2013 Skillaroo Mathew McGlashan shares his story

Just thought I would send a bit of an update with regards to the past couple of months and all that has been happening including competing at WorldSkills and my European holiday. I would have to say that the last couple of months have opened my eyes to a lot of things and I have had the time of my life.

The WorldSkills competition was very exciting and something I will never forget, I absolutely loved the challenge, and although we did not get the desired gold medal we were after at completion, this was a massive learning curve and I’m sure my team mates will also agree with me about the feeling of accomplishment that we gave a hundred percent and never gave up. My team mates and I were all very proud to represent Australia.

WorldSkills has taught me so much about myself and has enhanced a variety of my skills which include but are not limited to teamwork, communication, self-determination and workmanship.

My European holiday after the competition was just the icing on the cake for me, I got to visit some incredible countries and had some amazing experiences. From skydiving the Swiss Alps, visiting concentration camps in Austria, seeing the Berlin wall, bungy jumping over a nightclub at sunrise, visiting the Eiffel tower, to visiting the Monte Carlo casino along with all the pre-competition sightseeing and activities we done in Germany I would have to say that these whole two months were just unforgettable.

OK well that’s enough about me, now I’d like to take the opportunity to say that apart from my amazing experience with the competition and holiday, I have also had the chance to work with, train with and meet some inspiring and supportive people in the lead up to the competition.

There are so many individuals and organisations that have been a massive help and have supported me on the path to Leipzig and I would just like to take this opportunity to thank as many of you as possible and to say that I appreciate all the support and have not forgotten about your generosity and encouragement.

C&M Leussink Engineering:
The company I work for. Their ongoing support and encouragement has been second to none and I am very grateful and thankful for all the extra time off, tooling, training and funding. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the above.

Worldskills Australia:
The organisation for giving me the chance to showcase my skills and represent Australia at the highest level.

Brent Butler:
A massive thank you goes out to my expert for the international competition. Thank you for all of the  Butler my expert for the competition for all the hard work and time he put into helping us reach our goals.

Wollongong TAFE:
The institute where it all started, and where I competed for regionally.

Peter Buttenshaw:
A special thanks goes out to Peter who was my teacher for the duration of my apprenticeship and was the first to recommend competing in the competition.

The Illawarra Rotary Club:
For the massive contribution given to me after the fundraiser that was held for me prior to leaving, and their continual interest in my ongoing career and personal life.

Matthew Hare from Hare and Forbes:
For the tooling that he generously supplied me with to ensure I was ready for anything.

Rod Hanson from Iscar:
Who was has been here from the start supplying any tools that were required to help get the job done in both the milling and turning areas of the competition.

Lastly, I would like to say a very big thank you to my family and friends who have been so supportive of me during this time. They have been very understanding and accommodating of my needs, and have been there for me whenever needed. With my parents, girlfriend and close family friends even traveling to Leipzig to watch me compete.

I am now back at work, and have slipped right back into the normal routine of everyday life, but this experience has changed me for the better and I will be forever grateful to all of those involved.

Thanks again,

Mathew McGlashan