Jess Purton, who works at Finns Bodyworks, won the 2018 PPG International Colour Matching competition held in Brisbane on October 12.

Contestants were required to match a two colours – a solid orange and a metallic maroon – within a set time period, while also being judged on safety, cleanliness and work practices. 

Ms Purton’s win makes her the fourth Tas-TAFE-trained apprentice to take out the title since 2006, with all the winners completing their apprentice training under the tutelage of autobody teachers Mark Campbell and Colin Ogden.

The 23-year-old described the competition as one of the best experiences of her life.

“I’m not long into my third year, so this is really something I can be proud of,” she said.

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“I enjoy doing this because it challenges me.” 

Originally from Devonport, Ms Purton enrolled in an automotive pre-vocational Certificate II program at TasTAFE five years ago.

She moved to Hobart after gaining employment as a vehicle refinisher, before relocating to Launceston to complete an automotive refinishing apprenticeship.

Ms Purton said she had developed an eye for colour throughout her time as TasTAFE and in the workforce.

“’I think all the different workshops I’ve been in where you’re using different paint systems really helped me,” she said.

“Then when I’ve gone to TasTAFE, we’ve done the colour matching of the solids, metallics and pearls, which also made things a bit easier for me.

“The teachers are all really helpful.”

Ms Purton achievement comes as TasTAFE’s annual report confirmed an increase in the state’s apprentice numbers throughout the past three years.

More than 400 apprentices have been added since 2015.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said stories such as Ms Purton’s reflect the quality of the young people undertaking apprenticeships.

“Winning an international award is a tremendous achievement for Jess,” he said.

“We have some very capable people just like her who want to do a trade, and I take my hat off to her teachers and her employer for the way they have supported her.”