Skillaroo takes out top engineering prize at TAFE NSW Riverina Institute

If the past few months are anything to go by, 2015 is going to be an amazing year for Michael James.

After months of intensive training, Michael won the bronze medal in Construction Metal Work at the inaugural WorldSkills Oceania Competition in New Zealand last month. This award coupled with his dedication earned Michael a place on the Skillaroos team to represent Australia at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo, Brazil in August.

Now, his efforts have been honoured by his training provider. TAFE NSW Riverina Institute awarded Michael the Engineering Excellence Award and was named the institute’s Apprentice of the Year at a ceremony on 24 April. While he knew about the Engineering Excellence Award beforehand, the other award was a complete surprise to Michael.

“To get Apprentice of the Year out of 30,000 people was a big achievement.”

Michael’s Training Manager and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute lecturer, Craig McVittie, couldn’t be prouder of Michael for his achievements over the past few months. He has been impressed with Michael’s commitment to his training regime and feels he is ready to take on the world’s best in August.

“Michael has a great chance of success at the upcoming international competition in Brazil. Michael’s hard work and determination is definitely paying off.”

Michael will continue his training in the lead-up to the international competition. He is determined to beat his result from the WorldSkills Oceania Competition and be recognised as the world’s best Construction Metal Worker.

“It will be unreal to represent our country overseas and compete against other people from around the world that are up there with the best in the category.”

You can find out more about Michael here.

10/05/2015