Peter Ives

Training Institute: TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, Ourimbah Campus
Qualification: Certificate IV in Building & Construction
National Results: Gold Medal

Peter “Ivesy” Ives is an ambitious tradesman/leading hand/sub-forman with an equal measure of passion for life and his profession.

Choose three words that best describe you.
Eccentric, attentive, perfectionist

What do you enjoy most about your trade/skill?
I enjoy creating three dimensional structures from two dimensional plans.

What has been your favourite part of your WorldSkills Australia experience?
It’s hard to single one particular part out. I’d have to say the journey, the pressure of competing and the family of friends I have made.

What type of work experience would you like to undertake in the UK?
I hope to undertake work experience on large scale, multi-story commercial construction, and also fine/delicate specialist heritage carpentry work. I have great aspirations to become one of the best construction site managers in Australia and I would love to bring back the skills learnt from overseas and build some of the biggest and best buildings in Australia.

Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you.
I have a passion for drawing/painting/designing things on my new surfboards. It relaxes me and allows me to express myself through an alternative form of communication.

If you had one unlimited resource at your disposal for one day, what would it be and what would you do?
I’d put an end to the absurd slaughtering of whales, dolphins, sharks and all other animal life.

What is the funniest question you expect to be asked about Australia?
Do you have a pet kangaroo?

You’re on your way to the UK so it has to be asked: Vegemite or Marmite?
Vegemite all the way!