Dayne Robinson

Floristry

Training Institute: Box Hill Institute
Regional Results: Gold
National Results: Gold
Qualification: Certificate III in Floristry

“Winning the gold medal at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition has given me a big boost of confidence. It has helped me grow as a person and also inspired me to be the best I can be in my line of work.”

Dayne entered the floristry industry at the tender age of 14, when she began working part-time for a local florist. She realised early on that this was the right career choice for her, “I fell in love with my job and took up as many hours as I could over the next couple of years,” says Dayne.

Despite her initial interest in the field of dentistry, Dayne decided to take a more creative path where she could express herself through designing floral arrangements in a, “creative and beautiful work setting.”

She credits her success to her mentors, Natalie Raffaele and Euan MacKenzie, teachers from the Box Hill Institute of TAFE. Natalie and Euan have both been heavily involved in Dayne’s professional development, through their endless support and encouragement, “as soon as I’m stuck with a design or need new ideas, I know [Natalie] is only a phone call away.”

Dayne is looking forward to the prospect of giving back to the WSA community through becoming a team leader or mentor later down the track.

Expert

Alan Randell –Smith

Alan runs his own floristry business in Victoria (Alan Randell-Smith Florist and Glenroy Florist) and has been a Chief Judge at the last
six WorldSkills Australia National Competitions, in Newcastle 2002, Brisbane 2004, Melbourne 2006, Sydney 2008, Brisbane 2010 and Sydney 2012. Alan is the District Director (Dist 2) for Interflora Australian Unit, President of Australian Florists and Allied Trades Association. Alan also judges Regional Competitions and industry events and has played a pivotal role in assisting to establish the Floristry category into the WorldSkills program. Alan’s words of advice to Dayne and the Skillaroos are to “stay focused, stay committed and stay true to yourself.”