John Reminis

Bakery

• Region Illawarra
• Employer Bakehouse Delights Nowra East

Training Institute: TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute, Wollongong Campus
Qualification: Certificate III in Retail Baking (Combined)
National Results: Gold Medal

Skillaroo John Reminis’ passion for his trade shines through his determination and boundless creativity.

How would you describe yourself in five terms or less?
I would describe myself as a leader, driven, passionate, assertive and humble.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy making delicious products for customers every day. I also enjoy the science and technical skill behind a loaf of bread and all the processes and methods taken to achieve the perfect loaf. I love to make artesian breads including sour dough, ciabatta, baguettes and different sorts of rye breads.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of pursuing a career via a vocational education and training pathway?
In my opinion, the benefits are endless. Firstly, it provides young people with a purpose and life career. The learning experiences and opportunities provided by VET are never-ending. Our country was built on trades, so it would be a benefit to Australia to keep the country alive and booming.

How has WorldSkills Australia assisted you both personally and professionally?
WorldSkills Australia has helped me in numerous ways. First and foremost, it has helped me to gain confidence in myself socially and in creating new friendships and connections with passionate and dedicated people. It has also taken me around the country, which was a rare and an amazing opportunity. Professionally, WorldSkills Australia has helped push me to be better at my job. In doing so, this has enabled me to improve my techniques to ensure that I am kept up to date with world class methodology. Lastly, I am grateful that World Skills has opened up doors to contacts with well-respected members of the baking industry, who I have immeasurably learned from over the years.

Would you recommend others to participate in a WorldSkills Australia competition? What advice would you give them?
I would most definitely recommend other young people have a crack at a WorldSkills Australia competition. It gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself and learn new skills within your trade. You get to meet other talented tradespeople and network with people in the industry. Not only this, but WorldSkills Australia competitions push you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to grow as a person.

How do you feel about representing Australia in São Paulo, Brazil?
Being chosen to represent Australia in Brazil is the biggest and most proud achievement of my life. I intend to grab this opportunity with both hands and ensure it will be a life changing experience.