Going global: World Skills Australia gold medal winner Tristan Bulger now has the opportunity to take his talent to the world.
Shepparton plasterer Tristan Bulger has conquered WorldSkills Australia and is now hoping to take his abilities to the world.
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Mr Bulger was nominated to represent Victoria in World Skills Australia, in which the country’s best trainees and apprentices go head-to-head in a high-pressure skills competition.
In his case, Mr Bulger was tested over three days, but thanks to expert guidance from trainer Mark Toy and mentor Doug Vaux, pulled through as Australia’s best, something he was not expecting.
“No, I wasn’t. In the back of my mind I was thinking it would have been nice to win, but I didn’t go into it expecting to win. It was my first competition for plastering,” he said.
Mr Bulger qualified with K.S. Plastering and Lining Services in May after being asked if he’d like to take up the opportunity of an apprenticeship.
“I just thought I’d give it a go and ended up enjoying it,” he said.
Mr Bulger’s prize for being Australia’s best is now the possibility of going to France for the world championships next year, or potentially an international scholarship to undertake leadership training and to learn more about the trade.
Fine work: Tristan Bulger during the World Skills Australia championships.
Entries are now open for the 2023 Innovate with nbn Grants Program.
NBN and the Regional Australia Institute are offering innovative businesses in regional and remote Australia the chance to share $125,000 in grants to help them bring their bright ideas to life.
Eligible regional businesses are encouraged to apply in one of the seven categories: health, agriculture, tourism, arts, education, Indigenous business and women in business.
The winner of each category will receive a $15,000 grant and the chance to become the overall winner and receive an additional $20,000.
NBN chief development officer regional and remote Gavin Williams said the competition was aimed at businesses that are “harnessing the benefits of the NBN network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for regional and remote Australians”.
“Several of our previous winners have not only brought their ideas to life, but also expanded their businesses and operations,” he said.
“If you are a business, with an idea that you might need a little help to bring to life or expand, I strongly encourage you to apply and potentially become a part of our growing alumni.”
Applications close at midnight on Friday, September, 29.
The worker shortage has led to employers exploring new and innovative ways of connecting with potential employees, and the City of Greater Shepparton is trying a new method to attract more early workers in early childhood education.
It’s holding an early years recruitment day to encourage seasoned professionals, recent graduates or people transitioning into retirement or looking for a career change to consider the sector.
The recruitment day will provide information on how people may be able to fast-track a career in the early years sector.
It’s being held on Wednesday, September 6 from 9.30am to 5pm at the McIntosh Centre in Thompson St, Shepparton.
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