Beau Kupris

Refrigeration and Air conditioning

Training Institute: TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute, Granville College
Qualification: Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)
National Results: Gold Medal

Skillaroo Beau Kupris is a dedicated and talented professional that enjoys the hands-on aspect of his trade.

How would you describe yourself in five terms or less?
Active

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the freedom my job provides – doing a range of different things on all types of refrigeration and air conditioning across NSW and Australia.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of pursuing a career via a vocational education and training pathway?
High school was definitely not for me, and vocational training gave me another option. It allowed me to spend my energy in a more productive way while still learning and getting certifications.

How has WorldSkills Australia assisted you both personally and professionally?
It has definitely given me a goal and something I really want to work hard for instead of just cruising. Once my company learned more about WorldSkills Australia, they have been very supportive and are always offering me additional training.

Would you recommend others to participate in a WorldSkills Australia competition? What advice would you give them?
Just give it a go! When the TAFE teachers were trying to get people to enter the Regional Competition, a lot of blokes didn’t enter because they thought it would be too hard and that they wouldn’t win.

How do you feel about representing Australia in São Paulo, Brazil?
Representing Australia will be amazing, and getting a chance to do it by just doing my everyday job makes it even better. The chance to travel and all the skills I have learned during training has been amazing.

Expert

Chris MacDonald

Deputy Chief Expert in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Chris MacDonald is a competitor turned mentor with an amazing talent and passion for his trade.

How long have you been involved with WorldSkills Australia?
17 years.

Why have you chosen to volunteer your time with WorldSkills Australia?
I volunteer my time as it is very rewarding to see young tradespeople put their skills to the test against one another. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself on show to your peers and industry. I enjoy seeing the competitors evolve both personally and professionally through the entire process.

Describe how your involvement with WorldSkills Australia has benefited you personally and professionally.
It has allowed me to travel, meet skilled individuals (both competitors and experts) and make lifelong friendships. I also like to give back to the organisation that saw me challenge myself as a young tradesperson and gain so much in the process.

Would you recommend others to get involved in WorldSkills Australia competitions? What advice would you give them?
Most definitely! It is rewarding both as a competitor and volunteer, and the advice I would give to both competitors and volunteers is that you will get out of it what you put in.

What advice would you give to the 2015 Skillaroos?
Don’t come back from the competition wondering, “What if?” You only get one opportunity to compete so you need to make the most of it. This not only applies to being a Skillaroo but to opportunities that will be presented in the future. If you commit to doing something then do it to the best of your ability.