Matthew Hurley

Skill: Carpentry
Region: Hunter, WA
Training Provider: TAFE NSW Ourimba
Employer: Chris Wade Constructions, Avoca
Mentor: David Leek

Matthew’s enthusiasm for the art and craft of carpentry is contagious. He began his apprenticeship in 2014, and completed it in February 2017. He is most interested in building bespoke architectural homes and borderline commercial buildings using a variety of materials, including concrete, CNC plywood and masonry.

“WorldSkills was great. I really enjoyed working with other people that had the same passion for building and construction. That was a peak for me for sure. Plus, it was a bit of a thrill to win the award.”

For his trip to the UK he hopes to work with a company that builds interesting living spaces with unique materials; passive homes that pair good thermally efficient designs with modern insulating products. He’s hoping to find some surf while he’s there, too!

In the future, he wants to build more passive homes built from sustainable materials that use geo-thermal mass to direct sunlight so they don’t need heating or cooling.

Fast facts

• Three words that best describe you: “Creative, meticulous, driven.”
• One thing that most people don’t know about you: “I build motorcycles.”
• What will you miss about Australia: “The surf.”