The VET in schools WorldSkills carpentry competition took place at Naracoorte High School recently, involving high school students studying a certificate 3 in building and construction from across the South East.

Students from Grant High School, Mount High School, Millicent High School and Kangaroo Inn Area School competed to build a sawhorse in an allocated time limit.

Competitors were assessed throughout the day on different criteria including their drawing, carrying out basic construction processes, work health and safety, materials order, joinery, assembly, quality control and components cut to length.

Department for Education pathways advisor Tania Plunkett said students were able to put into practice the skills they are learning in their vocational training courses.

“It gives them an idea of what is required in industry, the types of skills that are needed and working to a time limit like you would in the industry,” she said.

“They had an opportunity to put some theory they are learning in their classes into a practice.

“It would have been quite nerve wracking for the students, but they all participated in the competition and put their skills into practice.

“Students can now add on their resume they have participated in this competition.”

Max Midwinter took out gold on home turf, while Mount Gambier High School’s Charlie Carson came runner up and Brydon Klingberg from Grant High School placed third.

The regional competitions take place all around Australia every two years alternating with the national competition in Melbourne.