Six CQU-trained apprentices to compete at 2025 WorldSkills Nationals

09 February 2025
A young man in a blue and yellow hi-visibility workshirt standing in front of a heavy vehicle
Corey Burfield is one of six CQU-trained apprentices who will compete at the upcoming WorldSkills Nationals competition in Brisbane in June.

By Greg Chapman

The talents of six CQUniversity TAFE-trained apprentices will be put to the test when they compete at the 2025 WorldSkills National competition in Brisbane in June.

Five apprentices from the Gladstone region, and one from Mackay suburb Habana, were recently confirmed as the Central Queensland representatives on the state team.

Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited (GPCL) apprentices Ashley Cassar, Saxon Smith and Corey Burfield will compete in their respective categories of Electrical Control, Electrical Installation and Heavy Vehicle Mechanics.

Gladstone-based firm Xtreme Engineering will also have two of its apprentices competing – Sean Keetch in Construction Steel Work and Billy Vale in Welding.

Layth McGee from Reed Plumbing Industries in Mackay will compete in the Plumbing and Heating category.

Photo of four men in hi-visibility clothing standing and looking at the camera
Billy Vale from Xtreme Engineering (pictured with CQU TAFE teachers) when he won the gold medal for welding at the WorldSkills Regional competition in 2024. He is one of six who will compete at the WorldSkills National competition in Brisbane this June.

CQUniversity Deputy Vice-President of VET and Business Development Peter Heilbuth congratulated the apprentices on making the WorldSkills Nationals competition.

“It’s fantastic to see these apprentices be given the chance to show off their skills and knowledge at such an important event as WorldSkills,” he said.

“It also speaks to the quality of CQU’s TAFE training and the strength of industry in the Central Queensland region. 

“We wish all the apprentices the very best of luck at WorldSkills!”

The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show will run between 12–14 June 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information visit the World Skills website.