Local apprentices, trainees and students will soon be taking to the national stage to weld, cook and serve food and cut hair as part of a major competition.
Several locals have been selected in the 78-member WA team for the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, a three-day event hosting more than 500 competitors to be held in Melbourne in October.
WorldSkills showcases excellence in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) for people aged under 24 and local competitors were presented with their uniforms at a special ceremony at Parliament House this week.
Members of the Open Under 24 Category who attended Bunbury TAFE as part of their training include Australind’s Max Douglas for welding, Roelands’ Nick Johnston for cabinet making, Gelorup’s Sallie Brittain for cookery, Leschenault’s Brittany Rose for restaurant service and Harvey’s Danae Italiano.
The team also includes Bunbury’s Kristian Nash who trains in Automotive Mechanics with MTA Group Training and Kirsten Jarvis of Newton Moore Senior High School who will be competing in the VET Business Services category.
Deputy Premier and Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said for the first time every region in WA would be represented at the event.
“These events challenge young people to achieve their best in their respective trade and skill areas, which not only helps to raise the standard of competition across all categories but it also allows young people to fine tune their skills which they can apply in their workplace,” she said.
Ms Harvey said West Australians had done the state proud in previous national competitions, with 10 medallists in 2010, 14 in 2012 and 16 in 2014.
“This is a tremendous effort. WA has every reason to be proud of the success of those young people who take part in WorldSkills competitions, as they bring great credit to this state as well as to their employers and trainers.”
Team WA will compete in 40 different skills categories at the national competition and winners from the Open section may be selected to represent Australia at an international level in Abu Dhabi in 2017.
