On Friday 14 March, after nearly eight hours of intense competition, Airmaster’s recently qualified sprinkler fitter, Majed El-Ali, has taken out first place in the Sprinkler Fitting Competition at the 2025 PICAC Apprentice Skills Contest.
The event brought together some of Australia’s best plumbing and sprinkler fitting apprentices, putting their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work under pressure to the test. For Majed, this win wasn’t just a career milestone - it was a deeply personal achievement, proving that his hard work and dedication throughout his apprenticeship had all been worth it.
Earning a Spot in the Competition
Entry into the competition wasn’t automatic. Each year, trade school trainers from across Australia select top-performing apprentices based on skill, consistency, knowledge, speed, accuracy, and neatness.
Majed’s dedication to excellence and exceptional performance throughout his training set him apart as a deserving candidate.
"I was ecstatic and proud of myself to be chosen to compete for the state," he said. "The trainers pick the best apprentices from the whole year, so even just being selected was a huge honour."
The Competition Challenge
With no idea what task lay ahead, competitors were handed detailed plans and precise measurements to construct a combined hydrant and sprinkler valve set. The challenge required precision pipework, copper welding, and bending, all of which had to be executed flawlessly within tight tolerances.
For Majed, the biggest challenge was the copper welding and bending, ensuring everything aligned perfectly within the required measurements. But he knew what he had to do:
"To be honest, there was no game plan because we weren’t told what we’d be building. I just stayed composed, switched my phone off, and didn’t pay attention to what the other competitors were doing. I focused on my own work - and it paid off."
His precision and ability to stay cool under pressure resulted in a flawless final product, securing him first place in the competition.
What’s Next for Majed?
Winning this competition has opened an exciting new chapter for Majed. He will now represent Australia at the UA International Apprentice Competition in the United States - an opportunity he’s more than ready for.
"I’m excited to represent Australia in the UA comp - and beat the Yanks!"
But beyond the competition, this win means something even bigger for him:
"After closing down my carpentry business and taking a pay cut to start as an apprentice sprinkler fitter while raising my kids and paying a mortgage, this achievement means everything. It reminds me that it was all worth it."
Airmaster’s Commitment to Skills Development
At Airmaster, we are proud to support and develop talented professionals like Majed. His success highlights the importance of practical, hands-on training and the need to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
For apprentices hoping to follow in his footsteps, he has one piece of advice:
"Push hard and do your best throughout your years in class because the trainers take everything into account when choosing who gets to represent Victoria and Australia."
Congratulations once again, Majed! We can’t wait to see what you achieve next.
Airmaster is committed to providing practical, skills-based training that equips apprentices with the expertise needed to excel in the industry. Interested in an apprenticeship with Airmaster, or know someone who might be?
Visit our Careers page to learn more: Careers and Apprenticeships | Airmaster.
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