WorldSkills Australia Regionals

Refinishing students display their talent

Poise, finesse and composure were on display at the WorldSkills Australia Automotive Refinishing Regional Final at at the state-of-the-art MTA Training and Employment Centre in Royal Park.

A field of eight South Australian apprentices were tested over two days. Each apprentice was required to prepare, paint and finish a single panel, being judged on a series of technical units selected by WorldSkills Australia.

3rd year Automotive Refinishing Apprentice, Amelia Larsen, claimed first place in a tightly fought contest.

Amelia who is employed at Silver’s Motor Body Repairs was elated to be named the winner, “To get through the heats alone was quite rewarding and the opportunity to participate today was incredible.”

Amelia will represent South Australia at the national final in Brisbane next year, with the winner of the national final joining Team Australia at the WorldSkills Australia International Finals in Shanghai in 2026.

MTA Paint and Panel Team Leader and competition judge Daniel Dusi, explained, “Amelia’s finesse stood out, she was composed throughout, and her final product was flawless.”

The Motor Trade Association SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs said “It is rewarding to see local apprentices showcase their technical ability. The next generation of automotive refinishing technicians have demonstrated that the industry is in good hands. Congratulations to Amelia for taking out top honours. The MTA, your employer and apprentice peers are proud of what you have achieved”.

Amelia Larsen with her winning panel.

Alex Zonta.

Territory Business Manager from WorldSkills Australia Automotive Refinishing sponsor Axalta Coating Systems, Peter Kingsley-Rowe commented, “This regional final put on by the MTA has been the best I’ve seen, it’s been absolutely fantastic.”

South Australian Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker said, “The South Australian Skills Commission is pleased to be working with the MTA on running WorldSkills Australia – the largest vocational education and excellence competition, providing students with a platform to showcase and benchmark their skills nationally and globally.”

Finalists with their finished panels.

L - R: Kaitlyn Ainslie, Seamus Pearson, Alex Zonta, MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs, Amelia Larsen, Judge Steve Atkinson, MTA Chair Frank Agostino, MTA Paint and Panel Team Leader Daniel Dusi, Slavko Todorovic, Zachary Walker, Isaiah Ramintas, Judge Tyson Jak, Judge Rachel Durbidge, Judge Jason Santinon, and Quinn Steele.

L - R: Zachary Walker, Amelia Larsen and Isaiah Ramintas.