Felix McPhail

Industry 4.0

• Region Melbourne East
• WorldSkills Accolade 2025 National Gold Medal
• Training Institute Swinburne University of Technology
• International Expert Fengxian He - Swinburne University

“It’s important to promote skills excellence in Australia as not only does it serve to de-stigmatise TAFE education, but it also places skilled workers at the forefront of the Nation’s image and brings pride to our trades.”

In his final year of an Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical, Felix McPhail excels in challenging conditions. It might relate to his family background. “I’m the youngest of six kids, so I’m quite used to chaotic and loud environments!”

A mix of personal research and advice from his career’s teacher sparked Felix’s interest in Electrical Engineering. Industry 4.0, his chosen skill, uses data, automation, and interconnected technologies to modernise manufacturing systems.

Felix realised he wanted to pursue Industry 4.0 more seriously when he was “first exposed to PLC Systems and had the opportunity to program one.”

His WorldSkills journey began by securing Gold at Regionals, before moving on to Nationals with classmate Martin Cruz. “Over three days, we completed four Industry 4.0 tasks, including establishing an MES, commissioning a digital shadow, and integrating additional sensors into a PLC. It was challenging and we didn’t always feel entirely prepared, but we gave it our best effort and placed first.”

His defining moment came at dinner one night. “I was sitting with a handful of competitors, and everyone was getting along well. I realised how special it was to be able to spend time with so many young people all pursuing different trades, but united in our passion.”

The biggest challenge he and Martin encountered was quickly learning numerous industrial software systems under intense time constraints. “We haven’t had many opportunities to work in similar environments to the competition. For a large portion of the event, we were learning as we competed. It taught me I can perform well under pressure and I’m highly adaptable.”

Felix has a clear career path: finish his advanced diploma, before entering the workforce. “I hope to make a name for myself within Australia’s expanding smart manufacturing industry. I’d eventually love to be in a role manufacturing medical technology. I’d love to help change the Electrical Engineering industry by further improving automation efficiency. This should, in turn, increase access to products and reduce their overall cost.”

Three words that describe you – Opportunistic, Analytical,

Collaborative

Industry 4.0 Team

Teammate: Martin Cruz

Expert: Fengxian He – Swinburne University