North Coast Institute Students Win National
Golden Trowel Competition

7th August 2003

WHAT: Students from the North Coast Institute of TAFE were last night declared the best masonry apprentice team in Australia when they were announced winners of the National Golden Trowel Competition.

The winning team from Coffs Harbour comprised of second year apprentice Mark Field, third year apprentice Gene Fehlberg and teacher Paul Venn.

The Golden Trowel is a biennial competition organised by the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia to encourage excellence among apprentices in the block laying trade.

The event, held over two days in Sydney was launched by the Education and training Minister Andrew Refshauge as a key event in the 2003 TAFE Week celebrations.

Apart from disbelief at their success the team has described winning as a real honour and thanked the sponsors and teachers for their support.

WHEN: Team members are available for interview from am Thursday August 7, 2003.

WHERE: Coffs Harbour Education Campus