutorial help that is available particularly with reading and writing.”

“Competing at WorldSkills was a real eye opener and a great opportunity to meet other apprentices from the Northern Rivers Region”, Damian said. 

WorldSkills Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation that provides young Australians aged 23 and under the opportunity to compete against their peers in their chosen trade. Competitions are held on a Regional, National and International level and are open to all Australian apprentices, trainees and VET students.