Daniel Picariello

Wall & Floor Tiling

Training Institute: TAFE SA, Tonsley Campus
Qualification: Certificate III in Wall & Floor Tiling
National Results: Silver Medal

Skillaroo Daniel Picariello is a talented professional with a long family history of excellence in his trade.

How would you describe yourself in five terms or less?
Easy-going and adaptable.

How did you first get involved in your industry?
My dad has worked as a tiler for the past 25 year and has been running a successful tiling business with his partner for about 15 years. I’ve been going to work with him on weekends ever since I was young. However, I properly got into the industry in 2011 when I officially began my apprenticeship working for my dad’s business.

Would you recommend your trade to others?
Yes, of course. I think tiling is a great trade. It is such a rewarding job, and there is just a great sense of satisfaction after you compete a job that you just can’t get from other types of work. There is also a great potential to make good money if you work hard enough which, of course, is always appealing.

Who is your mentor and why?
I definitely admire my dad for what he has achieved in the field. For a guy who dropped out of school in Year 10 and someone people probably didn%27t think would make much of himself at that time to now having an extremely successful tiling business with 15-20 tilers working for him, I would say that is an amazing achievement.

Would you recommend others to participate in a WorldSkills Australia competition? What advice would you give them?
As stressful as the time can be when you’re training or competing for a competition, that is all just one part of this experience. All the things you learn along the way and the people you meet all make up for that small percentage of stress. Some people ask you, ‘Is it all worth it?” and I say, “Of course!” This experience is worth so much more than what people know.

How do you feel about representing Australia in São Paulo, Brazil?
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine when I started my tiling apprenticeship that it would be taking me to Brazil to represent my country. Looking back on the whole experience to now, words can’t describe how excited I am that training my hardest has earned my spot as a 2015 Skillaroo.

Expert

Ron Simeon

International Expert for Wall and Floor Tiling, Ron Simeon is a long time mentor with a true passion for nurturing young talent.

How long have you been involved with WorldSkills Australia?
26 years.

Why have you chosen to volunteer your time with WorldSkills Australia?
I enjoy watching the competitor grow in ability and maturity. To train a competitor, you need industry knowledge personality that can relate to all levels (i.e. competitors, sponsors, team members, officials, public and other nationalities). I believe I have these essential qualities. WorldSkills Australia started off as part of my job and has ended up a big part of life.

Describe how your involvement with WorldSkills Australia has benefited you personally and professionally.
Personally, being part of the WorldSkills Australia team is forcing me to make advances and changes in my life. Communication and team work are important in all aspects of life, and WorldSkills Australia takes these areas to a greater level. Professionally, I have an expanded network of support in many trade areas Australia wide. I am in contact with other experts from around the world and finding exchanging useful tips from them.

Would you recommend others to get involved in WorldSkills Australia competitions? What advice would you give them?
Being one of the organisers of the WorldSkills Australia in WA and a TAFE Lecturer in my area, I am constantly talking to apprentices and their employers about WorldSkills Australia and gaining their support along with industry involvement to ensure the successful future of these competitions. These competitions highlight the need for excellence, and the competitors should feed proud of their achievements.

What advice would you give to the 2015 Skillaroos?
Train on one section of your project at a time. Once this section is right and you are confident and feel comfortable with the outcome, then move on to the next section. Don’t time trial yourself until all areas are completed. Ask questions and make notes of answers and suggestions. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, as your input is valuable to the expert and team leaders. Talk to past competitors and get tips from them. Put the effort into training and planning well in advance of the competition, because once the competition starts it’s too late. Follow your daily plan. Stay relaxed and focussed. These four days of your life can never be repeated. Finally, enjoy the experience, as you are Australia’s best!