Logan Montgomery has won gold in the regional World Skills competition.
The third-year apprentice fitter machinest topped the turning competition in Orange with an impressive 81 points, and will represent our region at nationals in Brisbane.
Logan had to machine a mandrel, a sleeve and a nut - to all specified tolerances - in six hours
He finished with 45 minutes to spare and paid tribute to Ace Machining's Greg Drabsch for his training.
At the Forbes business, Logan spends most of his time on the lathe and has honed his skills under Greg's watchful eye.
Latest Stories
Most of their work is on agricultural machinery and particularly at this time of year as the region has been gearing up toward harvest.
The skills he's honing in repairing, replacing parts and machining parts for chaser bins, augers and more stood him in good stead in the competition.
"It's definitely helped with how much machining I do here - it's a good 70 to 80 per cent of what I do," Logan said.
"It's helped me a lot."
Accuracy, precision and patience are all critical attributes for the trade, Logan's ability to focus and his attention to detail essential.
Greg said Logan's success was a credit to him, and he's pleased for the opportunities it will open up.
There's a training camp to help candidates prepare for the nationals competition that Logan will be able to attend.
"That will give him tips and pointers on how to get better, to produce better finishes, to produce a better job in a quicker time," Greg said.
"It'll only benefit him."
Not only that, but Logan's found a trade he loves.
After being uncertain about his career path, he decided to take up an apprenticeship as a fitter machinest.
"I love it now," he said.
All the best for nationals, Logan!
