Let’s talk Turkey

To mark 2014 World Wood Day, three WorldSkills Australia representatives travelled to China in March as guests of the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) to participate in the inaugural International Furniture Making Invitational.  This 8-day trip was an experience of a lifetime for the three, and their accumulated WorldSkills experiences held them in good stead.

This extravaganza is set to take place again at the 2015 World Wood Day, this time in Turkey with an even bigger program for participants from around the world.  We are pleased to announce that WorldSkills Australia will have an even bigger presence this time around, with four of our home-grown building and construction superstars attending:

Steve Bulman, a veteran of 20 years of WorldSkills Australia volunteering, was invited to take on a WorldSkills liaison, organisation and judging role.

Lukas Page, a past BBM recipient and 2011 WorldSkills Australia National Competition gold medallist in Joinery was also invited back, this time to take on a leadership role heading up a collaborative design and build project team.  Lukas made an impression on IWCS organisers with his ‘can do’ attitude, impressive and abundant skills and ease of communication with fellow global participants.  “They offered it to me and I couldn’t turn it down! Seeing what people from different cultures create with their woodworking is exciting.  I think it’s going to be pretty interesting – a challenge and a bit of fun!”

The third returning WorldSkills Australia competitor is Brett Cahill from Sydney West Region.  Brett won Regional and National gold medals in Cabinetmaking and went on to compete as a Skillaroo in the 42^nd WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig, Germany.  He, too, will be moving up to a leadership role at this event.

The newest addition to the Aussie contingent is Kate Elstone, who was absolutely delighted at receiving her invitation.  Kate could not believe that she was being offered a ‘Golden Ticket’ with an all-inclusive trip to Turkey.

From the Geelong Region, Kate won a gold medal in Cabinetmaking at the 2013 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition and went on to be an excellent representative at the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Perth.  Although Kate was only a second year apprentice at the time, she was well thought and spoken of by Team Leader Gary Barnes, Cabinetmaking Judges and her very supportive employer.  David Rush, Kate’s trainer at the Gordon Institute said that Kate would benefit immensely from the experience and build on her admirable talent and work ethic.

In addition to witnessing the world’s best timber craftsmen and women, WorldSkills Australia competitors can look forward to a host of exciting activities on their trip including musical instrument recitals, carving and turning, cultural and industry concerts and tours, tree planting and tours of Istanbul, with a side trip to Gallipoli in the centennial year.

You never know where a WorldSkills Australia competition can take you!  WorldSkills Australia are proud that these building and construction superstars are representing the organisation and wish them well on this journey.