Newport’s Jack Lee is Australia’s best schoolboy carpenter – but he hasn’t yet nailed a job.
The Bayside P-12 College year 12 student won gold at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, the country’s biggest vocational education and excellence competition.
He competed against finalists from four states to win the Vocational Education Training (VET) in Schools construction competition.
“I’ve always built stuff,” Jack said. “I did mechanics for a bit and found I preferred carpentry. So, I started doing that and I was alright at it.”
Jack said he hoped to line up a carpentry apprenticeship by the time he finishes school in six months, and he’s willing to work anywhere.
“I’m not fussed, I should have my licence in a week and a half,” he said.
VET carpentry teacher Daniel Bonnici has taught Jack for the past three years in the college, which has built a reputation for producing good tradies.
“Jack will finish his pre-apprenticeship in carpentry by the end of this year and then it’s a matter of finding an employer,” Mr Bonnici said.
“He’s a good kid, he’s got very good skills … and he’ll make a very good apprentice.”
Anyone interested in employing Jack can contact Mr Bonnici at Bayside P-12 College on 9391 6666.
