From topcoats to top accolades, Xanda Kerrs is an exceptional painting apprentice with skills well beyond his years. With leadership, initiative and grit, he became a winner out of thousands, securing his status as Apprentice of the Year.
When Xanda began his painting apprenticeship with McNab in May 2024, he quickly made a strong impression. Now a third-year apprentice completing his Certificate III in Painting, he has already contributed to eight major projects.
“I've learned so much from my team, not just painting, but in all areas of construction. Going into commercial work was a great idea because there's just so much knowledge there,” Xanda says.
Apprentice of the Year Award
Xanda proved that "grit" isn't just something you find on a piece of sandpaper. His leadership and hard work led him to the 2025 TAFE Queensland SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards where he won Painting Apprentice of the Year and overall Apprentice of the Year selected from over 12,500 eligible apprentices.
“When they called my name it took me by shock. It was amazing. Breathtaking. I couldn't believe it.”
“It's great to know that my hard work and my dedication is appreciated by TAFE and everyone at McNab,” Xanda says.
Xanda is primed to take on greater responsibility, now confidently performing complex techniques typically carried out by qualified painters such as texturing.
“It's quite a messy process, but it looks amazing,” Xanda says. “Texture painting is probably my expertise at the moment. It’s applying a very thick kind of paint to a ceiling or a wall and then finishing it with a stipple.”
Xanda’s latest projects
Top left: Electrolux Distribution & Experience Centre for Port of Brisbane
Top right: BHC Chermside
Top left: Surf Life Saving Mermaid Beach
Top right: Brickyard Road
A stroke above
Xanda played an integral role in the Social and Affordable Housing project at Chermside for McNab long term client BHC when he was a second-year apprentice. He patched and painted over 1300 sqm of soffits and took the initiative to complete a large portion of the soffit texturing independently.
He also delivered a high-quality gloss finish on doorways and breezeways, work typically reserved for more experienced team members, showcasing not only his technical ability but also a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
“Leadership is about being able to take charge, but also team communication. It's taking initiative,” Xanda says.
“Xanda’s work on the BHC project was truly outstanding. What he delivered far exceeded what we’d typically expect from a second-year apprentice. His attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to work independently really stood out.”
Josh McPherson, McNab Site Manager of the BHC Chermside Project
Xanda isn’t just winning awards, he’s helping McNab build award-winning projects. He has played an integral role in delivering award-winning buildings, including the Electrolux Distribution & Experience Centre, a project targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating.
Xanda was trusted and carefully varnished this unique structure using a specialised product imported from Italy, designed specifically for GLT/CLT, demonstrating the high level of trust placed in him on complex, high-end builds.
“I'm always up to trying new things,” Xanda says. “Put your hand up, don't be afraid to ask questions. Challenge yourself and get into it.”
Leadership starts early
Xanda’s natural leadership capabilities leave a long-lasting positive impression on everyone he meets. When McNab recruited five painters from the Philippines to address labour shortages, Xanda stepped in to guide our painters to work ‘The McNab Way.’
“There was a language barrier there, so it was difficult to convey instructions, but I was able to effectively help them,” Xanda says. “When I receive information, I think I have a way of explaining it better than most people. Simpler I think.”
“We relied on them to work hard and represent McNab. So making sure that their quality was the same standard as ours was important,” Xanda says.
Big Steps Ahead
Life isn’t all soffits and stippling for Xanda. He recently moved out with his long-term partner, now fiancée, planning to tie the knot once he completes his apprenticeship.
When he’s not winning awards or planning a wedding, you’ll find him camping, fishing, or playing footy. But even on his days off, his hardworking mindset remains the same.
“You need drive and passion,” Xanda says. “It’s a problem-solving industry, so you just need to think two steps forward.”
On his third year of his apprenticeship and already building an impressive award collection, Xanda is more than two steps forward, he's already miles ahead.
