Andrew Arthur

How did you get into the industry?
I was inspired by the National Competition held in Brisbane in 2004. This encouraged me to pursue an electrical apprenticeship as it was the trade that interested me most.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
Absolutely, getting paid to learn and seeing outside a classroom is fantastic.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
The competition has enhanced me both personally and professionally. I have more experience now, and the competitions have given me the opportunity to talk with teachers and learn skills I was yet to learn in my trade. Personally, the competitions have given me confidence that I can do well in my trade and when I put my mind to it, I can achieve anything.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Absolutely, the competition gives you more experience and makes you try to present a better work quality as you are competing against others that are excellent in their trade.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being outdoors and the challenges I am faced with everyday and how I overcome those challenges to produce good work.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
I am looking forward to finishing my apprenticeship and starting work as a tradesman as that%27s when the responsibility starts. For the long term I would like to explore a management/design role in my trade.

Achievements
Brisbane Regional Competition 2007: Gold (Electrical Installations)
National Competition 2008: Silver (Electrical Installations)

Expert

Brent Butler

Brent is a toolmaker at the Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University. Brent won gold at the 2005 International Competition in Helsinki in the Manufacturing Team Challenge category. He was also Chief Judge at the 2008 National Competition in the CAM category. As Expert of MTC, Brent%27s aim is to help the three MTC competitors reach their full potential. Brent%27s advice to the MTC Competitors is to %22work hard during your preparation and training as it%27s amazing how quick the competition comes around%22.