Signs and graphics student Devante Te Ahuru and teacher Danielle Corti. Photo: TAFE NSW.
In high school, Devante Te Ahuru set his sights on an artistic career, never dreaming he would soon be in the national spotlight showcasing his skills.
Devante, 22, from Foxground near Berry, is one of the 14 TAFE NSW apprentices in the Illawarra and the South Coast regional squad who will be heading to WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane in June.
WorldSkills is an international organisation that promotes vocational skills excellence worldwide through regional, national and international competitions every two years.
It covers a growing range of skills including baking, carpentry, bricklaying, hairdressing and information technology.
Devante, who works at Disigns at Fairy Meadow and attends TAFE part-time, is a signwriter, specialising in car wrapping.
It involves the intricate application of a protective vinyl that can be stretched over an entire vehicle for a range of practical and creative effects.
“I studied visual arts in Years 11 and 12 at Illawarra Sports High School at Berkeley and loved it, so I aimed for a career that had some level of creativity,” says Devante.
He tried tattooing, but after two weeks found it was not for him.
“Not long after that, my girlfriend saw an ad for an apprentice signwriter, and I’ve now been there for two years. It specialises in car wrapping for businesses and private vehicle owners,” he says.
“I had no idea what car wrapping entailed before I got the job, but basically the aim is to create a strong visual impact which ranges from commercial advertising signage to special effects for car enthusiasts.
“It’s huge with young guys who like special effects like, say, a creamy oily finish or a mix of colours and designs. There is even a wrap that looks and feels like crocodile skin.”
He describes his first attempt at a car wrap as “rubbish” because he was so overwhelmed by the intricate process.
“It’s a bit confusing at first because there are so many steps involved and you need a spotlessly clean environment to work in – one speck of dust caught under the vinyl can ruin the finish,” says Devante.
Devante credits his boss Di Buttenshaw and TAFE NSW teachers for elevating his skills to a competitive standard.
“Di was the one who persuaded me to get my Certificate III in sign writing, which has added another layer of knowledge,” he says.
“I’m excited and nervous about competing, so I’m trying to focus on the networking opportunities it could open for me.”
WorldSkills’ Illawarra regional coordinator Troy Everett is extremely proud of his entire squad who will compete in Brisbane this year.
“We have a wide range of very talented and dedicated young competitors including bakers, carpenters, hairdressers, bricklayers and IT workers,” he says.
“Devante particularly stands out as a young bloke who has done a great deal to unite the team in a very positive way.
“He is thriving on challenging himself, and all the signs are there that he’ll do very well.”
The Illawarra/South Coast region has a solid WorldSkills record which was demonstrated at the last nationals in Melbourne when its 11-person squad returned with five gold medals.
However, Troy stresses it is not all about winning medals.
“There is also an element of personal development in which we try to teach our apprentices about preparation, handling pressure and being a team player.
“You never know what will happen in competitions but our young team is doing the very best it can to prepare and succeed,” he adds.
WorldSkills runs from June 12 to 14.
