THIRD year automotive refinishing apprentice Amelia Marie Larsen has taken first place in a tightly fought contest at the WorldSkills automotive refinishing regional final.

Eight South Australian apprentices, qualifying over two heats, were tested over two days at the MTA Training and Employment Centre in Royal Park.

Competitors were required to prepare, paint and finish a single panel, with finalists judged on a series of technical units selected by WorldSkills.

Amelia Marie Larsen

Ms Larsen, employed at Silver’s Motor Body Repairs in the north-eastern Adelaide suburb of Windsor Gardens, was elated to be named the winner.

“To get through the heats alone was quite rewarding and the opportunity to participate today was incredible,” she said.

She will represent South Australia at the national final in Brisbane next year, with the national winner joining Team Australia at the WorldSkills International Finals in Shanghai in 2026.

MTA Paint and Panel Team leader and competition judge Daniel Dusi said: “Amelia’s finesse stood out, she was composed throughout, and her final product was flawless.”

Second place went to Isaiah Ramintas, an MTA apprentice hosted at Seaford Crash Repairs; and third place to Zachary Walker, employed at Bricey’s South East Collision Repairs.

The Motor Trade Association SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs said: “It is rewarding to see local apprentices showcase their technical ability.

Left to right – Zachary Walker, Amelia Larsen and Isaiah Ramintas

“The next generation of automotive paint technicians have demonstrated that the industry is in good hands. Congratulations to Amelia for taking out top honours. The MTA, your employer and apprentice peers are proud of what you have achieved.”

Territory business manager from WorldSkills Automotive Refinishing sponsor Axalta Coating Systems, Peter Kingsley-Rowe said: “This regional final put on by the MTA has been the best I’ve seen, it’s been absolutely fantastic.”

South Australian skills commissioner, Cameron Baker, said: “The South Australian Skills Commission is pleased to be working with the MTA on running WorldSkills Australia – the largest vocational education and excellence competition, providing students with a platform to showcase and benchmark their skills nationally and globally.”