The Concrete Masonry Association of Australia (CMAA), Australia’s peak industry body for concrete masonry manufacturers, is pleased to announce that the 2017 Golden Trowel Award has been won by the team from TAFE NSW Bathurst – Trent Thomson, Michael Ingwersen and Kevin Sawdy.

Organised by the CMAA in cooperation with TAFE and the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF), the Golden Trowel competition was held from 15-17 October 2017 at the TAFE NSW Nirimba.

The biennial Golden Trowel Award saw the best masonry apprentices from across Australia taking part in a unique team competition, where teams had to build a concrete structure with intricate detailing within a limited time. The teams were judged based on precision, craftsmanship and conformity to the design specifications. Teams were judged by a panel of industry experts and the results were announced at the Golden Trowel Award Gala dinner on Tuesday 17 October 2017.

Ms Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of the CMAA, said, “Winning the Golden Trowel competition means a lot for their future as it is the only blocklaying competition for concrete masonry. We have seen an incredible level of quality and craftsmanship in this year’s competition.”

“With nine teams coming from as far as Queensland, it was a very close call,” said Ms McIntyre. “The winning team, TAFE NSW Bathurst, had the best strategy, time management, and of course craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Golden Trowel competition has been running for the past 24 years and is renowned for producing outstanding young blocklayers in a valuable trade facing skill shortages.”

The Golden Trowel competition not only encourages excellence among apprentices and recognising and rewarding the skills of young talent, it also showcases the diversity and brilliance of concrete.

Ms Chris Pracy, Head of SkillsPoint, Infrastructure, Energy and Construction for TAFE NSW has said: “As a civil engineer, I am enamoured with the product, its durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, sound insulation properties and thermal comfort, but also share the belief that concrete is, to excuse a euphemism, sexy.”

The winning team walks away with the coveted Golden Trowel trophy while their TAFE NSW Bathurst is the proud winner of the Challenge Shield until the next competition in 2019.

The Golden Trowel Award is held in high esteem and attended by representatives of the industry, educational institutions and governments.