Cooper Thornely

Welding

• Region Canberra
• WorldSkills Accolade 2025 National Certificate of Excellence
• Employer Alfec Industrial Engineering
• Training Institute Canberra Institute of Technology
• Local Trainer / Mentor Cameron Crook
• International Expert Mark Williams - Ben Furney Flour Mills
• Supported by Weld Australia
  

“I’ve always loved making things with my hands. Having a finished product I can look at and touch is something that fills me with pride.”

Apprentice boilermaker, Cooper Thornely faced an uphill battle leading up to the WorldSkills 2025 National Championships. With his fair share of setbacks he showed his determination as he was still able to train and successfully compete in his Welding skill, proudly achieving a National Certificate of Excellence.

Cooper’s interest in Welding sparked at a very young age. “My grandfather was always making things. Watching him inspired me to develop that ability too,”. It’s perhaps no surprise then to know much of Cooper’s spare time is taken up with tinkering in his shed, whether it’s a car or another project.

Cooper speaks enthusiastically about his WorldSkills journey, saying the time he spent at Nationals was “eye-opening” and “one of the best weeks” he’s ever had. “I learned the level I can push myself to reach within a year, but it’s also given me a level I can drive towards in the future,”

The support received from his family and employer has been instrumental in his success. “My boss Cameron and fellow tradesmen, Jake and Kyle were there from the start, always willing to provide guidance so I could hone my skill, they have shown me how to be a great tradesman because they’re not only excellent at their job, but they’re really good, caring people too.”

Cooper says he was ‘absolutely stoked’ when he got the news about his 2026 Skillaroos Training Squad selection and is looking forward to potentially competing for Australia on the World stage.

Once he’s done with his apprenticeship, Cooper has plans for further studies in his trade to help him realise his end goal of running his own business. “I’d love to create an environment where young tradespeople can excel and be recognised for their efforts.”

Three words that describe you – Thorough, Fair, Dedicated

Welding Team

Expert: Mark Williams – Ben Furney Flour Mills

Cooper Thornely is supported by: