WorldSkills Australia 
Blair Watters
Car Painting
- Region Hunter
- Employer T&K Restorations
Training Institute: TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, Glendale Campus
Qualification: Certificate III in Automotive Vehicle Painting
National Results: Gold Medal
Skillaroo Blair Watters is an enthusiastic professional with a clear passion for his trade.
How would you describe yourself in five terms or less?
Quiet achiever.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The things I enjoy most about my job is doing custom and design work. I also enjoy the satisfaction I get from the customer when the see the finished result. It makes me feel good to know that they appreciate the work that has gone into the job.
Who is your mentor and why?
My mentor is Charley Hutton – an American custom artisan who, at the age of 13, began painting cars. By the age of 15, Charley painted his first custom car and in 1993 at the age of 20, he opened his own shop. Charley has also appeared on TV on ‘American Hot Rod’ with the late Boyd Coddington and ‘Overhaulin’ with Chip Foose.
What do you hope to achieve both in the short and long term of your career?
My short term goal is to finish my apprenticeship in the automotive vehicle painting industry. I eventually want to open my own custom painting shop. If I was given the opportunity, I would also like to become a TAFE teacher.
Would you recommend others to participate in a WorldSkills Australia competition? What advice would you give them?
I would recommend competing in a WorldSkills Australia competition to any apprentice because it gives the competitor an amazing opportunity to compete against Australia%27s and the world’s best tradesmen and tradeswomen. My advice to anyone wanting to compete in a WorldSkills Australia competition is you have to train hard and listen to your mentor and trainer.
How do you feel about representing Australia in São Paulo, Brazil?
I am excited to go to Brazil and showcase my skills in my trade.
Expert
Brad Franklin
A reputable name within the collision repair industry, International Expert in Car Painting, Brad Franklin is a passionate and motivational mentor.
How long have you been involved with WorldSkills Australia?
13 years.
Why have you chosen to volunteer your time with WorldSkills Australia?
WorldSkills Australia has given me so much over the years, I’m happy to be giving back. I enjoy watching my competitor develop their skills up to an international standard and also mature with the entire process.
Describe how your involvement with WorldSkills Australia has benefited you personally and professionally.
After being involved with WorldSkills Australia for so long, I have made lifelong friends and also some important business contacts.
Would you recommend others to get involved in WorldSkills Australia competitions? What advice would you give them?
Yes – it is a great experience that you will be able to share with like-minded people.
What advice would you give to the 2015 Skillaroos?
Stick to your training, listen to your expert and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. You only get one shot at this, and you don’t want to look back with any regret.
A reputable name within the collision repair industry, International Expert in Car Painting, Brad Franklin is a passionate and motivational mentor.
How long have you been involved with WorldSkills Australia?
13 years.
Why have you chosen to volunteer your time with WorldSkills Australia?
WorldSkills Australia has given me so much over the years, I’m happy to be giving back. I enjoy watching my competitor develop their skills up to an international standard and also mature with the entire process.
Describe how your involvement with WorldSkills Australia has benefited you personally and professionally.
After being involved with WorldSkills Australia for so long, I have made lifelong friends and also some important business contacts.
Would you recommend others to get involved in WorldSkills Australia competitions? What advice would you give them?
Yes – it is a great experience that you will be able to share with like-minded people.
What advice would you give to the 2015 Skillaroos?
Stick to your training, listen to your expert and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. You only get one shot at this, and you don’t want to look back with any regret.