Luke Budd, Lisa and Graham Greer, and Baylee Chisnall.
Mullumbimby Auto Electrical has seen two of its MEGT apprentices awarded at the regional WorldSkills competition in auto electrics.
Luke Budd won gold in this year’s competition, with Baylee Chisnall as a finalist in the first year category. Luke was initially unsure about undertaking an apprenticeship at first, believing he may not be able to satisfactorily complete his TAFE work. When faced with the chance to enter the regional WorldSkills competition, Luke hesitation was overcome after some encouragement from his employer and his TAFE teacher, and he decided to give it a go.
After completing four different tasks on the day, including testing of various components and fixing cars, Luke proved it was a chance worth taking as he collected the top prize of the day.
Mullumbimby Auto Electrical business owner Lisa Greer said she and her husband Graham Greer were delighted with the outcome for their two apprentices. Lisa explained that Luke and Baylee were given the responsibility of running the business while Graham was unwell, which would also have contributed to their achievements.
“Graham has been diagnosed with renal cancer and had a kidney taken out. He (Luke) has been thrown in the deep end, he had to run a business himself with Baylee … and that’s why we were so proud of them before the certificates even came out.”
Luke credits his success to the variety of different jobs he gets to perform at the Mullumbimby business every day.
The next step for Luke is to compete at WorldSkills Nationals in August next year. If he wins gold at national level, he will have the opportunity to compete at the international competition in Abu Dhabi in 2017. We wish him all the best for clearing the next levels!