Natalee Hibbins

Jewellery

“WorldSkills Australia has pushed me towards becoming someone I am proud to be.  Professionally I have learnt a lot about the industry and have been introduced to many new business management techniques.”

Natalee began working in the jewellery industry through a school work experience placement at a jeweller in the city.  Natalee found that she really enjoyed the creative side and liked learning more about jewellery making, the materials used and the techniques implemented to make stand out pieces. Now the rest is history.

Natalee enjoys working in the jewellery trade as it allows her to be hands-on and creative.  Natalee particularly enjoys overcoming the challenges that arise when designing and making jewellery.  The problem solving component is something she thrives off.

She would recommend others to participate in WorldSkills Competitions as she believes it is a “great eye opener and the biggest opportunity for you personally and professionally.”

In her short term career Natalee hopes to improve in all her skills and become a top-class qualified jeweller. She also aspires to win a Gold Medal at the WorldSkills International Competition London UK 2011, and will train hard to do so.  In the long term Natalee would like to introduce her own line of jewellery, run her own business and take on contracting with other companies. However, Natalee’s number one goal is to become the best jeweller that she can be.

At the WorldSkills International Competition, Natalee is looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish and achieve whilst also taking in and enjoying the entire experience.

Favourite motto?
Don’t take life too serious, you’ll never get out alive!

In one word describe how you feel about representing Australia in London?
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Expert

Darren May

Darren is a manufacturing jeweller based in the inner west of Sydney. He teaches part time at the Design Centre Enmore, a college that is part of TAFE NSW. He has been involved with WorldSkills since the early 90’s, with the last five years designing WorldSkills Australia Regional and National projects. More recently he designed an International project for the WorldSkills International Competition London UK 2011. Darren believes that a successful jeweller must have “strong technical skills and a lateral approach to problem solving.” His advice to Natalee and the other Skillaroos is simple. “Surround yourself with the right people and put in the hard work now. It may seem like an impossible task, but come competition day all of your past sacrifices will be a distant memory.”