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Third year Automotive Refinishing Apprentice, Amelia Marie Larsen, claimed first place in a tightly fought contest at the WorldSkills Automotive Refinishing Regional Final.

A field of eight South Australian apprentices, qualifying over two heats, were tested over two days at the state-of-the-art MTA Training and Employment Centre in Royal Park. Each apprentice was required to prepare, paint and finish a single panel, with the finalists being judged on a series of technical units selected by WorldSkills.

Larsen 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.”

Larsen will represent South Australia at the national final in Brisbane next year, with thevnational winner joining Team Australia at the WorldSkills 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 paint 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”.

Territory Business Manager from WorldSkills 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.”

The event was proudly sponsored by Axalta, with support from Painttech.

WorldSkills Automotive Refinishing Final Results

1st Amelia Marie Larsen, employed at Silver’s Motor Body Repairs

2nd Isaiah Ramintas, MTA apprentice hosted at Seaford Crash Repairs

3rd Zachary Walker, employed at Bricey’s South East Collision Repairs

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