Peter Steinweiss

Trade - Wall and Floor Tiling
Competiton Year - 2009
Region - Sydney
Employer -

How did you get into the industry?
A friend was working as a tiler for a local company at the same time I was about to leave school so he was able to get me a job with him.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
Yes of course - it is a great path to take.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
WSA has given me more confidence to take on harder and more involved jobs where I can challenge myself and learn each day.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Yes definitely, I already have spread the word.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with a good team of tilers and producing top quality work.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the short term, I look forward to broadening my skills in all areas of my trade and in the long term I would like to create and manage a successful company.

Expert - Ron Simeon

Ron is employed by Swan TAFE and is a lecturer in Wall and Floor Tiling - he is also a contractor. Ron's WorldSkills involvement started in 1989 as Regional Judge. Since 1994 Ron has trained Western Australia Wall and Floor Tiling competitors and in 1997 became WA Regional Coordinator and has been a Judge at National Competitions since 2000. Ron travelled to Japan in 2007 to mentor former Wall and Floor Tiling Skillaroo John Alebakis. Ron's suggestions to all Skillaroos are to "put the effort into training and planning well in advance of the competition. When the competition starts it's too late. Follow your daily plan. Stay relaxed and focussed. These four days of your life can never be repeated. Enjoy the experience as you are Australia's best".