Roelands cabinetmaker included in Australia's Skillaroos international skills team

Twenty-year-old Nick Johnston, a student at South Regional TAFE, is employed by Studio Milton in Dardanup and is preparing to compete for the Skillaroos in Cabinetmaking.

The team was chosen after a four day Global Skills Challenge that saw over 100 participants from 16 countries test their skills in 21 trades in the lead up to the 44^th WorldSkills International in Abu Dhabi.

Mr Johnston has been training towards possible selection to Abu Dhabi since late last year, and has worked closely with mentor Jason Hindes who runs his own cabinetmaking business, Hindes by Design.

The Skillaroos, made up of young people aged 19 to 22, will take part in a number of trade skills categories including bricklaying, patisserie and confectionery, heavy vehicle mechanics, hairdressing, landscape gardening, refrigeration and air-conditioning, carpentry, wall and floor tiling.

This year, the Australian team proudly boasts the highest ever female representation.

WorldSkills Australia chief executive officer Brett Judd said Mr Johnston had been chosen for his arduous training regime, his success at the national WorldSkills competition held in Melbourne late last year and his performance at the Global Skills Challenge.

“Nick has consistently shown the dedication, commitment and excellence we require of our Skillaroos,” Mr Judd said.

“I applaud his determination and congratulate him on his selection as a Skillaroo.

“These young people are excelling in their fields and being rewarded with international experience and opportunities. Their trades are really taking them places.”

The 44^th WorldSkills International Competition will be held in Abu Dhabi from October 14 – 19 and will see more than 3000 participants from 77 countries compete in more than 50 different skills.

Australia is currently ranked 12^th in the world, but is hoping to finish in the top ten for 2017.​