Welder in hot form

An apprentice from Waroona has fought off strong competition in regional heats and will represent WA at the National WorldSkills Championships in Perth next year.

Alcoa Wagerup Refinery apprentice Brody Stallard secured the top spot after winning the South West round of the WorldSkills Challenge for welding.

He said the hands-on competition put apprentices head-to-head in tests of skill, speed and quality of workmanship.

“I was confident I had performed well, but I was rapt to take out the top spot,” Mr Stallard said.

Held every two years, the WorldSkills Challenge holds about 500 heats in 34 regions around Australia.

More than 4000 apprentices, trainees and students test their skills and knowledge for the chance to win gold, silver and bronze medals and go on to compete at the national level.

Originally from Bridgetown, Mr Stallard studied at Denmark Agricultural College where he refined his welding skills.

Mr Stallard said his training and the support from co-workers had been a big help.

“When I started, we had moved into Yarloop only days before the 2016 fires and lost all of our belongings,” he said.

“The support I got from my colleagues at Alcoa, who hardly knew me, was really appreciated and I’m grateful for the opportunities my apprenticeship has given me.”

Alcoa apprentice coordinator Craig Watts said Mr Stallard’s workmanship was “first class” and his success at the championships came as no surprise to colleagues.

“From the moment he started with us Brody has shown great trades skills and a terrific willingness to learn and improve himself,” Mr Watts said.