Competitor Spotlight: Mitchell Cummins

Apprentice metal fabricator and WorldSkills Australia competitor Mitchell Cummins is an ideal example of how a little bit of support goes a long way to revealing a young person’s potential.

Despite a long-held interest in working with metal, the outgoing 20 year old from South Australia still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his career until his last few years of high school.  “My former tech / metal work teacher always encouraged us to chase what we wanted, work hard and to do the best we can,” he says.

With his teacher’s wisdom in mind, Mitchell secured work experience and, after high school, secured an apprenticeship with the same company.  Now in the final year of his apprenticeship, Mitchell hopes to finish the Certificate III in Metal Fabrication at TAFE SA, continue his studies in welding and eventually pay it forward by mentoring other young metal fabrication apprentices.

In 2015, Mitchell’s lecturers were impressed with his skills and encouraged him to compete at the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition in Welding.  He knew it was something he wanted to pursue, and his hard work and determination paid off when he won a gold medal.  “Being tested against welding certification standards and also being under a time limit made it very difficult, but it was a really good challenge.  I feel lucky to have won.”

Now, Mitchell has his sights set on the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne where he will represent the Spencer Gulf Region.  While he is admittedly nervous about the opportunity, Mitchell has plenty of support at TAFE and his workplace and is ready for the challenge.  “I’m proud and honoured to be able to represent my region at the National Competition.  I have no idea what to expect, but I’ll give it my all and at the end of the day, as long as I’ve tried my absolute best that’s all that matters.”

Mitchell is just one of over 500 young apprentices, trainees and students preparing for their shot at greatness at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne this October.  Click here to register for your FREE tickets.