NextGen Skills

Big news for tradies! 🎉

The AVG Tradie Quickie Comp is officially underway, with $30,000 in prizes* and two new prize partners on board.

Monthly prizes up for grabs:

• May: $4,000 Rebel gift card
• June: $6,000 BCF gift card
• July: $8,000 JB Hi‑Fi gift card
• August: $12,000 Flight Centre gift card

The competition kicks off this May with a $4,000 Rebel gift card. Simply purchase an eligible Quickie Kit from your local merchant to go in the draw.

Designed to save time on the job, Quickie Kits make life easier so you can get more done and enjoy more downtime.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QklWca

T&Cs apply.

Proud to see our students announced as finalists in the 2026 Skill Hire and Galvins Plumbing Supplies Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Competition! Congratulations to all involved 👏

Starting your apprenticeship is a pretty big deal. Getting your super sorted is another key move as you start work.

Our partner CBUS Super has an Apprentice Handbook that gives you the low-down on super. It's packed with simple tips to help you keep your super on track while you're building your skills.

CBUS Super National Apprenticeship Week

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4aFQmx1

Apprentice Spotlight: Bailee Coyne - Timeless Touch Painting & Decorating

Today we’re shining a light on Bailee Coyne, one of our talented painting apprentices whose passion, skill and commitment make her a standout in the trade.

🖌️Why Bailee Chose Painting

For Bailee, painting was more than a career choice — it was a natural progression from a lifelong hobby.
She loved the idea of being the finishing touch on a project:

“We get to bring clients’ visions to life. Being the last tradesperson on-site, finalising the look, was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss out on.”

Bailee thrives on transforming spaces and delivering the moment clients finally see their vision come together.

🛠️Projects Bailee Has Tackled

Since starting her apprenticeship, Bailee has jumped into a wide variety of hands‑on experiences, including:

Heritage restoration projects, including a Pressed‑Tin ceiling for a Fremantle Library

- Wallpaper removal
- Glossing doors, frames and skirtings
- Varnishing timber doors
- Sealing gyprock walls
- Steel restoration

These projects have helped her build real skills, confidence and a craft she’s proud of.

🤝How an Employment Consultant Helped

Bailee credits having an employment consultant as a key support during her pre‑apprenticeship:

“They helped us feel heard. We could say things we weren’t confident saying ourselves. Having a support person made the experience more comfortable and reliable.”

Support makes all the difference — especially when starting out.

💬Bailee’s Advice for Anyone Considering a Painting Apprenticeship

“All I can say is do it. Life will always test you, but being a tradesperson is a great opportunity to become who you want to be. Sometimes you just have to jump into the deep end — and it’s 100% worth it.”

🎨Thinking About a Career in Painting?

Bailee’s journey shows how rewarding the trade can be — creativity, hands-on learning and the satisfaction of finishing something beautiful.

If you're ready to take on a new challenge and build a skill for life, a painting apprenticeship might be your perfect next step.

Bailee is pictured with host Andrew Barras onsite at their latest job.

10 years of making a difference! 👏

Congratulations to our plumbing trainer, Paul Olsen, on reaching an incredible 10‑year anniversary with NextGen Skills. This amazing milestone was celebrated yesterday with a morning tea at our Forrestfield site.

Time is running out to apply for the 2026 Painting Apprentice of the Year Competition, brought to you by Skill Hire.

This competition isn't just about showing off your skills, it's also a rare opportunity to spend one whole day learning from and networking with the industry's best.

Submit your application online: https://bit.ly/4r4IBGz

Entries close strictly at COB on the 27th of February 2026.

For more information, contact Petra Wouters at [email protected] or 0467 953 417.

Time is running out to apply for the 2026 Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Competition, brought to you by Skill Hire and Galvins Plumbing Supplies.

This competition isn’t just about showing off your skills, it’s also a rare opportunity to spend one whole day learning from and networking with the industry’s best.

Submit your application online: https://bit.ly/4r4IBGz

Entries close strictly at COB on the 27th of February 2026.

For more information, contact Petra Wouters at [email protected] or 0467 953 417.