Aksel Van Gastel-Peck

Additive Manufacturing

  • Region Melbourne
  • WorldSkills Accolade 2025 National Gold Medal
  • Training Institute RMIT Melbourne
  • International Expert Vettrivel Chinnadurai - RMIT University

“I’m passionate about sustainability and environmentalism and I hope I can have an impact in this area.”

It’s perhaps no surprise that Aksel Van Gastel-Peck lives by the motto, “He who knows no fear, knows no courage.” Despite feeling anxious in social settings, he’s competed at both the WorldSkills Regional and National levels in Additive Manufacturing, ultimately taking out the top spot nationwide.

Additive Manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing areas of engineering, revolutionising industrial production with methods that create stronger, lighter parts. Aksel was first introduced to its potential by a family acquaintance. “Dad’s friend had a 3D printer and showed me how to use it. I then got my own 3D printer and taught myself to model, quickly realising the potential of 3D printing.”

Currently, Aksel is completing his Honours in a Bachelor in Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics at RMIT Melbourne, having already achieved an Advanced Diploma of Engineering in 2024.

His WorldSkills journey began at the Additive Manufacturing Regional Competition in Melbourne, before progressing to National Championships in Brisbane where he claimed Gold. Soon after, he received the news of his Skillaroo Training Squad 2026 selection. “I was excited, but also nervous”.

Competing hasn’t been without its challenges, especially as Aksel experiences nerves in social environments, but he has embraced the opportunity to push himself. “Skills are a core foundation of how the country runs. Encouraging excellence inspires others to pursue careers in this area,” he explains.

For Aksel, WorldSkills has been transformative. “It’s shown me that I can do well if I apply myself, but more importantly, that I can still work efficiently under pressure.”

For now, Aksel is focused on completing his degree and working towards Shanghai 2026, with his ultimate goal: “To hopefully work as an engineer, doing something that I feel makes a positive impact on the world.”

 

Three words that describe you – Persistent, Persistent, Persistent

 

Additive Manufacturing Team

Expert: Vettrivel Chinnadurai – RMIT University